Naimisharanya Misrikh Yatra

Highlights & Route

Naimisharanya (Neemsar) is about 95 km from Lucknow in Sitapur district, on the banks of the Gomati. Tradition holds that this is where Suta recited the Puranas to the sages, where Vyasa composed and where Shaunaka’s great yagna was held; it is also one of the few Divya Desams in north India, sung by Thirumangai Alvar. Despite this, it remains a quiet small town with ashrams, ghats and kunds rather than grand temples, and that is its charm for yatris who want time to sit and read, not just tick off darshans.

This four-day plan gives you three nights in one place. The first evening is spent at the Chakra Tirth, the circular kund at the centre of the town, and the Lalita Devi temple beside it, which is counted among the Shakti Peeths. The second day covers the ashram sites: Vyas Gaddi under its ancient banyan, Suta Gaddi, Hanuman Garhi (where Hanuman faces south, said to mark his return from Patal with Ram and Lakshman), the Pandav Kila and Sita Kund. The third day is a short drive to Misrikh for Dadhichi Kund, the spot where sage Dadhichi gave his bones for Indra’s vajra, and its neighbouring temples.

The yatra begins and ends at Lucknow airport or railway station, and the last morning includes a brief look at Lucknow’s Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza for those who want it. Hotels and ashram guest houses at Naimisharanya are basic; we book the best available and tell you honestly what to expect.

Route

Lucknow → Naimisharanya (Chakra Tirth, Lalita Devi) → Naimisharanya ashrams (Vyas Gaddi, Hanuman Garhi, Pandav Kila, Sita Kund) → Misrikh (Dadhichi Kund) → Naimisharanya → Lucknow

Good to know before you book

• Accommodation at Naimisharanya is limited to small hotels, dharamshalas and ashram guest houses; air-conditioned rooms exist but are few, so book early for summer.
• The 84-kosi parikrama, a 15-day walk of about 275 km around the region, is held in the month of Phalgun and ends just before Holi (February–March 2027); the town is crowded and rooms scarce during it.
• Chakra Tirth is used for ritual bathing; the water is deep in the centre, so bathe only at the steps and keep children close.
• Pind daan and other pitru rites can be performed at the Gomati ghats and at Dadhichi Kund; local pandits charge separately and we can introduce one on request.
• The road from Lucknow is good and the drive takes two and a half to three hours; the last stretch through Sidhauli is narrow in places.
• Lucknow local darshan on Day 4 depends on your departure time; monument entry fees are paid directly.