About Sitabani Temple
Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, morning and evening aarti
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Offline
Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar Railway Station, about 24 km away
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, about 89 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Ramnagar Bus Stand, about 21 km away
Sitabani Temple is a peaceful 18th-century shrine located deep in Uttarakhand's Sitabani Wildlife Reserve and honours Goddess Sita, who is thought to have spent part of her exile here with Luv and Kush. It is surrounded by the calm Sal forests of Jim Corbett National Park, and a must addition to your Jim Corbett tour package.
A short, easy walk through the woods leads you to the small temple complex, where carved idols of Sita and her sons serve as the main deities. The temple also holds subdieties like Ram Parivaar, Panchmukhi Hanuman, Durga, Ganesha, and a sacred Shivling, adding to a complete spiritual experience.
There are old amalaka stones, a headless dancing Ganesh, and ornate pillars and doorjambs that hint at an older Valmiki shrine and give the site more historical depth. A ritual kund (pond) nearby is a peaceful place full of spiritual energy.
Sitabani is not just a place for pilgrims; it's also a place to relax in nature. Jeep or elephant safaris go through the same forest where you might see deer, leopards, elephants, or even the elusive tiger, which is very different from the calm of the worship area.
This is where ancient myths meet the living wilderness. From November to June, the shrine is full of devotees and wildlife lovers, especially during the Rama Navami fairs. This creates a unique tapestry of devotion and adventure.
Sitabani Temple Highlights
• Marvel at the mythic ambience, with an 18th-century white-marble shrine, Sitabani Temple. dedicated to Sita, Luv, Kush, and Ramayana-era ASI ruins nestled in the forest.
• Traverse Sal–oak woodland, part of Sitabani Reserve, with over 600 plant species and streams nurturing serene biodiversity.
• Embark on jeep safaris and journey through the buffer zone, spotting elephants, leopards, sambar, wild boar, and glimpses of 35 Bengal tigers.
• Ascend the hilltop FRH watchtower, sip Himalayan mineral water while birdwatching amidst oak‑rhododendron forests and panoramic forest canopy views.
How To Reach Sitabani Temple
By car/taxi: The Sitabani Temple is about 23 km away from the Ramnagar city centre via Sitavani Road. It will take you about 50 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Sitabani Temple
Peak Season (October to February):
- Weather Insights: Clear skies, crisp air, with daytime being around 11 °C to 20 °C, nights cooler at 5 °C to 10 °C
- Things to Do: Explore the temple architecture, embark on jeep & elephant safaris
Moderate Season (March to June):
- Weather Insights: Hot weather, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 °C
- Things to do: Temple visit & river strolls
Low Season (July to September):
- Weather Insights: Heavy rains across Jim Corbett; some core zones close, but Sitabani stays open year–round
- Things to do: Enjoy lush greenery, nature photography
Sitabani Temple Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Book a safari jeep early, reserve a morning or evening jeep safari online through the Sitabani Forest Department to secure permits.
- The zone closes roughly from July to October due to monsoon; plan accordingly.
- Carry water, snacks, binoculars, sunhat, sturdy shoes, insect repellent, muted clothing for comfort and wildlife respect.
- Stay inside the jeep or marked trails; avoid loud noise, feeding animals, and respect habitat boundaries.
- Wear modest clothes and respect the decorum of the temple.
- Do not take pictures or shoot videos inside the temple without prior permission.
- Check the timings for festivals and special prayers so you don't miss out.
- Stay patient and maintain proper queue etiquette during the festival time rush.
- Do not carry plastic or non-ecofriendly items, as the temple authorities encourage eco-conscious behaviour.
Immerse Yourself in Temple Pilgrimage & Rituals
Go to the shrine from the 18th century that honours Sita, Rama, Hanuman, Durga, Ganesha, and Shivling. Feel the living lore of the Ramayana, which is thought to show the exile of Sita, Luv, and Kush in this forest. Spiritual energy and ASI-protected deity idols make the pilgrimage better.
Explore the Historic Ruins & Architecture
Explore carved pillars, amalaka stones, and a headless Ganesh statue, these are all old things that point to a Valmiki-era ashram. The temple's architecture is simple but elegant, using white marble and forest elements. A mytho-archaeological treat for people who love history.
Embark on Guided Forest Walks
Trek through Sal-oak trails that are shaded and full of plants, including orchids, bamboo, and mahua. Along the way, you'll see streams and caves, and interpretive guides will explain how myths and nature are connected. It is open all year, so people who love nature and people who only want to spend half a day there can both enjoy it.
Enjoy Jeep & Walking Safari
You can book jeep safaris without needing Corbett core permits. Sambar, deer, wild boar, elephants, leopards, and sometimes tigers can be seen in the morning and evening. Walking safaris let you get up close and personal with wildlife in the buffer zone.
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Partake in Birding and Wildlife Watching
There are more than 500 bird species here, including eagles, owls, drongos, and hornbills. There are also mammals like the Asian elephant, leopard, Royal Bengal tiger, sambar, and barking deer. See civets and king cobras. A paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers in both the lowland sal and the Himalayan oak zones.
Tourism Board Alliances
Sitabani Temple FAQs
Where is Sitabani Temple located?
The Sitabani Temple is located in the Sitabani Wildlife Reserve, which is an ASI-protected archaeological and forest area next to Jim Corbett National Park. It is only 20–25 km from Ramnagar in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is located in a thick sal-oak forest, and its exact address is near Village Maujli, PO Amgarhi, Ramnagar.
Why is the temple significant?
It is said that Goddess Sita lived here with her sons Luv and Kush while she was in exile. The complex has ancient Valmiki-era ruins that are protected by the ASI. These include amalaka stones, a headless Ganesh, and carved pillars. They are all part of a living Ramayana legend that runs through a wildlife corridor.
What are safari permit requirements?
You don't need a Corbett core permit to enter Sitabani's buffer zone. The Sitabani Forest Department, on the other hand, gives out jeep safari permits on-site or through advance booking. There is no limit on the number of vehicles; you just need to book a gipsy ahead of time and pay for the vehicle, guide, and camera fees.
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