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Ayodhya

Ayodhya

pilgrimage site · Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhya is a deeply revered, ancient historical city along the banks of the sacred Saryu River, celebrated as the birthplace of Lord Rama.

State
Uttar Pradesh
Type
Pilgrimage Site
Best season
Winter
Things to do
5+

Ayodhya is a deeply revered, ancient historical city along the banks of the sacred Saryu River, celebrated as the birthplace of Lord Rama. As one of the seven primary holy cities in Hinduism, the destination has undergone a monumental civilizational and infrastructure transformation following the historic consecration of the grand, newly constructed Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. The city's urban layout integrates centuries-old temple heritage with modern tourist corridors. The core of the spiritual experience pivots around the wide pedestrian plazas of the Ram Mandir, constructed without using any iron or steel elements. From the high stone steps of Hanuman Garhi to the evening illumination reflecting off the water at Ram Ki Pauri ghats, Ayodhya radiates an atmosphere of deep devotion and civilizational identity.

When to go

The ideal months to visit Ayodhya are from October to March when winter daytimes are pleasantly cool for long temple tracking walks.

Why visit

The new temple opened in January 2024 and construction is still going on around it. Security is tight and phones are not allowed inside, so plan for a locker. Ram Ki Paidi on the Saryu and Hanuman Garhi up its steps are the older parts of town.

Cultural notes

Dating back past the ancient era of the Ramayana epic as the proud capital of the solar Ikshvaku dynasty, the city is central to Indian civilizational consciousness. It has also historically been a vital center for Jainism and Buddhism, with multiple Tirthankaras believed to have been born along these Saryu river plains.

How to reach

Served directly by the newly operational Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, located 8 km from the center, and the multi-platform Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station. It is excellently linked via a 4-lane national highway corridor from Lucknow, a smooth 2.5-hour drive.

2 days in Ayodhya

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

Ram MandirDay 1

Day 1

Ram Mandir

The grand new temple at the birthplace of Lord Rama.

Hanuman Garhi

Day 1

Hanuman Garhi

A hilltop fort-temple dedicated to Hanuman, reached by a flight of steps.

Day 1

Kanak Bhawan

Kanak Bhawan

Day 1

Sarayu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi

Sarayu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi

Day 2

Day 2

Nageshwarnath Temple

Nageshwarnath Temple

Day 2

Sarayu boat ride

Sarayu boat ride

Day 2

Guptar Ghat

Guptar Ghat

Ayodhya guide & itineraries

Ayodhya is perfect for

spiritualheritagefamily

What & where to eat

Near the temples

Jalebi

Temple-town breakfast

Kachori-Sabzi

Near the temples

Kachori-Sabzi

Temple-town breakfast

Chaat

Chaat

Street snacks

samosa

samosa

Street snacks

Thandai

Thandai

Cooling drinks

Lassi

Lassi

Cooling drinks

Ayodhya vegetarian thali

Pure-veg pilgrim meals (Ayodhya is vegetarian)

Peda

Sweets sold near the temples

milk sweets

Sweets sold near the temples

Nearby getaways

Faizabad

~10 km

Prayagraj

~4 hrs

Frequently asked questions

How do I take darshan at Ram Mandir?
Follow the designated queue; check current timings and rules, and travel light as bags and phones may be restricted.
How many days for Ayodhya?
1-2 days for the Ram Mandir, old-town temples and the Sarayu ghats.

Things to do

How to spend your time in Ayodhya.

Ram Mandir

The grand new temple at Ram Janmabhoomi

Ram Ki Paidi ghats

Riverfront ghats on the Sarayu

Sarayu Aarti & boat ride

Evening river worship and boating

Kanak Bhawan & Nageshwarnath

Historic Ayodhya temples

Popular attractions

The places in Ayodhya most people come for.

Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir

Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir

Experience

Sarayu Ghats

Sarayu Ghats

Experience

Ram Ki Pauri

Ram Ki Pauri

Viewpoint

See all attractions

Festivals around Uttar Pradesh

Time your trip around something unforgettable.

Dev Diwali, VaranasiNovember

Dev Diwali, Varanasi

religious

Over 5 million pilgrims and tourists

Explore festival →

Reviews & ratings

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