Do you know that Ayodhya is one of the seven main places known as Sapta Puri in Hinduism?
Apart from Ayodhya, these include Haridwar, Mathura, Kanchipuram, Dwarka, Ujjain, and Varanasi. Ayodhya is known as the city of Bhagwaan Rama. It is the same place where Bhagwaan Vishnu took birth as an avatar in the form of Bhagwaan Ram Chandra ji in the Treta Yuga.
Being a resident of Lucknow (near Ayodhya), we have listened to the description of Ayodhya and Bhagwaan Rama’s lifespan through Ramayana since childhood. In addition, every year in Dussehra, we have been witnessing the staging of Ramleela.
While writing this article, so many thoughts and emotions surfaced within me that are extremely difficult to express. I recently got the good fortune to travel Ayodhya, and through this article, I will take you to all those Ayodhya travel places through my words.
Table of Content
Ayodhya Video Travel Guide
How To Reach Ayodhya
Ayodhya is well connected to major cities in India, making it easy to reach here. There are several ways to get here; some standard options include:
By Air
The nearest airport to Ayodhya is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow (Amausi Airport), which is about 140 kilometers away from Ayodhya. Another option is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, about 200 kilometers from Ayodhya. You can hire a taxi from either airport or take a bus to reach Ayodhya.
Additionally, the Ayodhya Airport (AYJ) will be inaugurated on December 25, 2023, and will initially operate flights to Delhi and Ahmedabad.
You can check flight details from the photo below (last updated December 2023):
Smart Suggestion: Check flights to Ayodhya
By Train
Ayodhya is well-connected by rail to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur.
Ayodhya has two railway stations: Ayodhya Junction (AY) and Ayodhya Cantt (AYC). You can book tickets for Ayodhya from your nearest railway station or online via the official Indian Railways website.
By Road
You can drive from nearby cities like Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi to Ayodhya.
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and private bus operators run regular bus services from various cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states to Ayodhya.
Ram Mandir Construction and Inauguration
The Honorable Supreme Court gave a historic judgment in favor of building a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in 2019. After that, the temple’s construction began on August 5, 2020.
Shri Ram Mandir was inaugurated on January 22, 2024, by the Prime Minister, Honorable Narendra Modi Ji. And it is now open to the public.
We were recently there again, on February 22, exactly one month after the inauguration.
Ayodhya Travel Places: Top 7 Places You Can’t Miss
1. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi (Ram Mandir Temple Ayodhya)
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir lies on the Ram Path of the Ayodhya Dham city. No public or private vehicles are allowed on this passage, so you’ve to park ahead and go by walking.
You’re not allowed to take your phone inside the temple, so you may also leave it in your vehicle or deposit it at the lockers available inside the temple premises.
You can get a sneak peek of the Ram Mandir from outside and get pics here if that can give you satisfaction.
We gradually reached Ram Lalla’s Darbar, going through the barricading. I don’t know how this happened, but I felt some strange emotions and had tears in my eyes after darshan.
Once you see the idol of Shri Ram inside the temple, you magically gravitate towards it. You don’t want to see anything but Lord Ram, His glory, and His smile, and remember how He taught us to lead a life of values and principles.
Opening Hours for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: 7 am to 11:30 am and 2 pm to 7 pm
2. Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi is a significant temple to visit in Ayodhya, and you should include it in the list of Ayodhya travel places after Ram Mandir.
My companion Vipin and I reached the temple entrance after a small hike. Yes, you’ll have to climb a lot of stairs. There is a reason behind the temple’s location.
Before taking Jal Samadhi in Sarayu, Bhagwaan Ram calls Hanuman ji and hands over the city’s responsibility to him. So Hanuman Ji sits in one place and follows Bhagwaan Ram’s orders. The place where Hanuman Ji sat is this temple now.
When I entered the temple, I saw crowds of devotees eager to offer prasad.
This temple exists in various colors, and the chanting of mantras induced curiosity and devotion within us. Let me tell you that the temples get even more crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm.
3. Dashrath Bhawan
As per the scholars, it is the same place where the royal palace of Bhagwaan Ram’s father, Maharaja Dashrath, used to exist.
When we reached there, the aarti was about to start, and the chanting of mantras and the sound of bells gave a divine atmosphere around us.
People also call it Bada Sthan and Badi Jagah. The entrance gate of the palace has beautiful paintings on it. Inside, you can see ancient idols and artifacts. In one section of the building are statues of Maharaja Dashrath, Mother Kaushalya and Bhagwaan Ram, Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughan.
It is a perfect spot to get absorbed in the divine memories associated with Shri Ram’s life. Dashrath Bhawan is a historical site and a center of faith for devotees.
As I walked through the corridors, I could vividly imagine the grandeur of Shri Ram’s legacy surrounding you. It fills your heart with serenity and brings you closer to the ideals that the Maryada Purushottam represents. This place gives you a sense of tranquility and spiritual joy at being so near to Bhagwaan Ram’s ancestry and early history.
4. Kanak Bhawan
This palace is reminiscent of the golden glow, encompassing grandeur and history. In the Treta Yuga, Mother Kaikei gave Kanak Bhawan to Sita Mata as a wedding gift. Although the ravages of time destroyed most of the palace, the efforts of devotees made it lively again.
Today, Kanak Bhawan is an amalgamation of the architecture of Rajasthan and Bundelkhand. The white Sangam marble of this palace mesmerizes you with its beautiful arches, carved pillars, and enchanting ceilings.
Opening hours:
- Summers – Morning: 8 am to 11.30 am. Evening: 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
- Winters – Morning: 9 am to noon. Evening: 4 pm to 9 pm.
5. Ram ki Paidi
If you want to start your Ayodhya tour, Naya Ghat near Ram ki Paidi is a suitable place. We first took a holy bath in the Sarayu River before exploring Ayodhya travel places.
You will find many devotees bathing here. And yes, this is also an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts. See:
In addition, you can also visit Guptar Ghat (where Bhagwaan Ram took Jal Samadhi) and nearby Lakshman Ghat. Also, if you stay here till the evening, attend the Sarayu aarti.
6. Nageshwar Nath Temple
After taking a Sarayu bath, our first stop was Nageshwar Nath Temple, situated right along with the ghats.
Bhagwaan Ram’s son Kush built this temple in the Treta Yuga. Once, while bathing, Kush lost his armor, which a Naga princess found and returned to him. Kush married that Naga princess and built the temple of Bhagwaan Shiva at the same spot.
An enchanting form of Bhagwaan Shiva is seated in the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, a grand fair is organized here, which devotees from all over the country attend.
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm
7. Ayodhya Research Institute
Do you want to know more details about this ancient city? If yes, don’t forget to include the Ayodhya Research Institute in your Ayodhya travel places list.
The Ayodhya Research Institute comes under the Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Its objectives are:
- To promote research and study on Ayodhya’s history, culture, and art.
- To promote the historical and cultural importance of Ayodhya.
- To develop Ayodhya as an international tourist destination.
The Institute organizes research work, seminars, and exhibitions from time to time. Here, you can see various paintings, sculptures, documents, and masks to understand the deep history of the ancient city of Ayodhya.
What To Eat In Ayodhya? (Local Dishes)
Ayodhya has some options for the food lovers out there, too. Exploring the cuisine of any city is an integral part of any trip, and Ayodhya does not disappoint.
Although Ayodhya has few big restaurants, the street food here is enough to make you drool.
- Jalebi: You must try sweet fried jalebis dipped in sugar syrup. They are served hot, making them even more delicious.
- Samosa: These fried pastries, usually stuffed with spicy potatoes and peas, are popular snacks in Ayodhya. They make a great on-the-go treat.
- Chaat: The chaat stalls in Ayodhya offer a range of tasty and tangy snacks, including crispy fried dough, potatoes, and chutneys. They are favorites of the locals.
In addition, you can also try kachori, lassi, chhole bhature, and pure vegetarian thalis.
Souvenirs To Buy In Ayodhya
Ayodhya is a famous city for its vibrant markets and religious handicrafts. You will find various types of souvenirs to take home.
Here, you can find religious artifacts related to Bhagwaan Rama, items from temples and places of worship, Ayurvedic products, handicrafts, and spiritual books. You can also get rudraksha bead garlands, prayer beads (malas), and photographic souvenirs.
You can shop for souvenirs around Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and nearby places to visit in Ayodhya.
Accommodation Options in Ayodhya
Options range from cheap Dharamshalas to expensive 3-star hotels here. You can choose a hotel that is convenient and within your budget.
Eco-friendly options include many hotels, guest houses, and Dharamshalas, where rooms are available from INR 500 to INR 1000. At the same time, Ramayana Hotel, Kohinoor Palace, Taraji Resort Hotel, and Royal Heritage Hotel are reasonable accommodation options.
Smart Suggestion: Find a hotel in Ayodhya for you.
Suggestions for Travelers & Tourists Visiting Ayodhya
To make the most of your Ayodhya trip, consider the following suggestions:
- The best time to visit Ayodhya is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant for exploring the city. October-November hosts the Diwali festival and staging of Ramleela here, which would be an enjoyable experience.
- Respect local customs and traditions, and dress humbly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Carry water bottles and stay hydrated, as Ayodhya’s climate can be hot and arid.
- Don’t hesitate to bargain at local markets to get the best deals on souvenirs and items.
- Stay safe against the sun by using sunscreens during outdoor activities, wearing hats, and shielding yourself from sunlight.
- Knowing about Ayodhya’s historical and religious significance before your trip will enhance your travel experience.
- Respect local customs by removing shoes and following given rules and guidelines before entering temples and sacred sites.
- Check if photography is allowed or prohibited at the sites you plan to visit; some places may have restrictions.
- Hanuman Garhi temple sees larger crowds on Tuesdays and Saturdays, so plan accordingly. Morning and evening hours are often quieter for temple visits.
Distance Between Ayodhya Travel Places And Transport Options
You can either walk around all the main places in Ayodhya or book a taxi, cab, or auto. These include Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Hanuman Garhi Temple, Kanak Bhawan, Ram Ki Paidi, and Nageshwar Nath Temple.
Additionally, you’ll need to book taxis for other sites as they are on the city’s outskirts.
Best Time To Visit Ayodhya
The best time for an Ayodhya tour is during the winter months, from October to March. During this period, along with cool temperatures, the weather is pleasant, which makes it suitable for sightseeing tours.
If you want to enjoy the city, come in October-November. The Diwali festival occurs when millions of diyas are lit across the city. Ramleela is another religious event taking place at the same time, depicting the life of Bhagwaan Ram.
Ayodhya Estimate Tour Cost And Number Of Days You Need
It depends on what you want to see and do in Ayodhya. One day is enough if you only want to visit the main temples. If you want to explore the city well and experience local culture, you can plan to stay for 2-3 days.
The budget can vary and is not standardized. Still, a general estimate of the budget is as follows:
- For one day: INR 1500
- For two days: INR 2500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Ayodhya?
The time between October to March is considered the best to tour Ayodhya. The weather is pleasant during this period, and there is less crowd for darshan. However, heavy crowds can occur during festivals like Ram Navami, Diwali, and Mahashivratri.
How much time does it take for darshan at Ram Janmabhoomi?
Darshan usually takes 15-30 minutes to be inside the sanctum sanctorum of Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. However, depending on the crowd, this time can fluctuate. The management of the temple is appreciable.
Can you take a camera to Ram Janmabhoomi?
No, you cannot take cameras inside the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. Before entering the premises, you must deposit your phones and other electronic gadgets in lockers.
Is Ayodhya safe for tourists?
Ayodhya is safe for tourists. However, it would help if you took standard safety precautions, like being aware of your surroundings and belongings.
When will the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya open?
The construction of Ram Mandir is in its final stages. However, it was inaugurated on January 22, 2024, and is now open for the public to visit.
Conclusion
No matter what religion or sect you belong to, when it comes to Ayodhya or Bhagwaan Ram, a unique feeling arises within everyone. Bhagwaan Ram’s life teaches us to sacrifice, restraint, righteousness, morality, love, forgiveness, compassion, philanthropy, and so on. That’s why he is addressed as Maryada Purushottam.
We should also pursue all these qualities to become better individuals and contribute to society.
It was our travel guide on places to visit in Ayodhya. Hopefully, we have successfully shared every bit of information related to Ayodhya.
Still, if you have any suggestions or questions, please share your thoughts in the comment box below. We will improve ourselves with your feedback.
An appeal: Please don’t litter here and there. Use dustbins; if you can’t find any, carry the waste and throw it where you see a garbage bin. Your small step can make India and the world cleaner and greener.
