Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram and one of the seven sacred cities. The Ram Mandir was consecrated in January 2024. Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and the Saryu ghats are the other main stops.
Photo: Narendra Modi (CC BY 3.0), Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Place
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Known as
Sapta Puri · birthplace of Lord Ram
Best time
October to March. Ram Navami and Diwali bring very large crowds.
Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram and one of the seven sacred cities of Hindu tradition. The Ram Mandir, consecrated in January 2024, has changed the way the city welcomes visitors, with wider roads, new facilities and a steady stream of pilgrims.
The old Ayodhya is still where you feel the soul of the city. The small temples along the lanes, the ghats of the Saryu and the evening aarti at Ram Ki Paidi are what give the city its character, and they sit alongside the new temple, not in its shadow.
This guide helps a first-time family plan an easy visit, including the best order of darshan and what to leave for a second trip.
Route and layout at a glance
The main sights are within a few kilometres: the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and the Saryu ghats. The new roads around the temple, including Ram Path, make it easy to move by e-rickshaw or on foot. Vehicles are restricted near the temple on busy days.
Ayodhya and Faizabad are connected, and many hotels are on the Ayodhya side or on the highway towards Lucknow.
Plan your Ayodhya trip by days
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
1 day in Ayodhya
For a quick yatra from Lucknow or Varanasi.
Day 1
Morning. Hanuman Garhi, then Ram Janmabhoomi darshan.
Afternoon. Kanak Bhawan and lunch.
Evening. Saryu aarti at Ram Ki Paidi.
2 days in Ayodhya
The most relaxed plan. It lets you see the new temple and the old city separately.
Day 1: Ram Lalla and Hanuman
Morning. Hanuman Garhi.
Late morning. Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
Evening. Saryu aarti.
Day 2: The old city
Morning. Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath and other small temples.
Afternoon. Guptar Ghat and Treta ke Thakur.
Evening. Last walk along the Saryu.
3 days: with Naimisharanya or Lucknow
For a fuller trip that adds a nearby pilgrimage or the city of Lucknow.
Day 1
Daytime. Hanuman Garhi and Ram Janmabhoomi.
Day 2
Daytime. Old city temples and Guptar Ghat.
Day 3
Daytime. Day trip to Naimisharanya or Prayagraj, or return via Lucknow.
5 days: Ram Janmabhoomi circuit
For people who want to follow the Ramayana trail to Chitrakoot and Prayagraj.
Days 1 to 2
Daily. Ayodhya as above.
Day 3
Daily. Travel to Prayagraj and visit the Sangam and Bharadwaj Ashram.
Days 4 to 5
Daily. Chitrakoot: Kamadgiri parikrama, Ramghat and Hanuman Dhara.
1 week: Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and Kashi
A pilgrim's circuit through the Ramayana region.
Days 1 to 2
Daily. Ayodhya.
Day 3
Daily. Prayagraj.
Days 4 to 5
Daily. Chitrakoot.
Days 6 to 7
Daily. Varanasi.
Want this plan tailored to your family?Tell us your dates, group size and any senior travellers. A yatra helper will adjust the plan for free.
The temple stands at the place that tradition holds to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. Its stone architecture follows the Nagara style, and Ram Lalla is worshipped in his child form in the sanctum. The temple opened to the public after the consecration in January 2024.
Darshan is managed by the temple trust. There are security checks and strict rules about what you can carry, so read the instructions on the official trust website before you leave your hotel.
Local tip: Plan your temple visit as a half-day. Queues and security checks take time, so avoid scheduling anything tight after it.
Hanuman Garhi stands on a hill in the centre of the city and is reached by a flight of steps. Tradition says that devotees should visit Hanuman first, before going to Ram Lalla, as Hanuman is the guardian of Ayodhya.
The view from the top covers much of the old city, and the temple stays busy through the day, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Local tip: Take the steps slowly. There are shops on the way, and a lift or palki may be available for seniors.
Kanak Bhawan
Kanak Bhawan is a beautiful temple dedicated to Sita and Ram, believed to have been a gift to Sita from Queen Kaikeyi after her marriage. The present structure was built in the late 19th century.
The golden idols of Sita and Ram and the wall paintings make it one of the most photographed temples in Ayodhya. It is a calm place to sit for a while.
Local tip: Visit in the quieter mid-morning slot after the early rush.
Photo: Ramnath Bhat (CC BY 2.0), Wikimedia Commons
Ram Ki Paidi and the Saryu aarti
Ram Ki Paidi is a series of ghats on the Saryu where pilgrims bathe and perform rites. The evening Saryu aarti is simple and moving, and the riverfront has been redeveloped and lit up in recent years.
Deepotsav on the day before Diwali turns the ghats into a sea of lamps, and is a very special time to see Ayodhya, though also very crowded.
Local tip: Be there before dusk, and carry a light shawl in winter.
Nageshwarnath Temple
One of the oldest Shiva temples in Ayodhya, believed to have been founded by Kush, the son of Ram. It is a short stop near Ram Ki Paidi.
On Maha Shivaratri it is crowded with devotees.
Local tip: Visit it along with the Saryu aarti.
Guptar Ghat and Treta ke Thakur
Guptar Ghat is a quiet bank of the Saryu associated with the final days of Ram on earth. Treta ke Thakur is a temple marking the place of Ram's ashwamedha yagna.
Both are peaceful places that most day-trippers skip.
Local tip: Ask your driver or a local guide for the best route and timing.
Best time to go, season by season
October to March
The most comfortable months. Diwali and Deepotsav bring huge crowds. Winter mornings can be foggy, so check train and flight timings.
Ram Navami (March or April)
The birth anniversary of Ram. The city is festive and very busy.
April to June
Very hot. Plan only early mornings and evenings.
July to September
Monsoon. The Saryu is high and some ghats may be restricted.
How to reach and get around
By rail: Ayodhya Dham Junction is well connected with Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and Mumbai.
By air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport has direct flights from several cities.
By road: Ayodhya is about 135 km from Lucknow and 200 km from Varanasi, on good highways.
Getting around: E-rickshaws are the standard. On festival days, vehicles are not allowed near the temple, so expect a walk.
Where to stay
Hotels and dharamshalas are available close to the station and the temple. Prices rise during festivals, so book early. Many pilgrims stay in nearby ashrams for a simple, quiet stay.
If hotels are full, Lucknow and Faizabad are fallback options.
What to eat
The city serves simple vegetarian food. Look for kachori, jalebi, rabdi and peda. Many dharamshalas offer prasad meals.
Be careful with water and street food, and carry your own bottle.
Common mistakes to avoid
Going without reading the temple trust's rules on bags, phones and entry.
Skipping Hanuman Garhi. Tradition says to visit it first.
Booking return travel too tight after a temple visit.
Not carrying photo ID, which is often needed at security.
Etiquette
Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering.
Follow security staff instructions.
Do not carry restricted items. Check before you go.
Day trips from Ayodhya
Naimisharanya: About 200 km. A forest tirtha associated with the Puranas.
Prayagraj: About 170 km. Triveni Sangam.
Lucknow: About 135 km. The state capital with food and heritage.
Chitrakoot: About 270 km. Where Ram spent part of his exile.
Not sure which temples fit your family?Share your travel dates and who is coming. We will help you pick, free of charge.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Questions people ask
How many days are needed for Ayodhya?
One full day covers the Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and the Saryu aarti. Two days is more comfortable and lets you see the quieter temples.
Which temple should I visit first in Ayodhya?
By tradition, Hanuman Garhi first, then Ram Janmabhoomi, then Kanak Bhawan.
Is Ram Mandir darshan free?
General darshan is free. Check the temple trust's official website for current arrangements and any booking.
What is the best time to visit Ayodhya?
October to March. Ram Navami and Deepotsav are special but very crowded.
Can I do Ayodhya and Varanasi together?
Yes. They are about 200 km apart and are often combined in a 3 to 4 day trip.
What should I not carry to Ram Mandir?
Large bags, electronics and some other items may be restricted. Always check the official trust instructions before you go.
What is the best time to visit Ayodhya?
October to March. Ram Navami and Diwali bring very large crowds.
How many days are needed for Ayodhya?
Plan 1 to 2 days.
How do I reach Ayodhya?
The nearest railway station is Ayodhya Dham Junction. The nearest airport is Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:24 AM to 11:45 AM, worked out for Ayodhya's own sunrise.
Photo credits
Ram Mandir: Narendra Modi, CC BY 3.0, source; Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Dishek25, CC0, source; Hanuman Garhi temple: Kumar aj95, CC BY-SA 4.0, source; Ram Ki Paidi on the Saryu in Ayodhya: Ramnath Bhat, CC BY 2.0, source.
