Places to Visit in Ayodhya: Complete Tourist Guide, Attractions & Trip Plan

Ayodhya is India’s most spiritual and cultural city, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. With its many temples, ghats, and Ramayana-related monuments, you need to know where to visit in Ayodhya, how much time to spend, and what to see during your trip.

However, since Ayodhya is a small city, you can easily cover all of its places to visit in a day or two. Therefore, here is a complete Ayodhya guide on the best places to visit in Ayodhya, the Ayodhya trip plan, and Ayodhya sightseeing itineraries.

Why Visit Ayodhya?

Ayodhya is India’s most ancient city and the birthplace of Lord Rama. Moreover, the city has a unique combination of devotion, history, and spirituality. As a result, you can explore Lord Rama’s temples, ghats, and Nawabi-era monuments.

Meanwhile, Ayodhya is also a great travel destination for families, solo travellers, and photography enthusiasts who like to discover new places. In fact, it is a perfect Ayodhya trip for people of all ages.

Best Time to Visit Ayodhya

Ayodhya is a year-round destination; however, the best time to visit Ayodhya is October to March. During this period, the winters are warm and comfortable for sightseeing.

Nevertheless, Ayodhya is also well-known for its festivals, such as Diwali and Deepotsav. For instance, the Saryu ghats are illuminated by thousands of lamps, which creates a spectacular show. In addition, the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is crowded with millions of devotees from all around India.

Best Places to Visit in Ayodhya

While visiting Ayodhya for a trip, you must visit the following places:

1. Ram Mandir

Ram Mandir is Ayodhya’s most sacred place and one of the most visited temples in India. Furthermore, it has unique architecture and is filled with spiritual energy.

I recommend visiting the temple at sunrise to avoid the crowds. Besides, always check the website for the latest visitor guidelines, as there might be restrictions for taking photos or entering the temple.

2. Hanuman Garhi

Hanuman Garhi is a hilltop temple complex dedicated to Lord Hanuman and located only 1 km from Ayodhya Railway Station. Traditionally, devotees visit Hanuman Garhi first and then go to other religious places in Ayodhya.

It is a great place to take photos of the city skyline. Moreover, Hanuman Garhi is an excellent place to start your Ayodhya trip because it offers a spectacular view over Ayodhya.

3. Kanak Bhawan

Kanak Bhawan is a stunning temple complex dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Additionally, it is located to the north-east of the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ramkot.

This place is perfect for those who want to experience true Indian spiritual culture. Furthermore, I also suggest visiting the local souvenirs market nearby.

4. Ram Ki Paidi and Saryu Ghats

Ram Ki Paidi is one of the most frequented places in Ayodhya. The wide ghats overlook the Saryu River and are especially beautiful in the evenings.

The Saryu Aarti ceremony is a must-see when in Ayodhya. Therefore, it is better to arrive a few minutes before sunset and enjoy the view over the river. Besides, the ghat steps are an excellent vantage point to capture Saryu Aarti photos.

5. Guptar Ghat

Guptar Ghat is a hidden gem in Ayodhya, located 10 km from Ayodhya Railway Station. This place has a stunning view of the Saryu River and is much quieter than the Central Ghats.

As a result, Guptar Ghat is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Ayodhya without huge crowds of pilgrims and tourists.

6. Naya Ghat

Naya Ghat is another popular riverfront area in Ayodhya. In addition, it offers spectacular views and excellent photo opportunities.

The morning view over the Saryu River is especially beautiful; however, the evening is also a great time to explore Naya Ghat. Besides, you can witness the local Saryu Aarti and enjoy the spectacular view over the city.

7. Sita Kund

Sita Kund is a religious site associated with Goddess Sita and is part of the traditional Ayodhya pilgrimage. According to local legend, devotees used to take a holy bath in the Saryu River and visit Ram Ghat, Sita Kund, Mani Parvat, Brahma Kund, and Kanak Bhawan.

Therefore, it is a must-visit place if you are interested in Lord Rama’s story and want to follow a traditional Ayodhya sightseeing itinerary.

8. Mani Parvat and Brahma Kund

Mani Parvat is a little hill near Ayodhya, while Brahma Kund is a sacred pond at the foot of this hill. Both places are part of the traditional local Ayodhya sightseeing circuit.

In fact, Mani Parvat and Brahma Kund are among the most frequented Ayodhya local attractions for Indian pilgrims and tourism enthusiasts. Thus, I recommend visiting these places in the morning to avoid crowds.

9. Jain Temples in Ayodhya

Ayodhya is a city full of Jain temples, as several Jain Tirthankaras are said to have visited this place. Moreover, the Jain temples have a unique architecture and ambience, so they are worth visiting if you want to explore different cultural heritages in Ayodhya.

Additionally, these temples are less crowded than the Hindu ones, making them a great addition to an Ayodhya day tour plan.

10. Birla Temple

Birla Temple is a famous temple in Ayodhya with a splendid view over the city. Furthermore, it has fantastic architecture and is one of the most frequented places in Ayodhya.

The Birla Temple is a great addition to your Ayodhya half-day plan because it is less crowded than other religious places.

Historical Places in Ayodhya

Explore historic places of Ayodhya which have its own importance:

11. Gulab Bari

Gulab Bari (Garden of Roses) is the mausoleum of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah, a famous ruler of Awadh who built this garden in the 18th century. As a result, it is one of Ayodhya’s most frequented historical monuments.

Gulab Bari offers a unique view over the city, making it a perfect place to spend your evening in Ayodhya. In addition, it has a lovely garden to explore during your Ayodhya local sightseeing.

12. Bahu Begum ka Maqbara

Bahu Begum ka Maqbara is one of the highest pre-British monuments in Uttar Pradesh and is an excellent example of Nawabi architecture. Therefore, it is a great place to visit if you are interested in the history and culture of Awadh.

Nevertheless, I suggest you visit this place during the daytime to get the best experience. Moreover, it is better to bring some water and comfortable shoes with you.

Ayodhya Local Sightseeing Itinerary

1-Day Ayodhya Tour Plan

A one-day tour plan in Ayodhya will help you see the main attractions of this holy city. However, you have to remember that it is a small place, so you will need to get up early in the morning and return late in the evening.

Morning:

• Hanuman Garhi
• Ram Mandir
• Kanak Bhawan

Afternoon:

• Sita Kund
• Mani Parvat
• Brahma Kund

Evening:

• Ram Ki Paidi and Saryu Aarti
• Explore Naya Ghat

2-Day Ayodhya Trip Plan

If you are on a two-day Ayodhya trip, you can follow a more detailed Ayodhya sightseeing itinerary. In fact, you will have enough time to explore not only the religious places but also the historical monuments in Ayodhya.

Day 1:

• Ram Mandir
• Hanuman Garhi
• Kanak Bhawan
• Ram Ki Paidi and Saryu Aarti

Day 2:

• Guptar Ghat
• Naya Ghat
• Jain temples
• Gulab Bari
• Bahu Begum ka Maqbara

Places to Visit Near Ayodhya

13. Nandigram and Bharat Kund

Nandigram is a small village located 20 km from Ayodhya and is closely linked to Lord Rama’s brother Bharat. According to belief, Bharat ruled from this village during the 14 years of Lord Rama’s exile.

Therefore, Nandigram is a must-visit place for those who want to follow Lord Rama’s story and enjoy a traditional Ayodhya day trip plan. Thus, the main attractions in Nandigram are Bharat Kund, Bharat Mandir, and Hanuman Milan Mandap.

14. Faizabad

Faizabad is the city where Ayodhya is now located, and it has many historical places of interest. In particular, Gulab Bari and Bahu Begum ka Maqbara are worth visiting if you want to explore the Nawabi era in Ayodhya.

Faizabad is a great place for a half-day Ayodhya trip; however, if you are a serious history lover, you can also add it to your Ayodhya sightseeing plan.

15. Prayagraj

Prayagraj is a big city located near Ayodhya and is famous for the Triveni Sangam, the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical river Saraswati. Therefore, Prayagraj is a fantastic place for a longer Ayodhya day trip.

Since it is a longer Ayodhya day trip, I suggest you spend the night in Prayagraj and enjoy a full day exploring this amazing place.

16. Naimisharanya

Naimisharanya is a major pilgrimage site near Ayodhya that is closely linked to Vedic rituals. It is a great place to visit if you are a serious Hindu spiritualist and want to plan an extended Ayodhya trip.

Naimisharanya is the farthest point in the Ayodhya day trip plan. Therefore, it is better to leave it for the end of your Ayodhya trip if you have 3 or more days.

Things to Do in Ayodhya

Do not miss out the following things while visiting Ayodhya:

• Witness the Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi in the evening
• Enjoy the view over the Saryu River
• Explore Ayodhya’s temples and ancient kunds
• Visit Ayodhya’s historical monuments, such as Gulab Bari
• Shop for souvenirs and local products
• Taste local vegetarian food and Awadhi specialties
• Take photos of Ayodhya’s temples and ghats

How to Reach Ayodhya

You can easily reach Ayodhya by train, road or a light:

By Air

The easiest way to reach Ayodhya is by plane. In fact, there are direct flights from several major cities in India to Maharishi Valmiki International Airport.

By Train

Ayodhya Dham Junction is well connected to Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and other major cities in Uttar Pradesh. However, it is better to book your tickets in advance, especially during the holiday season.

By Road

Ayodhya is well connected by buses, taxis, and private cars to Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur. As a result, road travel is a great way to explore Ayodhya and its nearby tourist places.

Travel Tips for Ayodhya Sightseeing

Follow these tips to make your trip convenient:

• Reach outlying temples early in the morning to avoid crowds
• Dress modestly to enter religious places in Ayodhya
• Carry water, sunscreen lotion, and comfortable shoes with you
• Keep a copy of your hotel booking and ID with you at all times
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you
• Ask for the exact timings of aarti and temple darshan before visiting
• Book your hotel in advance, especially during the holiday season
• Discuss a common meeting point with your travel group in case of emergencies

Where to Stay in Ayodhya

It is better to stay in Ayodhya near the temple area, Ram Ki Paidi, or the Saryu ghats. As a result, you will have easy access to the most frequented places in Ayodhya.

Yet, you can also consider staying a little away from the centre to enjoy a good night’s rest after a day of exploring Ayodhya. In any case, it is better to book your hotel in advance, especially during the holiday season.

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