Planning a trip to Ayodhya by train is a thought many people face. Train travel is one of the easiest ways to reach this famous city in Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, Ayodhya is well connected by rail to most cities and towns in India.
How to reach Ayodhya by train?
Well, the city has two major railway stations, Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt, both of which are well connected with major parts of the country. Hence, you can choose between the available options based on the cities you are planning to visit, the travel time and train ticket availability. The official website of Ayodhya district confirms that the city’s two railway stations are major points of arrival for the district.
Furthermore, train travel can be more budget-friendly for you as compared to taking a flight to Ayodhya. Plus, with overnight trains connecting Ayodhya, you can also skip a night’s hotel stay.
Ayodhya Railway Stations: What to Know Before Booking
Before booking your travel ticket, here’s what you need to know about the major railway stations in Ayodhya.
| Railway Station | Best For | Important Point |
|---|---|---|
| Ayodhya Dham Junction | Pilgrims and tourists | Convenient for reaching Ram Mandir and other central locations |
| Ayodhya Cantt | Long-distance train travellers | Main railway station for the city |
While both Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt are connected with most cities, your train can reach only one of them. Hence, check the station name on your ticket before you head to your journey.
Ayodhya Dham Junction
Ayodhya Dham Junction serves as an important railway station for the city of Ayodhya.
It is convenient for those arriving at Ayodhya for sightseeing and visiting the city’s religious sites. From the Ayodhya railway station, you can reach your hotel and local sightseeing area via e-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, taxi or any of the other local transports.
Moreover, the station serves as an essential point for those planning to take a temple tour in Ayodhya.
Ayodhya Cantt Railway Station
Ayodhya Cantt is another major railway station in Ayodhya.
Some long-distance trains can prefer this station over Ayodhya Dham Junction. Therefore, make sure to check the arrival station while purchasing your ticket.
If your train reaches Ayodhya Cantt, you can reach the city’s central areas by local transport.
Hence, don’t cancel a convenient train just because it arrives at Ayodhya Cantt. Instead, check the distance of your hotel and local transport.
How to Reach Ayodhya By Train from Major Cities
Ayodhya is well-connected with most cities and towns in India. However, train routes, numbers, timings and operating days can change with time. So, when in doubt, always check the latest Indian Railways schedule before booking your tickets.
Here are some major routes to consider while planning your Ayodhya train trip.
How to Reach Ayodhya from Lucknow by Train
Lucknow is one of the most convenient cities to visit Ayodhya from, as you can find a wide range of transport options.
The official Ayodhya district website lists the rail distance between Lucknow and Ayodhya Dham as approximately 135 km. Therefore, travellers from Lucknow can consider multiple train options available on particular travel dates.
You can also reach Ayodhya by road from Lucknow. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed journey, the train can be a comfortable mode of transport.
Travel Tip
If you have your accommodation in Lucknow and plan to visit Ayodhya, make sure to compare between Ayodhya Dham and Ayodhya Cantt while booking your ticket.
How to Reach Ayodhya from Varanasi by Train
Varanasi is another important city in Uttar Pradesh known for its spiritual vibe. Due to the proximity of both cities, many travellers consider a combined Varanasi and Ayodhya trip.
The official district website mentions that Ayodhya Dham is approximately 191 km from Varanasi by rail.
You can therefore consider reaching Ayodhya by train from Varanasi and create a memorable holiday by visiting two cities in one trip.
How to Reach Ayodhya from Prayagraj by Train
Prayagraj is another convenient city for a visit to Ayodhya. According to the Ayodhya district administration, the city is around 157 km away from Ayodhya Dham Junction by rail.
Therefore, those visiting Prayagraj can consider adding Ayodhya to their itinerary. Moreover, you can skip the hassle of transport between the two cities by reaching Ayodhya via train.
How to Reach Ayodhya from Gorakhpur by Train
Gorakhpur is a city located towards the east of Uttar Pradesh, which has direct rail connectivity to Ayodhya.
According to the Ayodhya website, the rail distance between Gorakhpur and Ayodhya Dham is approximately 164 km. Therefore, travellers from Gorakhpur can directly check the train availability for their preferred travel date.
How to Reach Ayodhya from Delhi by Train
Delhi is one of the most preferred cities to visit Ayodhya from. Due to the long distance, overnight trains can be a practical option for those visiting Ayodhya from Delhi. These can save you the extra hotel’s night while also cutting travel time.
However, train availability, departure time, duration and sleeper/sleeper availability can differ between the services. Therefore, make sure to compare the most suitable option according to your preferences.
How to Reach Ayodhya from Mumbai by Train
Mumbai, being a long-distance travel point, can consider multiple train options for a trip to Ayodhya. It is better to compare between sleeper, AC, train operating days, departure time and arrival time before booking your ticket.
If you are travelling with your family, you can consider a long-distance or overnight train with a comfortable class.
How to Reach Ayodhya from Ahmedabad by Train
Ahmedabad is a popular city in Gujarat which can be considered as reaching Ayodhya by train during festivals or holidays.
Since Ahmedabad is a long-distance travel point, make sure to book your ticket well in advance.
Moreover, if you have extra days in your itinerary, you can consider connecting this trip with places like Varanasi, Prayagraj and so on. Before booking your ticket, compare direct and connecting trains with major railway stations.
Which Railway Station Is Better for Ayodhya?
According to most tourists, Ayodhya Dham Junction is a more convenient railway station to consider when visiting Ayodhya. However, that doesn’t mean that Ayodhya Cantt should be disregarded. If a train arrives at the Cantt station at a better time for your itinerary, you can consider it over Ayodhya Dham Junction.
How to Book a Train to Ayodhya
Booking a train to Ayodhya is a fairly straightforward process. You can simply search for trains from your starting railway point to either Ayodhya Dham or Ayodhya Cantt. Make sure to enter the date of your travel and compare between the available options.
Compare the available trains in terms of their departure and arrival times, duration and classes available. Finally, confirm the station shown on your travel ticket.
Indian Railways provides official train schedule and reservation enquiry services. Hence, use the latest information available instead of old train lists found online.
How to Reach Ram Mandir from Ayodhya Railway Station
Ram Mandir is the most visited site in Ayodhya. Once you reach Ayodhya, you can consider reaching your hotel and the local sightseeing area via e-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, taxi or any local transport you may find.
However, it’s important to remember that your final travel to major religious areas can vary with security checks, crowd control and even temporary traffic restrictions. Therefore, don’t assume that your vehicle will drop you right in front of all the sights. Keep some extra time for walking and security checks, especially during festival days.
How to Reach Hanuman Garhi from Ayodhya Railway Station
Hanuman Garhi is another renowned temple in Ayodhya. According to the Ayodhya district website, Hanuman Garhi is approximately 1 km from the Ayodhya railway station. Therefore, it can be added fairly easily to your sightseeing plan once you arrive in the city. Local transport and walking can be considered for the journey.
How to Reach Kanak Bhawan from Ayodhya Railway Station
Kanak Bhawan is a prime temple in Ayodhya that many visitors consider including in their itinerary. The temple is located in the Ramkot area, where some of the city’s most famous religious sites are found. After arriving in Ayodhya, you can reach the temple and other local attractions through local transport and on foot.
How to Reach Ram Ki Paidi from Ayodhya Railway Station
Ram Ki Paidi comprises a number of ghats located along the banks of the Saryu River. These are particularly beautiful in the evenings when the riverside is decorated with lights. Many tourists, therefore, prefer to visit Ram Ki Paidi during the sunsets and evenings. From Ayodhya railway station, you can reach the area through auto, e-rickshaw, taxi or other local transport depending on traffic conditions.
Ayodhya Railway Station to City Centre
Once you reach Ayodhya Dham or Ayodhya Cantt, you can consider reaching the city centre using various local transport options.
You can use an e-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, taxi, cab or local transport depending on the distance, demand and time. During festivals, crowd control can also affect travel time. Therefore, keep some extra time between your train arrival and your temple visits.
Best Time to Reach Ayodhya by Train
Ayodhya can be visited throughout the year. However, it is recommended to consider the weather and time of festivals before finalising your travel date.
| October to March | Summer | Festival Season |
|---|---|---|
| More comfortable temperature and clear weather. | Can be hot during the day and needs to be planned according to the time and crowd. | Extremely busy. |
Tips for Travelling to Ayodhya by Train
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind before your Ayodhya train journey.
- Both Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt are important railway stations to consider when visiting Ayodhya.
- If you are planning to travel Ayodhya during a festival, weekend or holiday, make sure to book your ticket early.
- Check the latest train schedule before making any decisions.
- Keep your ticket details handy.
- If your train reaches Ayodhya at a particular time in the morning, don’t immediately book an important activity with no gap in between.
- Carry water and some light snacks with you if you are on a long-distance travel.
- Decide how you will be reaching your hotel from the railway station before you arrive.
Ayodhya Train Travel: Quick Route Table
| Starting City | Approx. Rail Distance to Ayodhya Dham | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Lucknow | 135 km | Short trips |
| Prayagraj | 157 km | Pilgrimage trips |
| Gorakhpur | 164 km | Eastern UP travellers |
| Varanasi | 191 km | Combined spiritual trips |
| Delhi | Long-distance route | Overnight travel |
| Mumbai | Long-distance route | Long-distance pilgrimage |
| Ahmedabad | Long-distance route | Gujarat travellers |
The distances for Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi are according to the Ayodhya district administration’s rail-route information. However, the actual train route and distance can vary between services.
Is Ayodhya Dham or Ayodhya Cantt Better?
Ayodhya Dham can be a convenient station for a tourist visiting Ayodhya due to its location. However, the best station would ultimately be the one with the most convenient train to follow your itinerary. For example, if there is a direct train from your starting point to Ayodhya Cantt with better timing as compared to Ayodhya Dham, you can consider Ayodhya Cantt and reach the main city by local transport.
Can I Visit Ayodhya in One Day by Train?
Yes, a one-day trip to Ayodhya is possible for those living in nearby cities. However, it can be a rushed schedule and may not allow you to cover all of Ayodhya’s major attractions. A two-night/three-day holiday in Ayodhya is ideal if you want to visit:
- Ram Mandir
- Hanuman Garhi
- Kanak Bhawan
- Ram Ki Paidi
- Saryu Ghats
- Nageshwar Nath Temple
Is Train Travel to Ayodhya Good for Families?
Yes, train travel can be a convenient option for families, especially for medium and long-distance journeys. However, those with older people or with young children should consider time and train class before booking tickets. In addition, ensure that your hotel is not far from the station for those with a sensitive stomach.
FAQ
Ayodhya Dham Junction is a major railway point to reach Ayodhya. However, Ayodhya Cantt is also an important railway station which is well-connected with most parts of the country.
Ayodhya Dham Junction is a major railway point to reach Ayodhya. However, Ayodhya Cantt is also an important railway station which is well-connected with most parts of the country.
You can search for trains from your starting railway station to either Ayodhya Dham Junction or Ayodhya Cantt. Choose the option according to your needs.
The official Ayodhya district website lists the rail distance at approximately 135 km.
Ayodhya Dham is approximately 157 km by rail from Prayagraj, according to the Ayodhya district administration.
It depends on your starting city. For nearby cities, the train can be a convenient and affordable option. For long-distance travel, a flight can be a better option to save time and money. However, compare between train and flight according to your needs.
Conclusion
So, how to reach Ayodhya by train? As discussed, Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt are the two major railway stations connecting the city with most parts of the country. Hence, your options would depend on the cities you are planning to visit, the time you have in your hand and train ticket availability. Meanwhile, for those with nearby travel points, the train can be a convenient and affordable option to reach Ayodhya.
On the other hand, for those with long-distance travel points, overnight trains or connecting services can be a better option to make the most of your trip. Most importantly, make sure to compare the latest railway schedule before booking your ticket. Train timings and availability can change, so current information should always be your reference point to make the most of your visit.
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