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Ayodhya!

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Population

55,000

schedule

Best Time

October to March

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Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (β‚Ή)

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location_on Uttar Pradesh map North India πŸ•‰οΈ Spiritual Pilgrimage Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh Ram Temple pilgrimage Sarayu River

Ayodhya, located in Uttar Pradesh, is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama. It holds immense religious significance for Hindus and is a major pilgrimage center.

Ayodhya offers a deep dive into Hindu mythology and culture, but be prepared for large crowds and heightened security, especially after the Ram Temple inauguration. While witnessing the spiritual fervor is unique, the city infrastructure is still developing to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Plan for at least 2-3 days to explore the main temples and sites. Getting around is best done via auto-rickshaws or taxis. Booking accommodations and transportation in advance is highly recommended.

When To Visit

Best Time

October to March

10-25 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather makes it ideal for sightseeing and temple visits. The days are sunny, and the nights are cool.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for exploring temples and attending religious ceremonies. Major festivals like Ram Navami and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm. This is the most comfortable time to visit.

Tip: Expect larger crowds and higher prices during festivals. Booking accommodations well in advance is essential.

Shoulder Season

July to September

25-35 degrees C

Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and humidity. Some areas may be prone to flooding.

Why Visit:

The landscape turns lush green, and the crowds are significantly smaller. However, outdoor activities may be limited due to the rain.

Tip: Check weather forecasts before planning your trip. Be prepared for potential delays and disruptions.

Avoid

April to June

35-45 degrees C

Extreme heat and humidity make it very uncomfortable to travel. Heatwaves are common.

Why Avoid:

The scorching heat makes it difficult to explore the city. Pilgrimage activities are less frequent due to the weather. It is best to avoid visiting during this period.

Note: If you must travel during this time, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Ram Janmabhoomi Temple

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple marks the birthplace of Lord Rama and is the most important religious site in Ayodhya. This is where the controversial Babr...

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Hanuman Garhi

⏱ 1 hour Free

Hanuman Garhi is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, believed to be the protector of Ayodhya. It is located on a hilltop and requires climbing 76 step...

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Kanak Bhavan

⏱ 1 hour Free

Kanak Bhavan is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and his consort, Sita. It is believed to have been gifted to Sita by Lord Rama's stepmother, Kaikeyi....

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Dashrath Bhavan

⏱ 1 hour Free

Dashrath Bhavan is believed to be the original residence of King Dashrath, Lord Rama's father. It is a large complex with several courtyards and templ...

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Treta Ke Thakur

⏱ 30 minutes Free

Treta Ke Thakur is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. It is believed to be the site where Lord Rama performed the Ashwamedha Yagya....

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Guptar Ghat

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

Guptar Ghat is a ghat (riverfront steps) on the banks of the Sarayu River. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama took Jal Samadhi (left his m...

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Tulsi Smarak Bhavan Museum

⏱ 2 hours β‚Ή20 (Indians), β‚Ή300 (foreigners)

Tulsi Smarak Bhavan Museum is dedicated to the great poet Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas. It showcases his life and works....

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Things To Do

attractions

Sarayu River Aarti

⏱ 1 hour πŸ’° Free

Witness the evening Aarti ceremony performed on the banks of the Sarayu River. Priests offer prayers and light lamps to ...

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attractions

Ramayana Walking Tour

⏱ 3 hours πŸ’° β‚Ή500-800 per person

Explore the historical sites of Ayodhya related to the Ramayana with a knowledgeable guide. Visit temples, palaces, and ...

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attractions

Attend a Ramlila Performance

⏱ 2-3 hours πŸ’° β‚Ή100-300 per person

Watch a live performance of the Ramlila, a dramatic enactment of the Ramayana. The performance includes dialogues, songs...

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attractions

Boat Ride on Sarayu River

⏱ 1 hour πŸ’° β‚Ή200-400 per boat

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Sarayu River. Admire the scenic views of the riverbanks and the surrounding temples....

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Cultural Experiences

celebration

Attend a Bhajan Session

1-2 hours | Free

Participate in a Bhajan session, a devotional singing performance. Listen to the melodious tunes and...

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celebration

Learn About Local Handicrafts

2-3 hours | β‚Ή100-200 (for materials)

Visit local workshops and markets to learn about traditional handicrafts of Ayodhya. Observe artisan...

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celebration

Taste Local Cuisine

1-2 hours | β‚Ή100-300 per person

Explore the local cuisine of Ayodhya by visiting restaurants and street food stalls. Try traditional...

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celebration

Visit a Local Ashram

2-3 hours | Free (donations accepted)

Visit a local Ashram, a spiritual retreat center. Learn about the teachings of Hinduism and the impo...

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celebration

Attend a Religious Discourse

1-2 hours | Free

Attend a religious discourse by a learned scholar or spiritual leader. Listen to their interpretatio...

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celebration

Volunteer at a Community Kitchen

2-3 hours | Free

Volunteer at a community kitchen (langar) and help prepare and serve food to the needy. Experience t...

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View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Awadhi Biryani
Awadhi Biryani

Fragrant rice dish with marinated meat (try at local restaurants)

Kebabs
Kebabs

Grilled meat skewers, melt-in-your-mouth texture (try at Karim's)

Lassi
Lassi

Yogurt-based drink, sweet or savory (try at street vendors)

Pedas
Pedas

Sweet milk-based fudge, a local specialty (try at Kanak Bhavan Prasad counter)

Where to Eat

Sagar Ratna

Sagar Ratna

β‚Ήβ‚Ή

South Indian

πŸ“ Civil Lines

Clean and reliable South Indian chain restaurant. It offers a good break from the local cuisine.

Dosasidlisuttapam

β‚Ή500-700 for two

Karim's

Karim's

β‚Ήβ‚Ήβ‚Ή

Mughlai

πŸ“ Near Hanuman Garhi

Famous for its delicious Mughlai cuisine, known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. A must-visit for meat lovers.

Kebabsbiryani

β‚Ή800-1000 for two

Street Food Spots

Near Hanuman Garhi

Near Hanuman Garhi

πŸ’° Budget: β‚Ή50-150 per person

⚠️ Tips: Be cautious about hygiene. Choose stalls with high turnover and freshly prepared food.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Ayodhya

More restaurants & dishes from Ayodhya

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Near Ram Janmabhoomi

Convenient for temple visits, but can be crowded and noisy. Stay here for easy access to the main attractions.

Best For: Pilgrims

Civil Lines

More peaceful and upscale area with better amenities and quieter hotels. Suitable for families and business travelers.

Best For: Families, business travelers

Accommodation Options

Budget

πŸ’°

β‚Ή800-1200/night

Hotel Krishna Palace

πŸ“ Near Naya Ghat

Basic but clean rooms, close to the river. Good for budget travelers seeking a central location.

β‚Ή800-1200/night

Hotel Park Inn

πŸ“ Faizabad Road

Simple and affordable option with essential amenities. It is located a bit outside the main city center.

β‚Ή900-1300/night

Mid-Range

🏨

β‚Ή2000-3000/night

Hotel Ramayana

πŸ“ Near Hanuman Garhi

Comfortable rooms and decent service, walking distance to major temples. Offers a good balance of price and quality.

β‚Ή2000-3000/night

The Plaza Hotel

πŸ“ Civil Lines

Modern amenities and well-maintained rooms, catering to families and business travelers. Features on-site dining.

β‚Ή2500-3500/night

Luxury

✨

β‚Ή5000+/night

WelcomHeritage Uday Palace

πŸ“ Faizabad Road

Palatial hotel with luxurious rooms and excellent dining options. It offers a royal experience with modern comforts.

β‚Ή5000+/night

Radisson Blu Ayodhya

πŸ“ Near Ram Mandir

Offers world-class service, upscale amenities, and convenient access to the Ram Temple. An ideal choice for discerning travelers.

β‚Ή6000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ), 10km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Ayodhya Junction (AY)

Main railway station, connects to major cities.

Ayodhya Cantt (AYC)

Another important station in Ayodhya.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 12-14 hours (β‚Ή500-2000)
  • From Mumbai: 24-28 hours (β‚Ή800-3000)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Ayodhya Bus Station
Routes:
  • From Lucknow: 3-4 hours (β‚Ή300-500)

Note: Trains more comfortable

Getting Around

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

πŸ’° β‚Ή50-200 depending on distance

Best for: Short distances within the city

Bargain for the price before starting the journey. Agree on the fare beforehand.

directions

Taxi/Uber/Ola

πŸ’° β‚Ή200-500 depending on distance

Best for: Comfortable and convenient travel

Book through the app for transparent pricing. Confirm the fare before starting the ride.

directions

E-rickshaw

πŸ’° β‚Ή30-100 depending on distance

Best for: Eco-friendly travel within the city

A good option for shorter distances and avoiding traffic.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Light and breathable clothing is suitable for the climate.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: β‚Ή1000, Mid: β‚Ή2500, Luxury: β‚Ή5000+

ATMs: Available in major areas

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions, cards accepted at larger establishments.

Bargaining: Expected in markets and with auto-rickshaws

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants to avoid stomach issues. Be cautious of street food.

Common Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration. Carry ORS packets and stay hydrated.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Available at the airport and in the city. Airtel and Jio are good options.

WiFi: Available at most hotels and some restaurants

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: English proficiency is limited. Learn basic Hindi phrases.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: β‚Ή20-50

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