About the tour
About Ayodhya
Ayodhya is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism — the legendary birthplace of Lord Rama and the setting of the epic Ramayana. Set in the Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Sarayu river, Ayodhya is where Lord Rama returned after his fourteen-year exile, his victory over evil, and his reunion with Sita — a homecoming that has been celebrated as Diwali across the world ever since.
Today the city is a major spiritual destination, drawing millions of pilgrims and travellers each year. The magnificent Ram Mandir at Ram Janmabhoomi, the centuries-old Hanuman Garhi, the golden Kanak Bhawan, and dozens of riverside ghats and temples make Ayodhya one of the most rewarding pilgrimage circuits in north India.
Ayodhya is also significant for other faiths — Buddha is said to have stayed here, and the 5th-century Chinese pilgrim Faxian recorded over 100 Buddhist monasteries in the area. Ashokan stupas, Mughal-era monuments and Jain temples all coexist within the city, making it an unusually layered spiritual destination.
Best Time to Visit
- October – March — the ideal window. Days are pleasant (15–25 °C), nights cool. Diwali (Oct/Nov) and the city’s grand Deepotsav illumination festival are unforgettable.
- March – April — Ram Navami celebrates Lord Ram’s birth, drawing huge devotee crowds.
- April – June — very hot (up to 42 °C). Sightseeing is best limited to early morning and evening.
- July – September — monsoon brings pleasant cool winds and lush surroundings, though humidity stays high.
Places to Visit in Ayodhya
Ram Janmabhoomi & Ram Mandir
The most sacred site in Ayodhya — believed to be the exact birthplace of Lord Rama. The newly consecrated Ram Mandir is the centrepiece of the city, designed in classic Nagara temple architecture with intricate sandstone carvings and a soaring shikhara. Note: cameras and mobile phones are not permitted inside the temple complex; secure cloak-room facilities are available.
Hanuman Garhi
Believed to be where Lord Hanuman lived to guard Ayodhya. Tradition says you should visit Hanuman Garhi before entering the Ram Mandir. The hilltop temple is reached via 76 steps; inside, the cave shrine houses a small but powerfully revered idol of Hanuman with his mother Anjani. Crowds peak during Hanuman Jayanti.
Kanak Bhawan (Sone-ka-Ghar)
A Bundela-style temple built in 1891 that houses three golden-crowned idols of Rama and Sita under a silver roof. Tradition says this palace was gifted to the divine couple by Rama’s stepmother, Kaikeyi. The interior gold work and quiet atmosphere make it one of Ayodhya’s most beautiful temples.
Nageshwarnath Temple
Said to have been established by Kush, the son of Lord Rama, this Shiva temple is one of the oldest in Ayodhya and the focal point of the city’s Mahashivratri celebrations.
Treta Ke Thakur Temple
A 300-year-old temple built on the site believed to be where Lord Rama performed the Ashwamedha Yagna. The black-sandstone idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Bharata and Sugreeva are sculpted from a single rock. Open to the public only on Ekadashi of Karthik month — plan accordingly.
Sita Ki Rasoi
Believed to be the ancient kitchen of Goddess Sita, set close to Ram Janmabhoomi. The basement shrine houses idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna with their wives, and traditionally serves free food to visitors — Sita is also worshipped here as Goddess Annapurna.
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan
Built in 1969 in memory of the 16th-century saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, who composed the Ramcharitmanas. The Smarak houses the Ayodhya Research Sansthan, a literary research centre, and offers daily evening recitations of the Ramkatha — perfect for literature and culture enthusiasts.
Bahu Begum ka Maqbara
Often called the “Taj Mahal of the East” — this magnificent mausoleum is dedicated to Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano, queen of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. Built in 1816 with three domes, intricately designed interiors and stunning ceiling work, it’s the tallest monument in Faizabad and is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Gulab Bari
The “garden of roses” — the tomb complex of the third Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daula, set within elegant gardens. A peaceful site listed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act.
Other Sites Worth Visiting
- Guptar Ghat — said to be where Lord Rama took his final samadhi
- Mani Parbat & Sugriv Parbat — small hills with ancient stupas
- Ram Katha Park — open-air theatre for Ramleela performances
- Dashrath Bhavan — believed to be the residence of King Dasharatha
- Moti Mahal — Faizabad palace (5 km away)
- Choti Chawni (Valmiki Bhawan) — beautiful all-marble structure dedicated to Sage Valmiki
- Raja Mandir — riverside temple complex
- Ramkot — the ancient citadel area
Local Food in Ayodhya
Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian destination — most temples and the entire central area follow sattvic food traditions. Don’t leave without trying:
- Chaat — aloo tikki, paani puri, kachori, samosa, papdi chaat at every corner
- Veg Biryani — Awadhi-style aromatic rice with paneer or vegetable stuffing
- Kachori with Sabzi — flaky, spice-stuffed pastry served with potato curry
- Dahi Vada — soft lentil dumplings in chilled curd with mint and tamarind chutney
- Rabri — slow-thickened milk dessert garnished with cashews and almonds (also famous in nearby Mathura)
- Laddoo — traditional motichoor or besan laddoos sold at temple sweet stalls
- Awadhi Thali — full vegetarian platter with paneer, dal, sabzi, raita and dessert
How to Reach Ayodhya
By Air
Ayodhya now has its own Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ) with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and other major Indian cities. Alternative airports include Lucknow (LKO) 130 km, Gorakhpur (GOP) 140 km, Varanasi (VNS) 200 km and Prayagraj (IXD) 165 km.
By Train
Ayodhya Junction and Ayodhya Cantt are well-connected to almost all major Indian cities. Approximate rail distances: Lucknow 135 km · Gorakhpur 164 km · Prayagraj 164 km · Varanasi 189 km.
By Road
UPSRTC buses run 24×7 from Lucknow, Delhi, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj. Approximate road distances: Lucknow 130 km · Gorakhpur 140 km · Prayagraj 160 km · Varanasi 200 km · Delhi 636 km. The expressway from Lucknow makes it an easy 2.5-hour drive. See our fleet for chauffeur-driven options.
Ready to plan your Ayodhya pilgrimage? Use the booking card on the right or chat with Prithvi directly on WhatsApp — we’ll arrange Ram Mandir darshan, hotel stays and a full Ayodhya–Varanasi–Prayagraj spiritual circuit.