Ayodhya — The Birthplace of Lord Ram
Walk the sacred land where the Ramayana began, and experience the divine grace of Ram Lalla at the magnificent new Ram Mandir.
Ayodhya, nestled on the banks of the sacred Saryu River in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism — the Sapta Puri. As the birthplace of Lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, Ayodhya holds a singular place in the hearts of millions of devotees across the globe. The city's spiritual landscape has been transformed by the consecration of the grand Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in January 2024, drawing pilgrims in unprecedented numbers to witness the magnificence of this architectural and devotional marvel.
Beyond the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya is a living museum of the Ramayana. Every lane, every ghat, every temple tells a story from the great epic. Hanuman Garhi, the fortress temple where Hanuman is said to have stood guard over Ram's birthplace, rises imposingly on a hill. Kanak Bhawan, believed to have been gifted by Kaikeyi to Sita, houses exquisite idols of Ram and Sita adorned in gold. The ancient Nageshwarnath Temple, built by Lord Ram's son Kush, stands as one of the oldest shrines in the city.
The Saryu River, flowing gently past the city, adds a meditative quality to every visit. The evening aarti at Ram Ki Paidi ghat, with its synchronised lamps and devotional chanting, rivals the famous Ganga Aarti of Varanasi in its spiritual intensity. Ayodhya is not merely a destination — it is a homecoming for every devotee of Lord Ram, a place where the boundary between mythology and reality dissolves in the warmth of unwavering faith.
What Makes Ayodhya Sacred
Discover the spiritual foundations that have drawn pilgrims to Ayodhya for millennia.
Birthplace of Lord Ram
Ayodhya is revered as the janmabhoomi (birthplace) of Lord Ram, the Maryada Purushottam and the embodiment of dharma. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir stands at the exact spot where Lord Ram is believed to have been born, making it the most sacred site in the city and one of the holiest in all of Hinduism.
One of the Sapta Puri
Ayodhya is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) mentioned in the Garuda Purana that can grant moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The other six are Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchi, Ujjain, and Dwaraka. A pilgrimage to Ayodhya is considered essential for every devout Hindu.
Capital of the Suryavanshi Dynasty
Ayodhya was the magnificent capital of the Suryavanshi (Solar) dynasty of kings, also known as the Ikshvaku dynasty. King Dasharatha, father of Lord Ram, ruled from here, and the city was described in the Valmiki Ramayana as a prosperous, well-planned city stretching 12 yojanas in length and 3 yojanas in breadth.
Ram Mandir (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi)
The grand Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, consecrated in January 2024, marks the exact birthplace of Lord Ram. Built in the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture, this magnificent temple is the spiritual centrepiece of Ayodhya and draws millions of devotees from across the world for darshan of Ram Lalla.
Hanuman Garhi
A 10th-century fortress temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, situated atop a hill with 76 steps leading to the main shrine. Hanuman Garhi is believed to be the place where Hanuman stood guard over the birthplace of Lord Ram. It is traditionally the first temple pilgrims visit upon arriving in Ayodhya.
Kanak Bhawan
Kanak Bhawan is one of the most ornate temples in Ayodhya, believed to have been gifted by Queen Kaikeyi to Sita as part of her wedding gifts. The temple is renowned for its exquisite gold-crowned idols of Lord Ram and Sita, making it one of the most visited shrines in the city.
Nageshwarnath Temple
An ancient Shiva temple located at Ram Ki Paidi, believed to have been established by Lord Ram's son Kush after he discovered a Shiva Linga while bathing in the Saryu. It is one of the oldest temples in Ayodhya and the only temple that survived the ravages of time, serving as a key landmark through the centuries.
Dashrath Mahal
Dashrath Mahal is venerated as the palace of King Dashrath, the father of Lord Ram. This temple-palace complex houses idols of the royal family and provides devotees a glimpse into the Ramayana era. The site is an important stop on the Ayodhya temple circuit, connecting visitors to the lineage of the Suryavanshi dynasty.
Pilgrimage Packages in Ayodhya
Thoughtfully curated journeys through the sacred sites of Ayodhya.
Sacred Pujas in Ayodhya
Authentic Vedic rituals performed by experienced pandits at the most revered temples.
Ayodhya
Ayodhya
Ayodhya
Ayodhya
AyodhyaAyodhyaWhere to Stay in Ayodhya
Handpicked accommodations for every budget, from heritage havelis to comfortable homestays.
Sarayu Palace Hotel
Ayodhya
Ram Katha Heritage Haveli
Ayodhya
Mata Shabari Homestay
Ayodhya
Shri Ram Yatri Niwas
Ayodhya
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya
Plan your yatra with our month-by-month guide to weather, crowds, and festivals.
January
RecommendedCold (5-18°C), foggy mornings
Festivals:
- Makar Sankranti
- Republic Day celebrations
February
RecommendedCool (8-22°C), pleasant
Festivals:
- Basant Panchami
March
RecommendedWarm (15-30°C), pleasant
Festivals:
- Holi
- Ram Navami preparations
April
RecommendedHot (22-38°C)
Festivals:
- Ram Navami (peak pilgrimage)
May
Very hot (28-43°C)
June
Very hot and humid (30-44°C)
July
Monsoon (26-36°C), heavy rain
Festivals:
- Shravan begins
August
Monsoon (25-34°C), frequent rain
Festivals:
- Shravan
- Janmashtami
September
Late monsoon (24-33°C)
October
RecommendedPleasant (20-32°C)
Festivals:
- Navratri
- Dussehra
- Ram Leela
November
RecommendedCool (12-28°C), clear skies
Festivals:
- Diwali (Ayodhya Deepotsav)
- Chhath Puja
December
RecommendedCold (6-20°C), foggy
Festivals:
- Christmas week tourists
Travel Essentials
Everything you need to know before visiting Ayodhya.
How to Reach
By Air
Ayodhya's Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ) is now operational with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other major cities. Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) is approximately 135 km away (3 hours by road) and offers wider flight connectivity.
By Train
Ayodhya Junction (AY) and Ayodhya Cantt (AYCN) are well-connected to major Indian cities. Direct trains run from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other metros. The Lucknow-Ayodhya route has frequent trains with a journey time of approximately 3 hours.
By Road
Ayodhya is connected by NH-27 (formerly NH-28). It is 135 km from Lucknow (3 hrs), 200 km from Varanasi (5 hrs), and approximately 600 km from Delhi (10 hrs). State-run and private buses operate regularly from Lucknow and other UP cities.
Temple Timings
Most temples open between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM. The Ram Mandir has specific darshan timings — typically 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, though these may vary. Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi begins at sunset (approximately 6:00-7:00 PM depending on season). Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before darshan time for security checks.
Dress Code
Modest, traditional Indian attire is strongly recommended. Men should wear dhoti-kurta or full-length trousers with a shirt or kurta. Women should wear saree, salwar-kameez, or any clothing that covers the shoulders and legs. Avoid leather items, as many temples prohibit them. Head covering is not mandatory but is respectful.
Photography Rules
Photography rules vary by temple. The Ram Mandir premises do not allow mobile phones, cameras, or electronic devices inside the security zone — lockers are available outside. Most other temples allow photography in the outer courtyard but not inside the sanctum. Always ask before photographing people, especially sadhus and priests. Drone photography is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about visiting Ayodhya.
A minimum of 2 days is recommended to cover the major temples and attend the Saryu Aarti. If you wish to explore the city at a relaxed pace and visit all sacred sites including Shringverpur, 3 days is ideal.
Yes, Ayodhya is generally very safe. The city has a strong police presence, especially around the Ram Mandir area. However, as with any pilgrimage town, we recommend basic precautions — avoid isolated areas after dark and keep valuables secure in crowded temple zones.
Yes, independent darshan is possible and free of charge. However, a knowledgeable guide enhances the experience significantly by explaining the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of the temple. The queues for regular darshan can be several hours long.
Ayodhya is an entirely vegetarian city by tradition. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are not available within the city limits. All restaurants, street food stalls, and hotels serve pure vegetarian (often sattvic) meals. The local speciality is the famous Ayodhya ke pede (milk-based sweet).
Deepotsav is Ayodhya's grand Diwali celebration, typically held on the evening of Diwali (October-November). Millions of earthen lamps (diyas) are lit along the banks of the Saryu River, setting a Guinness World Record. It is a spectacular event but extremely crowded — advance booking is essential.
Yes, ATMs of major banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI) are available in the main market and near the railway station. Several hospitals and clinics are present in the city, including a district hospital. Pharmacies are easily accessible. For serious medical needs, Lucknow (3 hours away) has multi-specialty hospitals.
Plan Your Ayodhya Yatra
Speak to our travel experts who have guided thousands of pilgrims to Ayodhya. We are here to make your spiritual journey seamless.