Ayodhya: Ram Mandir, Saryu Ghats & Travel Guide

Birthplace of Lord Ram

Ayodhya, on the banks of the Saryu River in eastern Uttar Pradesh, is revered in Hindu tradition as the birthplace of Lord Ram and the setting for much of the Ramayana. For centuries a significant pilgrimage town, Ayodhya has, since January 2024, become one of India's fastest-growing religious destinations following the consecration of the Ram Mandir at the site long known as Ram Janmabhoomi.

The temple's ground-floor sanctum was consecrated in a widely watched Pran Pratishtha ceremony, though construction of the wider complex has continued in phases since — expect scaffolding or ongoing work in parts of the grounds depending on when you visit. Daily visitor numbers are substantial, and the city has seen rapid infrastructure growth in response — new roads, expanded hotel capacity, and a newly built airport.

Beyond the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya's older pilgrimage circuit remains very much alive: Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, the Saryu ghats and their evening aarti, Nageshwarnath Temple, and Treta Ke Thakur together give a fuller picture of the city than the new temple alone.

Best Time to Visit Ayodhya

Ayodhya's weather follows the familiar North Indian pattern, but with visitor volumes now high year-round, timing your trip around — or specifically for — festivals matters more than ever.

Our pick: October to March on a regular weekday for the most manageable queues. Deliberately plan around Ram Navami or Deepotsav only if you're prepared for very large crowds and want that specific festival experience.

How to Reach Ayodhya

Ayodhya's connectivity has improved dramatically since the Ram Mandir's consecration, with major upgrades to air, rail, and road access.

• By air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, a newly built airport near the city, has steadily expanded its flight network to major Indian cities since opening.
• By train: Ayodhya Dham railway station (also referred to as Ayodhya Junction) has been significantly redeveloped, with direct trains from Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, and several other major cities.
• By road: NH330 and NH27 connect Ayodhya to Lucknow (~130km, roughly 2.5-3 hours) and other regional centres; UPSRTC and private buses run regularly.
• Getting around: Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws cover the town; expect significant walking near the Ram Mandir itself, as vehicle access close to the complex is restricted.

Temples & Ghats in Ayodhya

Ram Mandir

The centrepiece of modern Ayodhya, built at the site long known as Ram Janmabhoomi. The temple's ground floor sanctum was consecrated in January 2024, with further construction phases continuing since. Security is tight and visitor volumes are high — mobile phones, bags, and most electronic items are not permitted inside, so plan to use the cloakroom facilities near the entry points. Queue times can run long, particularly on weekends and during festivals.

Hanuman Garhi

A hilltop fort-temple dedicated to Hanuman, reached by a flight of steps and considered one of Ayodhya's most important shrines — tradition holds that visiting Hanuman Garhi before the Ram Mandir is customary for many pilgrims. It draws a constant stream of devotees throughout the day.

Kanak Bhawan & Nageshwarnath Temple

Kanak Bhawan, believed to have been gifted to Sita by her mother-in-law Kaikeyi, is known for its richly decorated interior and idols of Ram and Sita in royal attire. Nageshwarnath Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is one of Ayodhya's older surviving temples and hosts a lively Shivratri celebration each year.

Saryu Ghats & Treta Ke Thakur

The ghats along the Saryu River host a daily evening aarti, with boat rides available along the water — a calmer, more contemplative counterpoint to the busier temple queues. Nearby, Treta Ke Thakur is believed to mark the site of Ram's Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice ritual) and houses centuries-old black sandstone idols associated with the Ramayana's central characters.

Where to Stay in Ayodhya

Hotel capacity has expanded rapidly since the Ram Mandir's opening, though demand — especially on weekends and festivals — still frequently outpaces supply. Book ahead where possible.

Suggested Visit Plan (1-2 Days)

* Many travellers combine Ayodhya with Prayagraj, Varanasi, or Naimisharanya for a fuller eastern Uttar Pradesh pilgrimage circuit.

Where to Eat in Ayodhya

• Pure-vegetarian eateries: Given Ayodhya's religious character, most restaurants near the temple circuit serve satvik vegetarian food.
• New hotel restaurants: A growing number of dining options have opened alongside the city's expanded hotel capacity since 2024.
• Street food near the ghats: Kachori, chaat, and sweets stalls line the routes to Hanuman Garhi and the Saryu ghats.

Budget Breakdown

* Figures are per person, per day, in Indian Rupees. Accommodation rates rise sharply on weekends, Ram Navami, and Deepotsav.

Essential Tips for Visiting Ayodhya

• Leave phones and bags at the cloakroom: Electronics and bags are not permitted inside the Ram Mandir — use the cloakroom facilities near the entry points beforehand.
• Expect long queues: Darshan at the Ram Mandir can take hours, especially on weekends — arrive early and be prepared to wait.
• Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees at all temples in the city.
• Book accommodation ahead: Demand has surged since the temple's opening — don't rely on walk-in availability, especially around festivals.
• Wear comfortable footwear: Expect significant walking near the Ram Mandir, where vehicle access is restricted close to the complex.

Frequently Asked Questions