Ayodhya, on the banks of the Saryu river in eastern Uttar Pradesh, is revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram and is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism. The Ram Mandir, consecrated in January 2024, has made it one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in India.
Beyond the new temple, Ayodhya has a dense cluster of older shrines, including Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan, and a long riverfront of ghats where evening aarti is performed. One or two days is enough for most visitors. Lucknow, about two to three hours away, is the nearest large city.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Ayodhya travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Ayodhya
- Have darshan at the Ram Mandir
- Climb the steps to Hanuman Garhi
- Visit Kanak Bhawan and Dashrath Mahal
- Watch the evening aarti on the Saryu at Ram ki Paidi
- Take a boat on the Saryu
- Visit Guptar Ghat and Nageshwarnath Temple
- Attend Deepotsav on the eve of Diwali
Planning a pilgrimage? See our guide to the Ayodhya, Varanasi and Prayagraj itinerary.
Temples
Have darshan at the Ram Mandir
The Ram Mandir, built in the Nagara style of temple architecture in pink sandstone, houses the image of Ram Lalla (the child Ram). Security arrangements are extensive: phones, bags, electronics and many personal items are not allowed, and there are free deposit counters near the entrance. Queues vary greatly with the day and season.
Check the official Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra website for current darshan timings and rules before you go.
- Time needed
- 2β4 hours including queues
- Best time
- Early morning on weekdays
- Good to know
- Deposit phones and bags before entering
Climb to Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi, a fortress-like 10th-century temple on a mound reached by around 76 steps, is traditionally visited before the Ram Mandir, as Hanuman is regarded as the guardian of Ayodhya. It is busiest on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Good to know
- Watch out for monkeys
Visit Kanak Bhawan
Kanak Bhawan, believed to have been gifted to Sita by Kaikeyi, is a temple with images of Ram and Sita wearing golden crowns. Devotional singing is often under way in its courtyard.
- Time needed
- 30β45 minutes
See Dashrath Mahal and Nageshwarnath
Dashrath Mahal is identified with the palace of King Dashrath, Ram's father. Nageshwarnath Temple, near Ram ki Paidi, is a Shiva temple said to have been established by Kush, Ram's son.
The Saryu river
Watch the evening aarti at Ram ki Paidi
Ram ki Paidi is a series of ghats along a channel of the Saryu. The evening Saryu aarti, with lamps and chanting, is a peaceful way to end the day, and the ghats are illuminated at night.
- Best time
- Sunset
- Good for
- Everyone
Take a boat on the Saryu
Boats can be hired at the ghats for short rides on the river, which give a view of the riverfront temples, particularly at sunset.
Visit Guptar Ghat
Guptar Ghat, a few kilometres west of the town centre, is where, according to tradition, Ram took jal samadhi in the Saryu at the end of his earthly life. It is quieter than the central ghats and has several temples.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
Attend Deepotsav
On the eve of Diwali, Ayodhya holds Deepotsav, when lakhs of oil lamps are lit along the ghats of the Saryu, with processions, cultural performances and fireworks. It draws very large crowds; book accommodation well ahead.
- When
- The evening before Diwali
- Good to know
- Very crowded; book early
Beyond the main temples
Walk Ram Path and the old town
The widened Ram Path and the lanes around it are lined with sweet shops, stalls selling religious items and small temples. Try peda and laddu, and the simple vegetarian thalis served near the temples.
Visit Bharat Kund and Sita ki Rasoi
Sita ki Rasoi, an ancient kitchen shrine near the Ram Janmabhoomi area, and Bharat Kund at Nandigram, about 15 km south, where Bharat is said to have ruled on Ram's behalf during his exile, are part of the wider pilgrimage circuit.
See Deepotsav at Diwali
On the eve of Diwali, Ayodhya holds Deepotsav, when lakhs of earthen lamps are lit along the ghats of Ram ki Paidi and the Saryu, with light shows and cultural programmes. It has set lamp-lighting records in recent years. Crowds are enormous and hotels book out months ahead.
- Best time
- Diwali (October or November)
- Good to know
- Book stays well in advance
Things to do in Ayodhya by type of traveller
Families with elderly members: Battery vehicles and wheelchairs are available at the Ram Mandir; plan darshan in the early morning and keep the rest of the day light.
Pilgrims: Traditionally, visit Hanuman Garhi before the Ram Mandir, then Kanak Bhawan, and end with the Saryu aarti at Ram ki Paidi.
What to do in Ayodhya with one day
Start early at Hanuman Garhi, then join the queue for darshan at the Ram Mandir. After lunch, visit Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal and Nageshwarnath, then Guptar Ghat if time allows. End with a boat ride and the evening aarti at Ram ki Paidi.
Practical tips for Ayodhya
- Rules on what you can carry into the Ram Mandir are strict; leave phones, bags and electronics at the deposit counters or your hotel.
- Avoid major festival days, such as Ram Navami and Deepotsav, unless you specifically want to experience them, as crowds are enormous.
- Ayodhya has an airport and a railway station, and Lucknow is about two to three hours away by road.
- Dress modestly and wear shoes that are easy to remove.
Plan the rest of your Ayodhya trip
Ayodhya things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Ayodhya?
Have darshan at the Ram Mandir, visit Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan, watch the evening aarti at Ram ki Paidi, take a boat on the Saryu and visit Guptar Ghat.
How many days are enough for Ayodhya?
One day covers the main temples and the evening aarti. Two days allows for Guptar Ghat, Bharat Kund and a slower pace.
What is not allowed inside the Ram Mandir?
Phones, bags, electronic items and many personal belongings are not allowed. Free deposit counters are available near the entrance. Check the official website for the latest rules.
What is the best time to visit Ayodhya?
October to March has the most comfortable weather. Deepotsav, on the eve of Diwali, is spectacular but extremely crowded.
Things to do near Ayodhya
- Things to do in Lucknow: Nawabi monuments and food, two to three hours away
- Things to do in Varanasi: the ghats of the Ganga, about four to five hours south-east
- Things to do in Prayagraj: the Triveni Sangam
More things to do in Uttar Pradesh
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team Β· Last updated Β· How we research our guides
Want us to plan this trip for you?
Tell Kudozz Club where you want to go and what kind of trip youβre looking for. Weβll build a Ayodhya and Uttar Pradesh itinerary around your dates and budget.
Continue Exploring
View all guides
HeritagePrayagraj Travel Guide: Triveni Sangam & Kumbh Mela
The sacred Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati confluence, home to the Kumbh Mela β plus Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhavan, and Khusro Bagh.
HeritageMathura Travel Guide: Krishna Janmabhoomi & Temples
Complete Mathura guide to Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Vishram Ghat's evening aarti, Dwarkadhish Temple, and the gateway to the wider Braj region.
HeritageChitrakoot Travel Guide: Ram's Forest Exile Site
Where Ram, Sita, and Lakshman spent part of their exile β Kamadgiri's parikrama, Ramghat's evening aarti, and a quieter Ramayana circuit.
HeritageVaranasi Travel Guide: Ganga Ghats & Ganga Aarti
Complete Varanasi guide β the Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sunrise boat ride, and the old city's narrow lanes.