Ayodhya Travel Guide Travelers

The grand temple dedicated to Lord Rama, situated at his birthplace, boasts intricate carvings and a serene spiritual ambiance.

• Location: Central Ayodhya, Ram Janmabhoomi

• Best Time to Visit: Morning for darshan (6:00 AM–10:00 AM); avoid peak festival crowds.

• Tips: Book online darshan via Ram Mandir to skip queues; dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).

• Entry Fee: Free; special darshan ₹500–₹1,000.

• Timings: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM; closed during special pujas and festivals.

A hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering panoramic views and a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.

• Location: 1 km from Ram Mandir

• Tips: Climb 76 steps; visit early morning for tranquility.

• Entry Fee: Free; donations accepted.

• Timings: 5:00 AM–10:00 PM.

A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita, known for its golden decor and historical significance.

• Location: 0.5 km from Ram Mandir

• Tips: Attend evening aarti (6:30 PM); photography is restricted inside.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.

Sacred ghats along the Sarayu River are ideal for rituals, boat rides, and the evening Sarayu Aarti.

• Location: Guptar Ghat and Ram Ghat, 1–2 km from Ram Mandir

• Tips: Book boat rides (₹100–₹300); attend aarti at 6:30 PM.

• Entry Fee: Free; boat rides extra.

• Timings: Open 24/7; aarti at dusk.

An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to be established by Lord Rama’s son, Kush.

• Location: 1.5 km from Ram Mandir

• Tips: Visit during Maha Shivratri (February–March); dress modestly.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.

A historic temple marking the site where Lord Rama performed the Ashwamedha Yagna, with ancient idols.

• Location: 2 km from Ram Mandir

• Tips: Ideal for history buffs; consider combining this with a visit to a ghat.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 6:00 AM–7:00 PM.

A temple believed to be Sita’s kitchen, symbolizing devotion, with a serene setting for pilgrims.

• Location: 0.7 km from Ram Mandir

• Tips: Visit for spiritual insights; photography is restricted.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM.

A sacred hill with a temple and Buddhist stupa, offering views and mythological significance.

• Location: 3 km from Ram Mandir

• Tips: Combine with a visit to nearby Guptar Ghat; wear comfortable shoes.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

A bustling market near Ram Mandir, offering religious artifacts, sweets, and traditional handicrafts.

• Location: 1 km from Ram Mandir

• Tips: Bargain for 20–30% off; visit evenings for vibrant energy.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.

You must have heard about fun activities around the Udaipur lakes.

Now, Ayodhya offers similar experiences on the peaceful Sarayu River.

Spiritual activities blend with sightseeing and cultural experiences here.

What can you enjoy in this holy city? Let’s have a look.

Begin your day with a lovely sunrise boat ride on the Sarayu River.

The ride starts around 5:30 AM from Ram Ghat or Guptar Ghat.

Then you will observe the dawn of the sun beaming on the water.

Many saints and locals conduct morning rituals along the ghats.

One cannot forget the noises of prayers, the fragrance of incense, and even the panoramas of temples.

The boat ride takes approximately 1 hour, and the cost is $100-$300 per person.

Book your ride with local boatmen or use safe services like Driverindiaprivatetour.com.

In the morning, put on something warm and bring a camera to take pictures.

Quote: That morning on the Sarayu was an hour of quiet that I never spent in my life.

This ancient journey offers spiritual fulfilment and a fresh perspective on India’s rich traditions.

Just like Bagore Ki Haveli’s cultural shows in Udaipur, Ayodhya’s evening Sarayu Aarti is also a magical experience.

It takes place daily at Ram Ghat at around 6:30 PM.

Oil lamps are lit by priests who are chanting mantras, and hundreds of surya witnesses watch.

Lamps arranged along the river have an appearance of stars suspended in the water.

The aarti can be observed in the steps, or one may book a boat and observe it on the river (200-400).

Arrive by 6:00 PM to secure a good spot, and check the timings on uptourism.gov.in for accurate information.

This ritual is energetic and reveals the people’s faithfulness.

Watching this cultural event will make you feel as though you have come close to the divine.

Take a walk through the narrow streets of Old Ayodhya to discover its secrets.

Through these heritage walks, you gain insight into the rich and storied history of the city.

A good time is between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, when the air is fresh and cool.

The treks typically take 2-3 hours, and the rates are Rs. 800-1500.

Local guides will take you to places such as Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, and the historic bazaar streets.

You will hear many stories about Lord Rama, his childhood, and important events from the Ramayana.

These guides are exceptionally lively and well-equipped to respond to all your questions.

You also have the opportunity to witness daily practices in Ayodhya, such as people purchasing flowers, lighting diyas, or reciting prayers.

Never forget to leave your camera and a bottle of water.

Wearing high heels is not advisable.

Book your walk with trusted sites like Ayodhya Heritage Walks, Viator, or Driverindiaprivatetour.com.

As one foreign visitor reported, ‘I learned more about India during one morning walk than all the guidebooks combined.’

Food lovers will enjoy Ayodhya’s Awadhi flavors.

These are the cuisines of royal kitchens, renowned for their rich and flavorful dishes.

It is possible to learn how to cook traditional food and sample delicious street food.

Join a cooking class at Hotel Saket near the Ram Mandir.

The visit lasts 2-3 hours and costs approximately 1000-2000 Rs.

Local chefs will teach you dishes such as Awadhi biryani, kebabs, and shish kebab.

It is suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, allowing for a choice based on personal preference.

The chefs are conversant in English and provide entertaining instruction on everything.

You will learn to cook, eat, and take home the recipes.

For a unique street food experience, join a guided food walk in Chowk Market.

Such tours are sold for 700-1,200 rupees and will include food items such as chaat, kachori, kulfi, and others.

The market is quite colorful, with a variety of smells, spices, and hospitable sellers.

Wear light outfits, carry wipes, and be prepared to enjoy your appetite.

Book your food experience through Driverindiaprivatetour.com or trusted local companies.

Food tours show a different side of Ayodhya—one filled with taste, joy, and local culture.

Luxury:

• • The Ramayana Hotel (1 km from Ram Mandir): Modern resort with Sarayu views and cultural dining. Approx. ₹8,000–₹15,000 per night.
• • Clarks Inn Ayodhya (2 km from Ram Mandir): Upscale stay with spacious rooms and fine dining. Approx. ₹6,000–₹12,000 per night.

Mid-Range:

• • Hotel Saket (0.5 km from Ram Mandir): Comfortable rooms with temple proximity and Awadhi cuisine. Approx. ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night.
• • Krinoshe Guest House (1 km from Ram Mandir): Cozy stay with modern amenities and warm hospitality. Approx. ₹2,500–₹5,000 per night.

Budget:

• • Hotel Shri Ram Bhavan (0.3 km from Ram Mandir): Simple rooms with basic amenities and temple access. Approx. ₹1,000–₹2,500 per night.

Tips: Book early for peak seasons (October–March) or Ram Navami; opt for temple-facing rooms for a spiritual ambiance.

• Rama Homestay (Ram Ghat, Rating: 4.6/5): Riverside stay with Awadhi meals and cultural insights. Approx. ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night.

• Ayodhya Darshan Homestay (0.8 km from Ram Mandir, Rating: 4.5/5): Traditional decor with Sarayu views and warm hosts. Approx. ₹1,200–₹2,500 per night.

• Sita Guest House (1 km from Ram Mandir, Rating: 4.4/5): Cozy rooms with temple proximity and home-cooked food. Approx. ₹1,000–₹2,200 per night.

• Tips: Homestays offer authentic Awadhi experiences; confirm Wi-Fi and river views availability. Check Booking.com or Airbnb for reviews.

• Zostel Ayodhya (1.5 km from Ram Mandir, Rating: 4.7/5): Vibrant hostel with dorms, private rooms, and rooftop cafe. Approx. ₹450–₹1,000 per night (dorm), ₹1,800–₹3,000 (private).

• The Hosteller Ayodhya (1 km from Ram Ghat, Rating: 4.6/5): Modern dorms with a travel desk and cultural events. Approx. ₹400–₹900 per night (dorm).

• Moustache Hostel Ayodhya (1.2 km from Ram Mandir, Rating: 4.5/5): Social vibe with budget dorms and temple access. Approx. ₹400–₹850 per night (dorm).

• Tips: Book early for festivals like Ram Navami; confirm locker availability; ideal for backpackers.

• Shri Ram Bhojanalaya (0.3 km from Ram Mandir): Vegetarian Awadhi thalis with kebabs and kulfi. Approx. ₹200–₹500 per person.

• Chandra Restaurant (Ram Ghat): Riverside dining with biryani and local sweets. Approx. ₹250–₹600 per person.

• Keshav Bhojanalaya (0.5 km from Ram Mandir): Traditional vegetarian fare like puri-sabzi and lassi. Approx. ₹150–₹400 per person.

• The Royal Kitchen (1 km from Ram Mandir): Multi-cuisine with Awadhi specialties and temple views. Approx. ₹300–₹700 per person.

• Sita Rasoi (0.7 km from Ram Mandir): Homestyle vegetarian dishes and Banarasi chaat. Approx. ₹200–₹500 per person.

• Tips: Reserve river-facing tables; specify vegetarian preferences; try Awadhi dishes like galouti kebab.

Popular Shopping Items:

• • Ramayana-themed souvenirs, such as Rama idols and Hanuman statues.
• • Handicrafts such as wooden carvings and brass lamps.
• • Awadhi embroidered textiles, such as chikankari kurtas and dupattas.
• • Local sweets like peda and balushahi.
• • Religious beads, including tulsi and rudraksha malas.

Top Markets:

• • Chowk Market (1 km from Ram Mandir): Religious artifacts, sweets, and textiles; bargain for 20–30% off.
• • Ram Ghat Market (1 km from Ram Mandir): Souvenirs, beads, and local crafts.
• • Naya Ghat Market (1.5 km from Ram Mandir): Chikankari clothing and traditional items are available for purchase.

Tips: Verify handicraft authenticity; visit evenings for vibrant energy

Must-Try Dishes:

• • Chaat: Spicy snacks like aloo tikki and pani puri.
• • Peda: Sweet milk-based confection, a local specialty.
• • Lassi: Creamy yogurt drink, sweet or salted.
• • Kachori: Deep-fried pastry with lentil filling and chutney.
• • Kulfi: Traditional ice cream with saffron or pistachio flavors.

Best Spots for Street Food:

• • Chowk Market: Stalls for chaat, kachori, and peda.
• • Ram Ghat: Evening vendors for lassi and kulfi.
• • Naya Ghat: Budget-friendly stalls for sweets and snacks.

Tips: Choose stalls with high foot traffic for freshness; avoid monsoons (July–September); carry bottled water.

• Sarayu River Sunrise Boat Ride: Witness ghats and rituals at dawn (₹100–₹300, book via driverindiaprivatetour.com).

• Sarayu Aarti Viewing: Experience the nightly ritual at Ram Ghat (free, 6:30 PM).

• Heritage Walk in Old Ayodhya: Explore temples and lanes (₹800–₹1,500 via Ayodhya Heritage Walks).

• Awadhi Culinary Workshop: Learn kebabs and biryani at Hotel Saket (₹1,000–₹2,000).

• Ram Lila Performance: Watch live Ramayana enactments during festivals (free, October).

• Tips: Book through Uttar Pradesh Tourism or Viator. Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Respect temple customs.

• Festivals: Celebrate Ram Navami (March–April) or Diwali for temple festivities and Sarayu illuminations.

• Cuisine: Savor Awadhi dishes, such as biryani, kebabs, and peda, at local eateries.

• Ramayana Performances: Enjoy Ram Lila shows at Ram Ghat or temple grounds during festivals.

• Chikankari Workshops: Learn Awadhi embroidery at local shops in Naya Ghat.

• Tips: Dress modestly for temples; book cultural events during festivals for a vibrant experience.

To enjoy Ayodhya, plan your trip with care.

This is what all passengers need to know.

Best Time to Visit

• Visit from October to March, when the weather is favorable (15°C-30°C).

• These months feature special occasions, such as Ram Navami.

• During April to June, it is too hot (up to 45 °C).

• Avoid July to September due to rain and potential flooding.

How to Reach

• Air: Fly into Ayodhya International Airport, located just 8 km away.

• Train: Commute with the help of Ayodhya Junction, which has connections with Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow.

• By Road: From Lucknow (130 km) or Varanasi (200 km), it can be reached along NH 27.

Getting Around

• Short-distance journeys can be taken by auto-rickshaws (₹50-100) or cycle rickshaws (₹20-50).

• Take cabs on Ola or Uber applications for distances longer than short distances.

• Rent a scooter for ₹400/day if you prefer to move freely.

Travel Tips

• Carry cash to visit shops, temples, and gelato boats.

• Drink bottled water and avoid consuming raw food.

• Shower respect in temples (wear or cover clothes that cover the knees and shoulders).

• Apply sunscreen, wear hats, and sunglasses when required.

• Watch out for touts, and book activities with Driverindiaprivatetour.com.

Show your respect for culture and make your visit enjoyable.

It is always better to take the streets out before visiting temples.

Cover the head in places of worship.

Do not take up photographs of prayer without permission.

Keep away the idols or sacred objects.

Women must not risk going to remote neighborhoods at night and move in crowds.

Keep to the crowded places and employ certified tour guides.

Ayodhya is safe, but it gets crowded during festivals, so stay alert.

Your trip doesn’t end in Ayodhya.

Visit these regions’ attractions and complete the trip.

Varanasi (200 km): Do a walking tour of the ghats of the Ganga, witness Ganga Aarti, and visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Lucknow (130 km): Visit Bara Imambara, do shopping in Hazratganj, and try the luxurious Awadhi cuisine.

Prayagraj (150 km): It is one of the places where three rivers meet, and where one can see the Kumbh Mela.

All these destinations are closely tied to India’s spiritual and cultural origins.

A personal tour combination allows for a convenient visit.

Ayodhya is more than a city—it is a spiritual feeling.

It provides serene mornings, sun-shiny evenings, whispering foodstuff, and sacred moments.

Tread on the land of Lord Rama and let your mind get veiled with the ancient soul of India.

Include Ayodhya in your Golden Triangle tour and don’t miss the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

Make your adventure relaxing and fun-filled.

Book everything safely and efficiently with Driverindiaprivatetour.com.

They provide personal vehicles, local drivers, and customized tour programs exclusively for you.

Enjoy a beautiful, holy, and unforgettable time in Ayodhya with Driverindiaprivatetour.com.