Why go
Ayodhya is one of India's seven sacred cities and, in the Ramayana, the birthplace of Lord Ram. Most visitors come for the Ram Mandir, consecrated in January 2024, but the town rewards a slower visit: older temples such as Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan, the ghats along the Saryu river, and the evening aarti at the water's edge. Two days is enough if you do not rush.
When to go
October to March is the comfortable season, with mild days and cool evenings. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon months are humid. Big festivals (Ram Navami, Diwali with its Deepotsav, Kartik Purnima) bring huge crowds and full hotels, so go on a weekday outside those dates if you want a calm visit.
Getting there
By air, the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ) opened in December 2023, about 10 km from the Ram Mandir, with flights from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. Schedules change often, so check before you book. Lucknow is the larger alternative, around 130 to 150 km (3 to 4 hours) by road.
By train, Ayodhya Dham Junction is the main station, a few kilometres from the temple. Roads from Lucknow and Varanasi are good, and many people combine Ayodhya with Varanasi in one trip.
Getting around
Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are easy to find, and private cars can be hired for the day. Traffic near the Ram Mandir is controlled, especially on busy days, so expect to walk the last stretch. Wear comfortable shoes you can slip off easily.
Ram Mandir darshan
Entry is free and general darshan needs no pass. Timings are usually from early morning with a break in the afternoon, and they change, so check the temple trust's official site before you go. Mobile phones, bags and cameras are not allowed inside; there are lockers and deposit counters outside. Darshan commonly takes 60 to 75 minutes, longer on weekends. Special aartis need a pass booked in advance. There is no paid "special darshan", so ignore touts who offer one.
2-day plan
- Day 1: Ram Mandir and the old temples. Reach the Ram Mandir early, before the queues build. After darshan, visit Hanuman Garhi (a climb of many steps) and Kanak Bhawan, then rest through the hot afternoon. Finish at the Saryu ghats for the evening aarti.
- Day 2: Ghats and quieter temples. Walk the Saryu ghats in the morning, take a short boat ride if the river is calm, and visit Nageshwarnath and Treta Ke Thakur. Keep the afternoon free for shopping, prasad and the journey home.
Where to stay
Stay near the Ram Mandir and the ghats if you want short walks at dawn, or choose the quieter edges of town for lower prices. Many new hotels have opened, and dharmashalas and guesthouses are still good value. Book early for festival dates, when prices rise sharply.
Food
Ayodhya is a vegetarian town. Try kachori with sabzi and jalebi for breakfast, chaat in the afternoon, a simple thali for lunch and peda or laddoo as prasad. Food stalls cluster near the temples and ghats; pick busy ones.
With parents
The temples involve steps, long queues and uneven ground. Go in the early morning, leave the afternoon free to rest, and ask at the gate about wheelchair or assisted entry for elders. Take it slowly on the Hanuman Garhi climb, and keep water and a snack in your bag, since you cannot take much inside the Ram Mandir.
Good to know
Dress modestly and remove shoes at temples. Carry some cash, as small stalls often do not take cards. Keep valuables to a minimum because phones and bags go into lockers. Confirm darshan timings and any festival closures a day or two before you travel.
Questions people ask
Is there an airport in Ayodhya?
Yes. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ) opened in December 2023 and sits roughly 10 km from the Ram Mandir. Lucknow is the bigger alternative, about 3 to 4 hours away by road.
Do I need a ticket or pass for Ram Mandir darshan?
General darshan is free and needs no pass. Special aartis need a pass booked in advance, and there is no paid special darshan.
Can I take my phone inside the Ram Mandir?
No. Phones, bags and cameras must be left in the lockers outside, so carry only what you need.
How many days do I need in Ayodhya?
Two days is comfortable: one for the Ram Mandir and the old temples, one for the ghats and quieter sites. Add a day if you are travelling with elderly parents.
