Ayodhya Travel Guide

"Birthplace of Lord Ram"

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Ayodhya Tourism

Ayodhya has been transformed in just the past few years, from a quiet district town into one of India's most significant living pilgrimage sites. The Ram Mandir, consecrated in January 2024 on the banks of the Sarayu River, rises across three storeys and 392 pillars in Nagara-style architecture, its 70-acre complex linked by the new Ram Path corridor to the older, equally revered Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan temples. The riverfront along the Sarayu Ghats has been rebuilt to match the moment, and a new railway terminal and international airport now bring pilgrims from across the country and beyond. Ayodhya today feels like a city still catching up with the scale of its own significance.

One of the most anticipated events in Ayodhya is the Ayodhya Deepotsav, a grand festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Started in 2017, the festival is celebrated around Diwali. During this festival, the entire city is illuminated with millions of earthen lamps, breaking the Guinness World Record with over 22.23 lakh diyas lit up on Ram ki Paidi. Additionally, Ayodhya is esteemed in Jainism, as it marks the birthplace of four of the religion's 24 Tirthankaras. Pilgrims and tourists flock to this ancient city to pay homage to Lord Rama and explore the myriad temples, shrines, ghats, and historical sites that dot its landscape.

Must Know Before You Travel to Ayodhya

  • Attraction Closure: Certain temples or sites may be closed on religious holidays or specific days. Verify schedules to avoid disappointment.
  • Pre-Booking Activities: Advance booking may be necessary for guided tours or specific religious ceremonies. Plan ahead for a seamless experience.
  • Dress Codes: Respect local customs; some temples may enforce dress codes or restrict entry based on gender or religious observance.
  • Festivals: Plan around major festivals like Ram Navami for a culturally enriching experience.
  • Parking: Parking in Ayodhya can be limited near popular sites. Use designated parking areas and arrive early during peak times.
  • Recommended Stay: For a comprehensive experience, consider staying near the Ram Janmabhoomi area, where major attractions and dining options are centrally located.

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Dispute of Ramjanmabhoomi Temple

The biggest centre of attraction of Ayodhya is the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Believed to be the birthplace of 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ram, this area came under a religious dispute between the Hindus and the Muslims.

It is believed that there was a temple here which was demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1528 AD, who built a mosque here. The mosque is said to have been taken down by the Hindus in 1922, killing 2000 civilians. However, some claims also suggest the Masjid's location here before its official record as a Hindu religious site.

With multiple sessions of official back and forth surrounding this dispute in court, this region was once a place of both Hindu and Muslim worship until 1949. The prolonged disagreement between the two parties resulted in the 2019 judicial verdict that ensured 1/6th and 1/3rd of the disputed land were given to the Hindus and the Muslims respectively.

As of the 5th of February, 2020, the Indian Government established the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, an official temple trust on the Ram Janmabhoomi after marking 5 acres at a different site under the management of the Sunni Waqf Board to build the mosque. 

History of Ayodhya

Ayodhya is best known for being the city of Hindu mythological epic Ramayana. As per legends, Saint Manu, the initiator of mankind founded the city and gave it to the Ikshvaku clan to rule. Being the capital city of Kosala, Ayodhya was then ruled by King Dasaratha, a descendant of Ikshvaku. It is, however, interesting to note that historians have interpreted Ayodhya's existence, as per Ramayana, as an urban centre consisting of buildings and palaces. But, the excavations at present-day Ayodhya indicate that it had a primitive life. This has led to the conclusion that the city of Ayodhya in Ramayana was a fictional one.

A local tradition states that Ayodhya became desolate after Lord Rama's ascent to heaven and was later revived by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, in 50 BCE. The great Kalidasa, however, mentions in Raghuvamsa that Lord Rama’s son Kusa was the one who led Ayodhya’s revival.

Several legends like Brahmanda Purana and Garuda Purana mention Ayodhya as one of the "most sacred and foremost cities" and "one of the holiest places for Hindus in India", respectively. The Jain tradition states that 5 Tirthankaras- Rishabhanatha (first), Ajitanatha (second), Abhinandananatha (fourth), Sumatinatha (fifth) and Anantanatha (fourteenth) were born in Ayodhya.

Restaurants and Local Food in Ayodhya

Options for food in Ayodhya can be quite limited since only vegetarian is available, the town being a major religious centre. There aren't many fancy dining places in Ayodhya as well.

The handful of local restaurants and Dhabas here offer Punjabi, North-Indian and Chinese cuisines. The state is known for the colour and flavours of its Chaat, which includes Aloo Tikki, Pani Puri, Kachori, Papri Chaat, Samosa and more.
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Best Time to Visit Ayodhya

FAQs on Ayodhya

What are the places near Ayodhya?

The top places near to Ayodhya are Shravasti which is 80 km from Ayodhya, Lucknow which is located 124 km from Ayodhya, Varanasi which is located 181 km from Ayodhya, Allahabad which is located 155 km from Ayodhya, Agra which is located 417 km from Ayodhya

What are the things to do in Ayodhya?

The top things to do in Ayodhya are Ram Janmabhoomi, Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya, Gulab Bari, Treta Ke Thakur. You can see all the places to visit in Ayodhya here

What is the best way to reach Ayodhya?

There are not many direct routes connecting Ayodhya to most places but once you are in the state of Uttar Pradesh, connectivity becomes much easier. There is no airport in Ayodhya but there is a railway station. Regular buses are also available from other cities to Ayodhya.
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What is the local food in Ayodhya?

Options for food in Ayodhya can be quite limited since only vegetarian is available, the town being a major religious centre. There aren't many fancy dining places in Ayodhya as well.

The handful of local restaurants and Dhabas here offer Punjabi, North-Indian and Chinese cuisines. The state is known for the colour and flavours of its Chaat, which includes Aloo Tikki, Pani Puri, Kachori, Papri Chaat, Samosa and more.
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What is the best time to visit Ayodhya?

Weather is mostly pleasant in Ayodhya, all throughout the year. There are occasional heat waves and cold breeze during the peak of summer and winter seasons. The best time to visit although is between October to December, both for its weather and the festivities.
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Who should visit Ayodhya?

Ayodhya is meant for elderly people. This place is for people who are intending to go on a religious trip and not a vacation

What is not so good about Ayodhya?

The place is meant for a religious tour and not a relaxing vacation. It can be hot and dry a major part of the year.
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