Ayodhya — the birthplace of Lord Ram — has been transformed after the consecration of the grand Ram Mandir in January 2024. Here is your complete travel guide to India's most talked-about pilgrimage destination.
Ayodhya is one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) and the birthplace of Lord Ram. The January 2024 consecration of the Ram Mandir has made it one of India's most-visited destinations. The city is rapidly developing its tourism infrastructure.
Getting There
Lucknow to Ayodhya: 135 km, 2.5 hours — the easiest approach. Bareilly to Ayodhya: 370 km, 6.5 hours. Delhi to Ayodhya: 635 km, 10–11 hours. Faizabad railway station is 7 km from Ram Janmabhoomi.
Ram Mandir & Ram Janmabhoomi
The newly built Ram Mandir is a grand Nagara-style temple in pink sandstone. Darshan timings: 7 AM–11 AM and 2 PM–7 PM. Queues can be very long on weekends and festivals — plan a weekday visit and arrive early.
Other Important Sites
Hanuman Garhi: A 76-step staircase leads to a 10th-century hilltop Hanuman temple. The views over Ayodhya are excellent.
Kanak Bhawan: Beautiful temple where Sita and Ram are depicted as husband and wife — golden crown on both deities. Very atmospheric.
Saryu Ghat: Evening aarti on the Saryu river banks is peaceful and devout — smaller than Haridwar's aarti but deeply personal.
Best Time to Visit
Ram Navami (March–April) is the biggest festival. October–February offers pleasant weather. Avoid Diwali weekend — the entire city is packed for several days.