Things to Do in Ayodhya
Ayodhya, the ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, India, holds a special place in the hearts of many due to its rich historical and religious significance. As the birthplace of Lord Rama, this city is a pilgrimage site for many and a treasure trove of cultural heritage. Whether you’re visiting for its religious allure or exploring its historic charm, here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of your visit to Ayodhya.
Also Read: Ayodhya Ram Mandir – History, Timings, How to Reach
Best Things to Do in Ayodhya
- Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex: A significant religious site, the Ram Janmabhoomi is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The ongoing construction of the Ram Temple adds to its historical importance.
- Explore Hanuman Garhi: A popular temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this site offers panoramic views of Ayodhya from its elevated position.
- Discover the Kanak Bhawan: An exquisite temple known for its beautiful architecture and the idols of Lord Rama and Sita.
- Wander Through Saryu River: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the riverbanks or take a boat ride to experience the serenity and spirituality of the Saryu River.
- Visit the Treta Ke Thakur Temple: A historic temple dedicated to Lord Rama, it is an important site for devotees and offers a glimpse into the past.
Things to Do in Ayodhya in 2 Days
Day 1:
- Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex. Spend a few hours exploring the site and learning about its significance.
- Afternoon: Head to Hanuman Garhi. Enjoy the temple’s spiritual atmosphere and the stunning views of Ayodhya from the top.
- Evening: Take a relaxing walk along the Saryu River. You can also witness the evening aarti, which is a serene and captivating experience.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the Kanak Bhawan. Admire the intricate architecture and the divine idols of Lord Rama and Sita.
- Afternoon: Explore the Treta Ke Thakur Temple and spend some time absorbing the history and spiritual ambiance of the place.
- Evening: If time permits, explore the local markets for souvenirs and enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
Things to Do in Ayodhya in 3 Days
Day 1:
- Morning: Start with a visit to the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex.
- Afternoon: Head to Hanuman Garhi and then explore the nearby temples such as the Kanak Bhawan.
- Evening: Enjoy a boat ride or a stroll along the Saryu River.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the Treta Ke Thakur Temple and the nearby temples.
- Afternoon: Explore the Ayodhya Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
- Evening: Attend the evening aarti at the Saryu River and explore the local market for some souvenirs.
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit the Bharat Mandir and the Sugriv Teela.
- Afternoon: Spend time exploring the smaller temples and ashrams in the city.
- Evening: Relax and reflect on your trip at one of the local parks or cafes.
List of Top 10 Things to Do in Ayodhya
- Ram Janmabhoomi Complex: The epicenter of Ayodhya’s religious significance.
- Hanuman Garhi: A prominent temple with great views.
- Kanak Bhawan: A temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita.
- Saryu River: Ideal for boat rides and evening aartis.
- Treta Ke Thakur Temple: A historic site with significant religious value.
- Ayodhya Museum: A place to understand the historical context of the city.
- Bharat Mandir: Dedicated to Bharat, Lord Rama’s brother.
- Sugriv Teela: A historical site linked to the Ramayana.
- Choti Chungi: Known for its ancient temple and historical significance.
- Raja Mandir: A historic temple with unique architecture.
Things to Do in Ayodhya at Night
- Attend the Evening Aarti at Saryu River: The aarti is a spiritual experience that captivates visitors with its religious fervor and serene environment.
- Stroll Along the Riverbanks: The cool evening breeze and peaceful surroundings make it a pleasant time for a walk.
- Explore Local Markets: The markets are less crowded in the evening, allowing you to shop for souvenirs and local delicacies in a more relaxed setting.
Things to Do in Ayodhya for Couples
- Romantic Walk Along the Saryu River: Enjoy a peaceful and scenic walk by the river, perfect for couples seeking a serene experience.
- Visit Hanuman Garhi: The elevated position offers breathtaking views, making it a great spot for couples to enjoy the sunset together.
- Relax at Local Cafes: Spend some quality time at local cafes, enjoying traditional dishes and each other’s company.
- Explore Temples Together: Visiting temples like Kanak Bhawan and Treta Ke Thakur can be a meaningful and shared spiritual experience.
Things to Do in Ayodhya Early Morning
- Watch the Sunrise by the Saryu River: Early mornings offer a tranquil view of the sunrise over the river, creating a serene start to your day.
- Visit Ram Janmabhoomi Complex: Early mornings are less crowded, allowing for a peaceful visit to this significant site.
- Explore Local Temples: Temples are quieter in the early morning, making it an ideal time to explore and absorb their spiritual ambiance.
- Morning Boat Ride on Saryu River: Experience the calm waters and early morning tranquility.
Things to Do in Ayodhya with Family
- Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex: A significant site for all ages, offering historical and religious insight.
- Explore Hanuman Garhi: The views and the temple’s atmosphere make it a family-friendly destination.
- Enjoy a Boat Ride on Saryu River: A relaxing and enjoyable activity for families to bond.
- Visit Ayodhya Museum: Educational and informative, providing insights into the history and culture of Ayodhya.
Unique Things to Do in Ayodhya
- Participate in Local Festivals: If your visit coincides with festivals like Ram Navami or Deepawali, experiencing these local celebrations can be unique and memorable.
- Explore Lesser-Known Temples: Temples like Choti Chungi and Raja Mandir offer a different perspective on Ayodhya’s religious landscape.
- Visit Ancient Stepwells: Discovering ancient stepwells such as the Ram Kund provides a unique glimpse into historical water management systems.
- Engage in Spiritual Practices: Participate in local spiritual practices or meditation sessions held in various ashrams around Ayodhya.
Ayodhya is a city rich in history, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, this guide should help you make the most of your time in this revered city. Enjoy your visit to Ayodhya and immerse yourself in its timeless charm and spiritual ambiance.
How to Reach Ayodhya
Ayodhya, a city of great historical and religious significance in Uttar Pradesh, India, is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Whether you prefer traveling by air, train, or bus, reaching Ayodhya is quite convenient. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get to Ayodhya by each mode of transport:
By Air
1. Nearest Airport: Faizabad Airport (IXD)
- Distance from Ayodhya: Approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles)
- Details: Faizabad Airport is the closest airport to Ayodhya, but it has limited flights. You may need to check the availability of flights as it serves fewer routes.
- Alternative Airports:
- Lucknow Airport (LKO): Approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles) from Ayodhya.
- Varanasi Airport (VNS): Around 200 kilometers (124 miles) away from Ayodhya.
2. Transportation from the Airport:
- From Faizabad Airport: You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw directly to Ayodhya.
- From Lucknow or Varanasi Airports: Opt for train or bus services from these cities to Ayodhya. Both airports have well-connected train and bus services to Ayodhya.
By Train
1. Major Railway Station: Ayodhya Junction (AY)
- Details: Ayodhya Junction is the primary railway station in the city, connecting it to major cities in India.
- Connectivity: The station is well-connected with trains from major cities such as Lucknow, Delhi, Varanasi, and Kolkata.
2. Popular Train Routes:
- From Delhi: Trains like the Satyagrah Express and other express trains connect Delhi to Ayodhya.
- From Lucknow: Trains such as the Lucknow-Ayodhya Passenger train are available.
- From Varanasi: Several trains run from Varanasi to Ayodhya, making it easy to reach the city from this major pilgrimage center.
3. Booking Tickets:
- Online: Tickets can be booked via the IRCTC website or mobile app.
- At the Station: Tickets are also available at railway station counters.
By Bus
1. Interstate and Local Bus Services:
- State Transport Buses: Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates regular bus services between Ayodhya and major cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Delhi.
- Private Bus Operators: Various private bus operators provide services to Ayodhya from neighboring cities.
2. Major Bus Routes:
- From Lucknow: Multiple buses, including both state and private operators, run from Lucknow to Ayodhya.
- From Delhi: Several private bus operators offer services between Delhi and Ayodhya. The journey might take around 8-10 hours depending on traffic and the bus route.
- From Varanasi: State transport and private buses connect Varanasi to Ayodhya, with travel times usually ranging between 4-6 hours.
- You can easily book bus tickets to Ayodhya on AbhiBus, a popular online bus ticket booking platform. AbhiBus offers a convenient way to book bus tickets to Ayodhya from various cities across India. Hereare some of the most travelled bus routes by people to reach Ayodhya
3. Booking Tickets:
- Online: Bus tickets can be booked through online platforms like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, and others.
- At Bus Stands: Tickets can also be purchased at bus terminals and travel agencies.
Summary
- By Air: Fly into Faizabad Airport for the closest option, or use Lucknow or Varanasi airports for more frequent flights.
- By Train: Ayodhya Junction is well-connected with major cities. Check train schedules and book tickets in advance.
- By Bus: UPSRTC and private operators offer bus services to Ayodhya from various cities. Online and offline booking options are available.
With these travel options, reaching Ayodhya is straightforward, whether you’re arriving by air, train, or bus. Safe travels and enjoy your visit to this historic and spiritual city!
