Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. Steeped in history, mythology, and spirituality, the city offers a unique blend of divine temples, serene ghats, and historical landmarks. Whether you are a devotee, history enthusiast, or traveller, exploring the sacred places in Ayodhya is a spiritually enriching experience.
From the grandeur of Ram Mandir to the serenity of Gulab Bari, Ayodhya has something for every traveller. This guide highlights the most significant Ayodhya attractions, ensuring you don’t miss any of the Ayodhya sightseeing places during your visit.
Ayodhya holds a central place in Hinduism as the birthplace of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ayodhya is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Ramayana, Vishnu Purana, and Skanda Purana. The city is revered as the divine kingdom of Lord Ram and a land of spiritual enlightenment.
Ayodhya holds immense religious significance as the birthplace of Lord Ram. This revered location attracts lakhs of devotees who come to seek divine blessings and immerse themselves in the city’s spiritual aura. Another crucial element of Ayodhya’s religious importance is the Sarayu River, which is frequently mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in its holy waters grants spiritual liberation, washing away sins and bringing them closer to moksha or salvation.
Beyond Hinduism, Ayodhya is also significant in Jainism, as it is the birthplace of five Tirthankaras, including Adinath (Rishabhdev), the first Tirthankara. Jain pilgrims visit Ayodhya to pay their respects at the temples dedicated to these revered spiritual figures. The city’s religious vibrancy is further amplified during major festivals like Ram Navami, Diwali, and Sharad Purnima, which are celebrated with grand processions, devotional music, and deep-rooted traditions. These occasions attract thousands of devotees from across the world, adding to Ayodhya’s spiritual appeal.
Additionally, Ayodhya holds a place of reverence in Sikhism, as Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith, visited the city during his travels. He paid homage at various sacred sites, emphasizing Ayodhya’s deep-rooted spiritual energy that transcends religious boundaries. Today, the city continues to be a place of devotion, cultural heritage, and historical significance for pilgrims of multiple faiths.
The ancient city of Ayodhya offers a spiritual journey through its revered temples, sacred ghats, and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination.
The Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, was inaugurated on January 22, 2024. The temple complex spans 70 acres (28 hectares), while the main temple covers 2.7 acres (1.1 hectares).
With its towering shikhara, unique octagonal garbhagriha, and intricately carved pillars, the temple reflects the grandeur of Hindu architecture. It has become a major Ayodhya tourist place, drawing lakhs of devotees every year.
Located approximately 1 km from Ayodhya railway station, Hanuman Garhi is a 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is customary for devotees to visit this temple before proceeding to the Ram Temple.
Situated in Tulsi Nagar, Kanak Bhawan is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. The temple houses beautifully adorned idols of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, making it a must-visit Ayodhya tourist spot.
Believed to have been established by Kush, the son of Lord Ram, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees visit it for its mythological significance and grand celebrations during Mahashivratri.
These are a series of beautifully constructed ghats along the Sarayu River, where pilgrims perform ritual bathing. The evening Aarti held here is a mesmerizing experience.
Ayodhya offers a delightful culinary experience with traditional dishes like Bedai Poori, Aloo Sabzi, and Makhan Malai. These delicacies reflect the city’s rich heritage and are must-try treats for visitors.
For shopping enthusiasts, the city boasts vibrant markets such as Hanuman Garhi Market and Ram Bazaar. These marketplaces offer a variety of religious artifacts, handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional sweets, making them perfect spots to explore and collect mementos of your visit.
By Air:
From these airports, travellers can hire taxis, cabs, or buses to reach Ayodhya conveniently.
By Train:
By Road:
Ayodhya is well connected via national highways (NH 27, NH 330, and NH 31), making it accessible by private vehicles and rental cabs.
The best time to visit Ayodhya is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for exploring Ayodhya tourist places, visiting temples, and participating in religious activities.
This period also coincides with major Hindu festivals like Diwali, Ram Navami, and Sharad Purnima, when the city is beautifully decorated with lights, processions, and devotional music, creating an enchanting atmosphere. However, it is advisable to avoid the peak summer months from April to June, as the temperatures can be extremely high, making outdoor activities challenging.
With the increasing number of pilgrims and tourists visiting Ayodhya, the city offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Ayodhya offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget stays and spiritual retreats. Ramada by Wyndham Ayodhya, The Ramprastha Hotel, and Royal Heritage Hotel provide premium stays with modern amenities and easy access to Ram Mandir. Mid-range options like Hotel Krinoscco, and Hotel Panchsheel cater to budget-conscious travellers while ensuring comfort. For a spiritual experience, Hanuman Bagh Dharamshala, Shri Ram Janaki Dharamshala, and Bharat Seva Ashram offer simple, peaceful stays for pilgrims. Whether you’re looking for comfort, affordability, or a devotional retreat, Ayodhya has a place for every traveller.
During peak religious events like Ram Navami and Diwali, Ayodhya witnesses an influx of lakhs of devotees. To accommodate them, temporary tent cities and lodging facilities are set up near the pilgrimage sites.
Whether you’re visiting Ayodhya for a spiritual retreat, pilgrimage, or cultural exploration, the city offers diverse accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs.
While Ayodhya is a deeply revered pilgrimage site, the surrounding region also boasts several sacred destinations that add to the spiritual experience. These sites, rich in mythology, history, and devotion, make for excellent additions to an Ayodhya trip.
Located on the banks of the Gomti River, Naimisharanya is a revered pilgrimage site where sages conducted Yagnas and Ved Vyasa composed Hindu scriptures. According to legend, Lord Vishnu’s Chakra touched this land, making it an eternal seat of knowledge. Key attractions include Chakra Tirtha, a sacred pond linked to Vishnu’s discus, Vyasa Gaddi, where Ved Vyasa is said to have composed the Mahabharata, and Lalita Devi Temple, a Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Lalita Devi, drawing devotees seeking divine blessings.
Mentioned in the Ramayana, Shringverpur is where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman crossed the Ganga River during their exile. It was the kingdom of Nishadraj Guha, a devoted tribal king who assisted Lord Ram on his journey. The main attractions include Ram Ghat, believed to be the site where Lord Ram stayed before crossing the river, and Nishadraj Temple, dedicated to the Nishad King who played a key role in Ram’s exile.
Formerly known as Allahabad, Prayagraj is one of the holiest cities in India, home to the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati Rivers. It hosts the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, every 12 years. Major attractions include Triveni Sangam, where devotees take ritual baths for spiritual purification, Allahabad Fort, a Mughal structure built by Akbar, housing the revered Akshayavat (Immortal Banyan Tree), and Anand Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Nehru family, now a museum.
Also known as Kashi, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and a prominent Hindu pilgrimage center. According to belief, Lord Shiva himself founded the city, and a dip in the Ganga River here is said to purify the soul. Key sites include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, Dashashwamedh Ghat, famous for its grand Ganga Aarti, and Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.
Chitrakoot is where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman spent a significant portion of their exile. Known as the place of divine light, it is a site of immense spiritual energy and scenic beauty. Ram Ghat, located on the Mandakini River, is believed to be the spot where Lord Ram and Sita bathed. Kamadgiri Hill is the central divine point of Chitrakoot, where pilgrims perform parikrama (circumambulation).
Situated in Tulsipur, Devipatan Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Durga. According to legend, the right hip of Goddess Sati fell here, making it a significant pilgrimage site. The main attraction is the Shakti Peeth Temple, a revered site for Durga devotees, along with the Annual Navratri Fair, which draws thousands of pilgrims during Navratri celebrations.
Located in Bihar, Sitamarhi is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, making it a revered pilgrimage destination for Hindus. The main attractions include the Janaki Temple, dedicated to Goddess Sita, marking the spot of her birth, and Haleshwar Nath Temple, associated with Lord Shiva, believed to have been established by King Janak.
Before concluding your spiritual journey in Ayodhya, consider extending your trip to these nearby sacred destinations. Each of these places carries deep religious significance, offering pilgrims and travelers an opportunity to further immerse themselves in devotion, mythology, and history.
Ayodhya is a spiritual treasure trove filled with ancient temples, sacred ghats, and historical monuments. Whether you’re seeking divine blessings, exploring historical sites, or immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage, Ayodhya offers an unforgettable experience.
Make your pilgrimage hassle-free with SOTC’s expertly curated Ayodhya tour packages. From comfortable accommodations to guided spiritual experiences, we take care of everything so you can focus on your divine journey. Book your SOTC Ayodhya package today and embark on a truly enriching experience!
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