Ayodhya Travel Guide — Ram Mandir, Sarayu Ghats & Pilgrimage Guide 2026

Ayodhya is one of the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism — the Sapta Puri — and the birthplace of Lord Ram, the hero of the Ramayana. For over three thousand years, this ancient city on the banks of the Sarayu River has been a site of continuous pilgrimage, worship and devotion. The consecration of the magnificent new Ram Mandir in January 2024 — one of the largest temples ever built in India — has transformed Ayodhya into one of the country's most visited pilgrimage destinations almost overnight. Millions of devotees are expected to visit each year. Beyond the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya has 8,000+ temples within its city limits, 84 ghats on the Sarayu River, and a spiritual atmosphere that is palpable even for non-believers. The Sarayu Aarti at dawn and dusk — modelled on Haridwar's Ganga Aarti — is becoming one of North India's most moving spiritual ceremonies. Ayodhya is currently undergoing massive redevelopment — new roads, ghats, airports and pilgrimage infrastructure — making it more accessible than ever.

Places to Visit in Ayodhya

Ram Mandir (Ram Janmabhoomi)

The newly consecrated Ram Janmabhoomi Temple — built at the site believed to be Lord Ram's birthplace. The pink sandstone Nagara-style temple covers 70 acres. Darshan timings: 7 AM–11 PM. No photography inside. Register at srjbtkshet.in.

Sarayu Ghats & Aarti

84 ghats line the Sarayu River. Ram Ki Paidi is the main ghat complex — steps leading to the sacred river. The evening Sarayu Aarti (6:30 PM) is growing into one of North India's great spiritual spectacles — hundreds of lamps, priests, devotional music.

Hanuman Garhi

A 76-step staircase leading to a hilltop Hanuman temple — one of Ayodhya's most important shrines. The guardian temple of Ayodhya. Massive 6-metre Hanuman idol. Extraordinary views of the city from the top.

Kanak Bhavan & Kanak Bihari Temple

The opulent Kanak Bhavan temple — gifted to Sita by her mother-in-law Kaushalya as a wedding gift, according to tradition. Beautifully decorated temple with golden idols. One of Ayodhya's most beloved shrines.

Experiences & Activities

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  Ram Mandir Darshan: The main purpose of most visits. Darshan 7 AM–11 PM. Arrive before 6 AM for shorter queues — the queues by 9 AM can mean 3–4 hour waits. Advance registration at srjbtkshet.in recommended. Follow dress code (traditional attire preferred).
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  Sarayu Sunrise Ghat Walk: Dawn walk along the Sarayu ghats — priests performing rituals, devotees taking holy dip, boats on the river as the sun rises. The spiritual atmosphere at 5:30 AM is extraordinary and uncrowded. Ram Ki Paidi ghat is the focus.
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  Sarayu Evening Aarti: The 6:30 PM aarti at Ram Ki Paidi ghat — lamps, conch shells, bells and devotional singing. Growing rapidly as a destination in itself, modelled on the Ganga Aarti at Haridwar/Varanasi.
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  Ramayana Circuit: Follow the Ramayana story through Ayodhya's temples — Ram Mandir, Kanak Bhavan (Sita's palace), Mani Parvat (where Hanuman brought Sanjeevani), Dashrath Mahal (Ram's father's palace), Sita Ki Rasoi. A full-day immersive circuit.
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  Sarayu Boat Ride: Early morning rowing boat on the Sarayu River — watching the ghats and temples from the water as the city wakes up. ₹200–300 per boat. Most moving in winter mist or at dawn.

When to Visit Ayodhya

Delhi to Ayodhya Cab Fare (2026)

* One-way from Delhi. Toll, parking & state tax charged at actuals. Call for return / multi-day package rates.

How to Plan Your Ayodhya Trip

Essential Ayodhya Tips

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  Ram Mandir Queue: Queues at Ram Mandir are long (2–5 hours on weekends). The special darshan pass (₹300) allows a shorter queue. Book at the temple website. Arrive before 7 AM for shortest wait.
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  Dress Code: Traditional Indian attire strongly preferred at all temples. Shorts and sleeveless tops are inappropriate. Lockers available outside Ram Mandir for bags/phones.
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  Deepotsav Diwali: If visiting during Diwali, the Ayodhya Deepotsav (government event) lights over 1 million lamps on the ghats — a UNESCO record-holding spectacle. Book accommodation 3–4 months ahead.
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  New Airport: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya opened in 2024 — direct flights from Delhi (1 hr). Check AAI website for current routes.