Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya Travel Guide — Lord Rama's Birthplace on a Budget
Best months
Per-day budget
₹670–1,050/day
Getting there
Ayodhya is a city in Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Saryu River. It is the birthplace of Lord Rama and one of the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism. The new Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (consecrated in 2024) is the most significant attraction — a three-storey sandstone temple built on the site of the earlier Babri Masjid. Ayodhya also has the Hanuman Garhi (a temple dedicated to Hanuman), the Kanak Bhawan (a temple to Ram and Sita), and the Saryu river ghats where pilgrims bathe and perform aarti. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups.
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Why go
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex (70 acres, opened 2024) has the main sanctum with the deity of Ram Lalla. The temple architecture follows the Nagara style with 360 pillars and five mandaps. The Hanuman Garhi is an ancient temple on a hilltop — the first stop for pilgrims. The Kanak Bhawan has gold-plated deities of Ram and Sita. The Saryu Aarti at the Ram ki Paidi ghats is a daily evening ceremony.
Ayodhya is mentioned in the Ramayana as the capital of the Kosala kingdom. The Ramkot area has the remains of old palaces. The Tulsi Smarak Bhavan is a research centre dedicated to Tulsidas, author of Ramcharitmanas. The Guptar Ghat is where Rama is said to have entered the Saryu. The Angad Tila and the Bharat Kund are other pilgrimage spots.
How to reach
Ayodhya has a railway station (Ayodhya Dham Junction) with direct trains from Delhi (8-10 hours), Lucknow (2-3 hours) and Varanasi (4-5 hours). The nearest airport is Ayodhya Airport (8 km) with flights from Delhi. The town is walkable for most attractions.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹500–800 |
| Food (thali) | ₹150–200 |
| Temple entry | ₹0–0 |
| Auto (city) | ₹20–50 |
When to go
October to March is best. November-February is pleasant (10-25°C). Ram Navami (March-April) is the most important festival with huge processions. July-September is monsoon. April-June is hot.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Ram Temple
Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex. Visit the Hanuman Garhi. Evening at the Saryu ghat for the aarti.
Day 2: Temples and Ghats
Visit Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath Temple and the Tulsi Smarak Bhavan. Walk along the Saryu river ghats. Depart to Lucknow or Varanasi.
Student hacks
- ▸All Ayodhya temples are free to enter.
- ▸Stay near the Ram ki Paidi ghat (₹500-700) — walking distance to the temple.
- ▸Eat at the dhabas near the station — ₹150 for a thali.
- ▸The Saryu Aarti (evening) is free — one of the most spiritual experiences in Ayodhya.
- ▸Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend rush at the Ram Temple.
- ▸Ayodhya is small — most sites are within walking distance or a short auto ride.
Safety & permits
No permit needed. The Ram Temple has security checkpoints — no phones/cameras inside the sanctum. Long queues on weekends and festivals. ATMs available on the main road.
FAQs
How do I reach Ayodhya from Delhi?
Direct train (8-10 hours, sleeper class ₹300-500) or flight (1.5 hours).
What is Ayodhya known for?
Lord Rama's birthplace, the new Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and the Saryu River.
How many days do I need?
2 days — one for the temple complex, one for the other temples and ghats.