Ayodhya
Birthplace of Lord Ram
Ram MandirSaryu RiverRamayana TrailDeepotsavAncient Heritage
46
Pages2026 Edition
Birthplace of Lord Ram
Ayodhya
Ayodhya sits on the banks of the Saryu River in Uttar Pradesh, about 135 km from Lucknow. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram and one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri). The city has undergone massive redevelopment since the Ram Mandir consecration in January 2024, with new infrastructure, hotels, and a modern airport.
The essential sights and experiences
The magnificent new temple inaugurated on January 22, 2024, built in Nagara style architecture with pink sandstone. Houses the Ram Lalla idol.
10th-century fortress-temple dedicated to Hanuman, accessed by climbing 76 steps. Houses a powerful idol of Hanuman with baby Ram.
Series of ancient ghats for holy bathing. Ram Ki Paidi, the main ghat, is beautifully renovated with colored fountains.
Ornate temple believed to be a wedding gift to Sita and Ram. The gold-crowned idols and intricate architecture are stunning.
The primary ghat complex with renovated steps, gardens, and a spectacular light-and-sound show in the evenings.
Ancient Shiva temple believed to have been established by Kush, son of Lord Ram. One of the oldest temples in Ayodhya.
Temple marking the spot where Ram performed the Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice). Contains unique black stone idols.
Temple built at the site believed to be the palace of King Dashrath, Ram's father. Beautiful paintings of Ramayana scenes.
Mughal-era rose garden and tomb complex of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. Peaceful gardens with Mughal architecture.
Museum dedicated to poet Tulsidas who wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Houses manuscripts and Ramayana artifacts.
Sacred hillock believed to be a piece of the Sanjeevani mountain carried by Hanuman. Ancient Buddhist stupa remnants.
Newly developed park with Ramayana-themed sculptures, gardens, and walking paths along the riverfront.
When to go and what to expect
Best time. Pleasant weather (20–30°C). Deepotsav and Diwali transform the city into a sea of light. Book months ahead.
Cool and pleasant (8–20°C). Republic Day events. Ram Mandir darshan queues are shorter. Carry warm layers for early mornings.
Warm to hot (25–42°C). Ram Navami (Mar/Apr) is the biggest festival — massive crowds. Very hot by May.
Monsoon season. Hot and humid. The Saryu swells. Fewer visitors. Some festivals continue despite the rain.
Ayodhya — best experienced in October–March
The area surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is the spiritual epicentre of Ayodhya. The magnificent new temple, built in pink sandstone in the Nagara architectural style, rises 161 feet above the sacred site believed to be Lord Ram's exact birthplace. The surrounding complex covers 360 acres with beautifully landscaped gardens, a pilgrim facilitation centre, and walking paths. Kanak Bhawan, Sita Ki Rasoi, and Dashrath Mahal are all within walking distance.
The lanes leading to the temple are lined with shops selling religious items — Ram figurines, rudraksha malas, tulsi beads, and bright orange cloth. Security is tight but well-organized, with designated entry points and queuing systems. The atmosphere is one of deep devotion mixed with the excitement of a city reborn — pilgrims from across India stream through, many visiting for the first time since the temple's inauguration.
Ram Ki Paidi is Ayodhya's main ghat complex on the Saryu River — a grand staircase of stone steps descending to the holy waters where pilgrims bathe to wash away sins. The entire ghat area has been beautifully renovated with colored fountains, LED lighting, and landscaped gardens. In the evening, a spectacular light-and-fountain show transforms the waterfront. During Deepotsav, this is where hundreds of thousands of diyas are lit.
The ghats stretch for several kilometres along the Saryu, each with its own significance. Guptar Ghat, further upstream, is believed to be where Lord Ram ascended to heaven. Boating from Ram Ki Paidi offers beautiful views of the temple skyline and is especially magical at sunset. The area around the ghats is the best place in Ayodhya for street food — vendors sell piping hot kachori, jalebi, and the city's famous pedas.
Faizabad, just 4 km from Ayodhya's temple district, was the first capital of the Nawabs of Awadh before they moved to Lucknow. This twin city preserves a fascinating layer of Mughal and Awadhi heritage that complements Ayodhya's Hindu sacred landscape. The Gulab Bari (Rose Garden) contains the ornate tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula set among fragrant rose gardens. The Bahu Begum Ka Maqbara, with its 43-meter dome, is one of the largest Mughal-era tombs in UP.
Faizabad's Chowk area is a lively market district with excellent Awadhi food — biryani, kebabs, and korma that reflect the Nawabi culinary tradition. The contrast between Ayodhya's vegetarian devotion and Faizabad's Awadhi richness makes for a fascinating cultural juxtaposition within a short auto ride.
Birthplace of Lord Ram