Janmabhoomi of Bhagwan Shri Ram
Visit
Ayodhya
Step into the eternal city where Dharma was born, where Maryada Purushottam walked, and where every stone breathes the name of Ram.
The Eternal City
Ayodhya β
Where Heaven Meets Earth
Ayodhya, one of the Sapta Puri (seven sacred cities of Hinduism), is the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram β the seventh avatar of Vishnu and the embodiment of dharma, righteousness, and ideal conduct. Situated on the banks of the holy Saryu (Ghaghara) river in Uttar Pradesh, this city has been a centre of Hindu civilisation for millennia.
The Valmiki Ramayana describes Ayodhya as a magnificent city of incomparable splendour β broad avenues, grand palaces, and the virtuous rule of the Ikshvaku dynasty. To walk these streets today is to walk in the footprints of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman ji.
"RΔmo vigrahavΔn dharmaαΈ₯ sΔdhus satya-parΔkramaαΈ₯"
β Valmiki Ramayana Β· Aranya KandaWith the consecration of the magnificent Shri Ram Mandir in January 2024, Ayodhya has entered a new era of pilgrimage, inviting devotees from across Bharat and the world to witness the fulfilment of a civilisational dream. This is not merely a travel destination β it is a sacred journey of the soul.
On the banks of the holy Saryu River
Direct trains from major Indian cities
Basic English at major sites
Premium βΉ5,000+
7+ days for deep spiritual immersion
Divya Dhams
Sacred Temples
of Ayodhya
Ayodhya holds over 100 ancient temples. Each is a living monument to the Ramayana's eternal characters. Here are the essential sites every pilgrim must visit.
Sacred Calendar Β· Year-Round Guide
When to Visit
Ayodhya
Ayodhya is a year-round pilgrimage destination, with the Hindu calendar transforming each month into a celebration of Dharma. Here is your complete seasonal guide.
Crowds: Very High
Kartik Snan Β· Crowds: Massive
Crowds: Moderate
Crowds: Very High
Crowds: High
Chaitra Navratri Β· Crowds: Massive
Crowds: Low β peaceful darshan
Crowds: Very Low β serene
Crowds: Low β peaceful
Nag Panchami Β· Crowds: Moderate
Pitru Paksha Β· Crowds: Moderate
Millions of diyas on Saryu
Best Overall Time to Visit
October to February is the ideal window β mild temperatures, major festivals, and the holy Kartik month when bathing in Saryu is supremely meritorious. Ram Navami (MarchβApril) offers the most spiritually charged atmosphere of the year. Deepotsav β Ayodhya's grand Diwali celebration β is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle with lakhs of earthen lamps lighting up the Saryu ghats, visible from space.
Utsav & Parva
Major Festivals
of Ayodhya
Every festival in Ayodhya is a chapter of the Ramayana lived again. These are the events that transform the city into a living scripture.
Pavitra Saryu Teeray
Sacred Ghats of
the Holy Saryu
The Saryu river is the very soul of Ayodhya. The Valmiki Ramayana describes it as flowing from the mind of Brahma himself. To bathe in its waters β especially during Kartik month β is said to liberate the soul from the cycle of rebirth.
π The Saryu Aarti β Don't Miss This
Every evening at sunset, Ram ki Paidi comes alive with the Saryu Aarti β a ceremonious offering of fire, flower, and chant to the holy river. Priests perform synchronised aarti with large lamps while devotees release flower-diyas into the current. The river shimmers with golden flames as the chant of "Jai Saryu Maiya ki Jai" fills the air. This is a must-experience moment of every Ayodhya visit.
Yatri Margdarshan
Pilgrim's Complete
Travel Guide
- Wear modest traditional Indian attire β kurta-pyjama, dhoti, saree, or salwar kameez
- Remove shoes before entering all temple premises
- Avoid leather items (belts, bags) in temple zones out of respect
- Maintain silence in the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha)
- Photography inside the main sanctum is prohibited at most temples
- Women should cover their head in temple premises with a dupatta
- Saffron and white are the most spiritually appropriate colours
- Ram Janmabhoomi: Opens 7 AM Β· Last entry 10:30 PM (closes 11 PM)
- Hanuman Garhi: 5 AM β 10 PM Β· Mangala aarti at 5 AM is very special
- Kanak Bhawan: 8 AM β 12 PM and 4 PM β 9 PM
- Best darshan time: Early morning 5β7 AM for shortest queues
- Avoid weekends and full-moon days for easy darshan
- Ram Navami and Deepotsav: Expect 6β12 hour queues β arrive the night before
- Book Darshan Slots via official UP government website when available
- Ayodhya is strictly vegetarian β no meat, eggs, or alcohol anywhere in the city
- Try the famous Peda and Khurchan (milk sweets) at century-old halwai shops
- Laddoos and Panchamrit from Ram Janmabhoomi as prasad
- Temple rasois often serve free langar (community meals) to pilgrims
- Thali meals at dharamshalas are wholesome and affordable (βΉ30ββΉ80)
- Carry water and light snacks for long queue days
- Kachori, jalebi, and chaat near the ghats are beloved local specialities
- Dharamshalas near Ram Janmabhoomi for budget pilgrims (βΉ100ββΉ500/night)
- Ramayani Guest Houses: mid-range, traditional dΓ©cor, close to temples
- Hotel Saket, Hotel Ram International: budgetβmid options in city centre
- Several luxury properties opened after the 2024 temple consecration
- Book far in advance for Ram Navami and Deepotsav β 6 months ahead minimum
- Lucknow (130 km) is an alternative base with greater accommodation variety
- E-rickshaws are the primary local transport β affordable and eco-friendly
- The city is compact β many temples within comfortable walking distance
- Shared autos run between major temple zones at low fares
- Hire a local guide (panda) for βΉ500ββΉ1,000/day β invaluable for context
- Guptar Ghat requires an auto or taxi (12 km from city centre)
- During festivals, roads close β plan to walk or arrive very early
- State buses connect Lucknow, Faizabad, and Varanasi frequently
- Begin your yatra with a holy dip in the Saryu β purification before darshan
- Chant "Jai Shri Ram" or "Ram Ram" as you walk through the city's lanes
- Parikrama (circumambulation) of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex is sacred
- The Panch Kosi Parikrama (14 km circumambulation of Ayodhya) is supremely meritorious
- Respect queues and the devotional experience of fellow pilgrims around you
- Offer Tulsi (holy basil) and real flowers β not synthetic garlands
- Engaging a learned pujari for personal puja is deeply fulfilling
πΆ Panch Kosi Parikrama
The sacred 14 km (5 Kos) circumambulation of Ayodhya is one of the highest meritorious acts a pilgrim can perform. Done on foot β preferably barefoot β it covers all the outer boundaries of the ancient city. The full circuit takes 6β8 hours and passes through 14 major shrines. Traditionally performed on Ram Navami, Deepawali, and other major festivals.
πΏ Chaturvedi Parikrama
The inner sacred circuit covering the four Vedic corners of Ayodhya β approximately 4 km. Ideal for older pilgrims or those with limited time. It connects Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and Dashrath Mahal β the four cardinal pillars of Ram's life story as it unfolded in this eternal city.