Ayodhya — overview
Ayodhya is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism and the birthplace of Ram — the central figure of the Ramayana and one of the most widely worshipped deities in India. The city has been a pilgrimage centre for over two millennia and contains hundreds of temples.
Places to visit in Ayodhya
Ram Mandir
The temple built on the site traditionally identified as the birthplace of Lord Ram. The temple is built in the Nagara architectural style in pink sandstone from Rajasthan.
Timing: Open daily, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Hanuman Garhi
A hilltop temple dedicated to Hanuman, considered the guardian deity of Ayodhya, built in the 18th century. The temple is reached by a staircase of 76 steps.
Timing: Open daily, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Kanak Bhawan
A temple dedicated to Ram and Sita, built in its current form in 1891 by the Queen of Orchha. Known for its ornate interior and the golden crowns (kanak = gold) on the deities.
Timing: Open daily, 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Ram ki Paidi (Sarayu Ghats)
The main riverfront ghat on the Sarayu river, the primary bathing and ritual site for pilgrims in Ayodhya. Evening aarti takes place at the ghats daily at sunset.
Timing: Evening aarti – daily at sunset
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Nageshwarnath Temple
One of the oldest temples in Ayodhya, dedicated to Shiva, believed to have been established by Kush — the son of Ram. One of the few ancient temples in Ayodhya with a documented pre-medieval history.
Timing: Open daily, 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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How to get around Ayodhya
Metro in Ayodhya
Metro is not available in Ayodhya.
Local buses in Ayodhya
Local buses are not practical in Ayodhya. City buses run across the city but routes are difficult to navigate without local knowledge.
Ride-hailing apps in Ayodhya
Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber are partially practical and operate with limited availability in Ayodhya. Select the vehicle type and book through the app; fares are shown upfront before confirmation. Drivers may call to confirm the pickup point. Before getting in, verify the vehicle number and OTP shown in the app. Payment can be made by card through the app or in cash directly to the driver at the end of the trip.
Street hailed auto rickshaw in Ayodhya
Street hailed auto-rickshaw is practical in Ayodhya for short distances (5-10 km) or when apps are unavailable. Tell or show the auto driver your destination — they can refuse, in which case move to the next one. Agree on the fare (approx. ₹20—₹30 per km) before you get in. Know the distance to your destination via maps before negotiating.
Fairs and Festivals in Ayodhya
Ram Navami in Ayodhya
The birthday of Lord Ram — Ayodhya's most significant festival, observed at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and all major temples with processions, temple illuminations, and continuous bhajan and kirtan.
2026 Dates:
Diwali in Ayodhya
Ayodhya's Diwali is the country's most elaborately staged Diwali celebration. The ghats and the city are illuminated from dusk. A laser show and cultural performances run at the riverfront.
2026 Dates:
What food is Ayodhya known for
Ayodhya's food is sattvic (pure vegetarian, no onion or garlic in many preparations) — shaped by the temple town tradition and the Vaishnava religious practice. The food is simple, generous, and closely tied to the ritual economy of the city's temples.
Local food to eat in Ayodhya
Puri sabzi · Khasta kachori · Malpua · Aloo tikki · Jalebi · Rabdi · Kheer · Sattu paratha
Food streets in Ayodhya
• Naya Ghat area — morning street food, puri sabzi, kachori, sweets
• Hanuman Garhi area — local dhabas, chaat, snacks
How to reach Ayodhya
Ayodhya is connected by road, rail and has an airport. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.
Ayodhya — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Stations: Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY) | Ayodhya Cantt (ACN)
Airport: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya (AYJ)
Bus Terminals: Ayodhya Dham Bus Stand | Faizabad Bus Stand
By Train
Search "Ayodhya" as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY) is the main station. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo, Air India Express, Alliance Air, and Akasa Air — these cover all domestic network from Ayodhya.
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (UPSRTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.