Ayodhya Travel Guide: Complete Information for First-Time Visitors

Friends, are you also planning a trip to Ayodhya Dham, the sacred land of Lord Shri Ram?
If yes, then this guide is specially for you.

In this article, I am sharing complete information about Ayodhya. From places to visit, how to reach Ayodhya, where to stay, food options, and some very important tips for Ram Mandir darshan — everything is covered here.

My name is raksha, and welcome to my travel guide.
So let’s start without wasting any time.

Places to Visit in Ayodhya Dham

1. Saryu Ghat (Ram Ki Paidi)

The first place you should visit in Ayodhya is Saryu Ghat, also known as Ram Ki Paidi.
This place is located near Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, which I’ll talk about later in this article.

It is believed that every devotee visiting Ayodhya should first take a holy bath in the Saryu River and only after that visit any temple.
According to beliefs, Lord Shri Ram and his companions bathed here before departing to their divine abode.

• The water here is not deep, so bathing is safe
  

• You will see many devotees taking a holy dip
  

• Changing rooms are available
  
  

👉 Tip: Visit Saryu Ghat twice

• Once in the morning for bathing
  

• Once in the evening for Aarti and light show
  

In the evening, the ghat looks very beautiful with lights and spiritual vibes.

Boating at Saryu River

Near Saryu Ghat, you can also enjoy boating in the river.

• Charges: ₹50–₹100 per person
  

• Duration: 20–25 minutes
  

Morning time is usually crowded for boating, but after afternoon the crowd reduces.

2. Hanuman Garhi

After taking a bath at Saryu Ghat, your next stop should be Hanuman Garhi.

• Distance from Lata Mangeshkar Chowk: approx 2 km
  

• Easily reachable by rickshaw or auto
  
  

It is believed that Lord Hanuman is the protector of Ayodhya, and taking his permission is necessary before visiting Shri Ram.

⚠️ Crowd Information:

• Very crowded on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday
  

• Darshan time can go up to 2–3 hours
  

• On normal weekdays, darshan usually takes 30–40 minutes
  

• Festivals also attract heavy crowds
  

3. Dashrath Mahal

After Hanuman Garhi, you can walk to Dashrath Mahal, as it is at walking distance.

While walking, you can enjoy the divine atmosphere of Ayodhya.

This palace holds great importance because King Dashrath lived here with his family.
Here, you can take darshan of Shri Ram and Mata Janaki.

4. Shri Ram Mandir

From Dashrath Mahal, Ram Mandir is just 300 meters away, and you can easily reach it on foot.

Important Rules Before Visiting Ram Mandir

• Mobile phones are NOT allowed inside
  

• Keep your phone and valuables at your hotel if possible
  

• Crowd can be very heavy, especially on weekends and festivals
  
  

Temple Timings:

• Opens at 7:00 AM
  

• Last entry around 8:00 PM
  

After standing in the queue, you will reach the shoe submission area.
You will get a token, and after that, you can use locker facilities.

👉 Locker Facility (Free):

• Available inside the temple premises
  

• Around 30 locker counters
  

• Completely free and safe
  

• Recommended over outside lockers (which are paid)
  

If the crowd is heavy, locker process can take 30–60 minutes.

Types of Darshan in Ram Mandir

1. Normal Darshan

• Stand in the regular queue
  

• Normal days: 30–40 minutes
  

• Weekends/festivals: 2–3 hours
  

• During special events (like Kumbh): 5–6 hours
  

2. VIP Darshan (Free, Online Booking)

If you have limited time, VIP darshan is a great option.

• Booking is done online only
  

• Free of cost
  

• Booking should be done 15–20 days in advance
  

• Darshan time: 10–15 minutes
  

You just need to show the online booking slip at entry.

3. Wheelchair Facility (For Elderly & Physically Challenged)

• Charge: ₹150
  

• Wheelchair + helper provided
  

• Darshan via VIP line
  

• Helper assists from gate to darshan and back
  
  

After darshan, collect your phone and belongings from the locker and exit the temple.

Food Options in Ayodhya

After darshan, you will definitely feel hungry.

Budget Food Option – Ram Rasoi

If you are on a budget trip, visit Ram Rasoi near Amavasya Mandir, close to Ram Mandir.

• Thali system available
  

• Price: ₹90–₹100
  

• Simple, hygienic, and filling food
  Outside this area also, you will find many genuine food stalls and small rasois at reasonable prices.

5. Suryakund

Suryakund is located around 7 km from Ayodhya city center.

Entry Tickets:

• ₹10 – Only visit
  

• ₹30 – Light & Sound Show (recommended)
  
  

The Light and Sound Show explains the history of Suryakund, and it is truly worth watching.

Other highlights:

• Beautiful garden and flower decorations
  

• Decorative lights on trees
  

• Surya Dev Temple inside the complex
  

• Children’s play area with rides
  
  

It is believed that bathing here helps with skin-related problems.

Aarti & Shows:

• Aarti in the evening
  

• Light & Sound Show timings:
  

  • 6:30 PM
    

• 7:30 PM
  (Timings may be later during summers)
  Overall, this place is very peaceful and relaxing.

6. Lata Mangeshkar Chowk

In the evening, visit Lata Mangeshkar Chowk.

• Beautiful lighting at night
  

• Famous Veena sculpture
  

• Named in tribute to legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar
  
  

You might have already seen this place on social media.

How to Reach Ayodhya Dham

By Air

• Maharishi Valmiki International Airport
  

• Distance to city center: 10–12 km
  

• Taxi, bus, Ola, Uber, Rapido available
  
  

By Train

• Ayodhya Dham Railway Station (2 km from city center)
  

• Ayodhya Cantt Station (15 km from city center)
  

• Autos and taxis easily available
  
  

By Road

• Well connected by highways
  

• Sleeper & semi-sleeper buses available from Delhi and other major cities
  

• Private vehicles are also a good option
  
  

Where to Stay in Ayodhya

If you are coming with your own vehicle, I recommend staying outside the main city area, like near Chudamandi Chauraha.

• Park your car at the hotel
  

• Use auto or rickshaw for local travel
  

• Inner city roads are congested
  
  

You can also find good stay options near:

• Ayodhya Dham Railway Station
  

• Ayodhya Cantt area
  
  

Final Words

Ayodhya Dham is not just a travel destination — it is a spiritual experience.
Plan your trip properly, follow the darshan process, and take time to feel the divine atmosphere.

I hope this complete guide helps you plan your Ayodhya trip smoothly.

🙏 Jai Shri Ram 🙏