Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Must visit
The grand new temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram, with the idol of Ram Lalla.
Ayodhya
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir and the ghats of the Saryu.
Reviewed by Ghumo Bihar team
- Best time
- October to March
- Days needed
- 1–2 days
- From Patna
- About 400 km · 8–9 hrs; overnight trains
- Good for
- Pilgrims, families, senior citizens
About Ayodhya
Why visit Ayodhya
Ayodhya, on the banks of the Saryu river, is revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram. The grand Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, built in the traditional Nagara style and consecrated in January 2024, has made Ayodhya one of India's most visited pilgrim towns.
Beyond the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya is a town of temples: climb the steps of Hanuman Garhi, see the golden idols at Kanak Bhawan, and end the day with the Saryu aarti and the lights at Ram ki Paidi. The town now has a new airport and a rebuilt railway station, and it is an overnight journey from Patna.
Places to visit
Top places to visit in Ayodhya
9 places, best first. Timings and fees change often, so check before you go.
Hanuman Garhi Must visit
A hilltop Hanuman temple reached by about 76 steps; tradition says you visit here first.
Kanak Bhawan Must visit
A beautiful temple with golden-crowned idols of Ram and Sita, said to be Kaikeyi's gift to Sita.
Ram ki Paidi and Saryu Aarti Must visit
Steps and ghats along the Saryu, lit up every evening for the aarti and light show.
Guptar Ghat
A peaceful ghat where Lord Ram is said to have taken jal samadhi.
Dashrath Mahal
The temple marking the palace of King Dashrath.
Lata Mangeshkar Chowk
A square with a giant veena honouring the singer, lit up at night.
Nageshwarnath Temple
An old Shiva temple, said to have been founded by Kush, son of Ram.
Treta ke Thakur
A temple with idols said to be carved from black sandstone, open only on a few days a year.
Nearby, add to the same trip: Varanasi, Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam), Naimisharanya and Lucknow.
Travel with Ghumo Bihar
Trips to Ayodhya
No group date announced yet. Tell us when you'd like to go and we'll let you know first, or plan a private trip below.
Private trip
Your dates, your group, your pace
- A plan made for you: families, friends, schools and companies
- Car, hotels, tickets and guide arranged
- Pay in parts by UPI, with a GST invoice
- Rated 4.9 on Google by 175+ travellers
When to go
Best time to visit Ayodhya
October to March is the most comfortable time. Ram Navami, Deepotsav (around Diwali) and other festivals bring very large crowds; plan and book early.
Winter (best)
October–March
8–25°C, foggy mornings
Comfortable for queues and temple visits. Peak crowds around Deepotsav and January.
Summer
April–June
Very hot, up to 44°C
Visit early morning or late evening.
Monsoon
July–September
Humid and rainy
Fewer crowds; carry an umbrella.
Festivals worth planning around
- DeepotsavAround Diwali, lakhs of diyas are lit along the Saryu and Ram ki Paidi, with light shows.
- Ram NavamiThe birth of Lord Ram in March or April: the busiest day of the year.
- Sawan Jhula MelaSwing festival in the temples during the monsoon month of Sawan.
- Ram Vivah (Vivah Panchami)The wedding of Ram and Sita celebrated in November or December.
Getting there
How to reach Ayodhya
Overnight trains run from Patna towards Ayodhya; by road it is about 400 km via Gorakhpur. Flights land at Ayodhya's new airport.
- PatnaTrain
About 8–11 hours, overnight
Several trains towards Ayodhya Dham or Ayodhya Cantt via Gorakhpur or Varanasi.
- PatnaCar
About 400 km, 8–9 hours
Via Chhapra/Gopalganj and Gorakhpur.
- Delhi, Mumbai and other citiesFlight
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport
About 15 km from the Ram Mandir.
On the ground
Getting around, stay and food
Getting around
The main temples are close together; e-rickshaws are the easiest way between them.
Vehicles are stopped some distance from the Ram Mandir on busy days; expect to walk.
Hire a car for Guptar Ghat and Nandigram.
Where to stay
Ayodhya has many new hotels, homestays and dharamshalas. Book well ahead for festivals.
- New hotels on the main roadsAyodhya and Faizabad · Families
- Registered homestaysNear the temples · Local stay
- DharamshalasNear the temples · Pilgrims on a budget
Food to try
- Satvik meals: vegetarian food without onion or garlic is easy to find near the temples.
- Kachori and jalebi: a classic Ayodhya breakfast.
- Peda and laddu prasad: from the shops near Hanuman Garhi.
Travel tips
- Phones, bags and electronic items are not allowed inside the Ram Mandir; use the free lockers or leave them in the hotel.
- Check darshan and aarti pass timings on the official Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra website before you go.
- Wear comfortable footwear and expect to walk; shoes are left at the counter.
- Go early on weekends and festivals to avoid long queues.
- Senior citizens can ask about wheelchairs and facilitation at the temple.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Ayodhya from Patna?
By overnight train in about 8–11 hours, or by road in about 8–9 hours (around 400 km via Gorakhpur).
How much time does Ram Mandir darshan take?
From 1 to 3 hours on normal days, longer on weekends and festivals.
Can I take my phone inside the Ram Mandir?
No. Phones, bags and electronic items must be left in the lockers outside.
How many days are enough for Ayodhya?
One full day covers the main temples and the Saryu aarti. Two days is relaxed.
Does Ghumo Bihar run trips to Ayodhya?
Yes. We plan group and private trips, often combined with Varanasi and Prayagraj.
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