Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is a historic city. The birthplace of Lord Ram, it has well-known temples and monuments and sacred ghats open to visitors. Devotees go to Ayodhya year-round because of its profound ties to Hindu mythology, making it a popular pilgrimage site. With its dreamlike settings, chanting of mantras, and intense fragrance of sandalwood and blossoms, Ayodhya is a place that will fascinate your emotions. To satisfy your curiosity, we’ve compiled a list of Ayodhya’s top must-see attractions.Â
How to reach Ayodhya?
By air: The city has an operational international airport, formally known as the  Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham. Located 8 km from the Ram Temple, the airport is built along the Gorakhpur-Lucknow National Highway. It is located 10 km from the city centre. The IATA code of the Airport is AYJ while its pin code is 224123
By train: Both Faizabad and Ayodhya have important rail hubs for the region, providing easy access to the rest of the state and beyond. The city is serviced by two railway stations, the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station and the Ayodhya Cantonment Railway Station. Â
By road: It is relatively simple to get to this location from any place due to the accessibility provided by the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation’s bus services, which are offered around the clock. Ayodhya is 128 km from Lucknow, 171 km from Gorakhpur, 157 km from Allahabad and 196 km from Varanasi.
20 places to visit in Ayodhya
Ayodhya Ram Mandir
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The term “Ram Janmabhoomi,” literally translates to “Lord Ram’s Birthplace.” It is thought that Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, spent his childhood near the Sarayu River in Ayodhya, as described in the Indian epic known as the Ramayana. Devotees of the Hindu religion hold the place of Ram Janmabhoomi in very high regard and it is one of the best places to visit in Ayodhya.
This sacred location is considered to be the first of the seven most significant pilgrimages for Hindus, and it is also considered to be one of the destinations that should be visited during the Ayodhya Darshan.
See also: All about Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Hanumangarhi
Source: Wikipedia
The Hanuman Garhi, a temple built in the 10th century and located near Sai Nagar, honours Lord Hanuman. It is usual to go to the Hanuman Garhi before going to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, making it one of the most prominent temples in the city. According to legend, Lord Hanuman dwelt on the temple grounds, watching over Ayodhya from afar.
A 76-step stairway leads to the temple’s main entrance on the hillside. A 6-inch-tall statue of Hanuman sits atop a hill overlooking the surrounding mountains. An internal cave of the temple complex has countless idols of Lord Hanuman and Maa Anjani, his mother. Every year, hundreds of worshippers go to the Hanuman Garhi to commemorate the births of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram.
Kanak Bhawan
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In the neighbourhood of Tulsi Nagar, the Kanak Bhawan may be found tucked away in the top-left portion of the Ram Temple complex. In addition to its other name, Sone-ka-Ghar, this temple was built in the year 1891. It is a sacred place that honours Lord Ram and his companion, Goddess Sita. There are three golden-crowned statues of two gods in Kanak Bhawan. It is often claimed that Lord Ram’s stepmother Kaikeyi offered this temple to him and Sita as a present.
The Sri Vrishbhan Dharma Setu Trust Private Limited is in charge of running this temple, which is designed in the Bundela style. The current location underwent a comprehensive facelift at the hands of Vrish Bhanu Kunwari after the completion of the planned refurbishment that took place during Vikramaditya’s reign.Â
Nageshwarnath Temple
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The Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya can be found right next to the Theri Bazaar. This temple was built in honour of Lord Nageshwarnath, the patron god of the region. It is said that Kush, also known as Kusha, Lord Rama’s son, was the one who constructed it.
The present temple is claimed to have been renovated in the year 1750 by Naval Rai, who served as Safar Jung’s minister. It is important to note that this holy location has been well-maintained ever since the year 750 AD. Kush is said to have met a Shiva devotee by the name of Naga Kanya after he accidentally lost his ring in the nearby bath.
During the festivals of Mahashivaratri and Trayodashi, which are together referred to as Pradosh Vratam in Southern India, the Nageshwarnath Temple is visited by a large number of worshippers. The Shiva Barat, also known as the parade of Lord Shiva, is a major draw for visitors to this location.
Treta Ke Thakur
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The Treta Ke Thakur Temple can be found in Ayodhya’s Naya Ghat neighbourhood. This temple is home to several idols, including representations of Lord Ram, Laxman, Hanuman, Sita, Bharat, and Sugreev. It is reported that each of these figures was carved from a single piece of black sandstone.
It is claimed that Treta Ke Thakur was built around three hundred years in the past by Kullu, who was the monarch of the period. According to legend, the legendary Ashwamedha Yagna was carried out by Lord Ram just here on the earth, which now supports this building. Ahilyabai Holkar, who was the Maratha queen at that period, gave the temple an additional facelift in the 1700s.
It is exclusively available to the general public on one day each year, which is designated as the Ekadashi. The celebration of this day takes place on the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Karthika. On this day, colourful festivities and ancient practices that have been passed down through the generations are carried out.
Choti Chawni
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Choti Chawni is a stunning building in Ayodhya that is entirely made of white marble. It is also renowned as Valmiki Bhawan, and it is often referred to as Maniramdas Chawni. This location is so breathtaking that it demands to be seen in person at least once.
There are a total of 34 historic caves, 12 of which are associated with Buddhism, 17 with Hinduism, and 5 with Jainism; this number of caves contributes to the area’s status as an important and intricate example of architectural brilliance. The exquisite beauty of the buildings is further enhanced by the presence of the Kailasha Temple inside the caverns.
Sita Ki Rasoi
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Sita ki Rasoi, located on the northwest border of the Ram Janmabhoomi in Rajkot, Ayodhya, is claimed to be a historic kitchen used by the goddess Sita. This sacred location is now a temple that houses certain display vessels. It was built near the Ram Janmabhoomi. This Sita Ki Rasoi is a subterranean kitchen, and it is one of the two kitchens honoured in Sita’s name.
Sita is revered as the Goddess of Food, and she is also known by the name Goddess Annapurna. As a result, the temple continues to uphold this tradition by providing free meals. Additionally, guests may contribute whatever amount of money they like to a local charity via this location.
Raja Mandir
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The Raja Mandir in Faizabad, which is situated in Guptar Ghar on the banks of the river Ghaggar (Sarayu), has been mentioned in a great number of legendary accounts on several occasions. The temple is home to several exquisitely carved idols depicting various Hindu deities and goddesses. These idols are adorned with luxurious textiles and precious jewellery.
The temple is a shining example of the ingenuity that can be found in Hindu architecture, thanks to its superb construction. The temple was formerly famous for its links to Lord Ram, the king of Ayodhya; however, it has now been converted into a typical temple and has sculptures of a variety of gods and goddesses.
The projection of the temple in the river created by Raja Mandir’s placement on the river’s edge is a sight to see. Devotees from all over the world believe that a plunge into the river’s holy waters may wash away all of their sins.
Ramkatha Park
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Ayodhya’s Ram Katha Park, with its open-air theatres and immaculate lawns, is a stunning green space. It’s a popular location for religious activities, cultural events and Katha sessions, all of which are held there.
For the hours of the day when there are no special events scheduled, Ram Katha Park serves either as a park for children or as a relaxation area for seniors. In addition to this, it encourages both historical and pop occasions and invites artists from all over the world, both locally and nationally, to exhibit their skills. Because the open and spacious amphitheatre provides a welcome relief from the busy and overcrowded halls of the city, it has quickly become a fan favourite.
Mani Parbat
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A little hillock known as Mani Parbat may be seen near Kami Ganj, which is located in Ayodhya. It is around 65 feet above mean sea level. The Parbat is not just a wonderful vantage point over the city, but it is also the location of a Buddhist monastery and a stupa that was constructed by Emperor Ashoka. The hilltop of Mani Parbat, which is home to a string of holy sites, is found near another mountainous mound known as the Sugriv Parbat.
Dashrath Bhavan
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The Dashrath Mahal is also known as Badi Jagah and Bada Asthan, and it is home to several exquisite temples dedicated to Lord Ram. This magnificent palace is said to have been where Lord Rama spent his youth and also served as the capital of King Dasharath. The entrance to the palace is ornately adorned and has some stunning murals. The inside of the palace is filled with saffron-clad priests who are chanting, performing, and repeating mantras. Dashrath Bhavan attracts thousands of devotees during celebrations like Karthik Mela Ram Vivah, and Diwali.
Sugriva Temple
Located in the Hanuman Garhi area of Ayodhya, the Sugriva Temple is an ASI site. King Bharat, the brother of Lord Ram, built the famous Sugriva Quila upon the latter’s return to Ayodhya from his 14-year exile. This temple is also considered a training centre for religious teaching. Festivals such as Ramnavami, Guru Purnima and Janmashtami are fervently celebrated here.
Kaale Ram Mandir
A little-known mandir in the nook and crannies of the Ram-ki-Pairi, this tiny temple is situated behind the Nageshwarnath Temple. It is believed that one visit to this quaint temple dedicated to the dark-complexioned Ram will have one’s prayers answered. The famous evening aarti at this temple continues to draw determined devotees despite its obscurity. Its counterpart dedicated to the fair-complexioned Ram, the Gore Ram Mandir, is situated close by.
Brahmakund Gurudwara
Located a few hundred metres east of Ram Janmabhoomi, lies the historically significant Brahmakund Gurudwara. This site is believed to be the very place where the Chimtadhari Saint Vaishnavadas invited Guru Gobind Singhji with his Nihang warriors to chalk out a military strategy to overcome the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s advances. One can still see the weapons of the victorious Nihang forces here. The Gurudwara is also known to have been visited by Guru Nanak Devji in 1557, and in 1725, Guru Tegh Bahadur visited and meditated for two days straight.
Sarayu Ghat
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One of the most endearing memories you are going to create while in the city would be the view of the various ghats of the great Sarayu river. Among the many ghats that are frequently visited by people here are Naya Ghat, Guptar Ghat, Ram Ghat and Lakshman Ghat. The view of the morning and evening Aarati on these ghats is a treat to the eyes that takes you on a spiritual journey.
Ram Katha Sangrahalaya
Plans are in the making to convert the existing Ram Katha Sangrahalaya in Ayodhya into an international museum. Established in 1988, the Ramkatha Museum in Ayodhya exhibits a great collection of antiquities belonging to ancient times. The museum enlightens visitors with a historical perspective. On display are sundry terracotta objects, metal exhibits, textiles and sculptures dating back to the 11th century. The museum is special buffs, can explore a special gallery that exhibits the belongings of Gumnami Baba, believed by many to have been Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in disguise during his time in Ayodhya. Located at the Raj Sadan in Ayodhya, the museum remains open on all days from 10.30 AM to 4.30 PM, except Mondays.
Sri Kathiya Mandir
Set near the Vasudev Ghat, this temple is close to a cantonment area, near the ashram of Bharat Das Maharaj, believed to have completed 12 years of penance here and later founded the Triveni Dham.
Gulab Bari
Source: https://ayodhya.nic.in
Gulab Bari or the Garden of Roases in Ayodhya is the resting place of of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, the third Nawab of Oudh (now Awadh). The his tomb stands in the centre of a Charbagh Garden accompanied by fountains and shallow water channels. Gulab Bari is not only a spot that needs to be visited; it is a place of worship and various cultural events. The locals treat it as a holy place. It is said that the monument is connected to a boali in Lucknow and used to be hiding place for the successors of the Nawab Shuja-ud-daula.
Source: https://ayodhya.nic.in
Jain Shwetamber Temple
The Jain Shwetamber Temple, situated in the Raiganj locality of Ayodhya, is a significant religious site for followers of Jainism. Ayodhya holds profound religious importance in Jainism as the location where 18 ‘Kalyanak’ (auspicious life events) of various Tirthankars occurred. Notably, it is the birthplace of five Tirthankars: Adinath, Ajitnath, Abhinandannath, Sumatinath and Ananthnath.
Kesari Singh, the treasurer to the Nawab of Faizabad, established five Jain shrines in this region to commemorate the birthplaces of these revered Tirthankars. Among these is the magnificent temple dedicated to the first Tirthankar, Rishabhdev, also known as Adinath, Purdev, Vrishabhdev, and Adi Brahma. This temple, also referred to as Badi Murti, features a majestic 31 feet tall marble statue of Rishabhdev.
This temple, belonging to the Digamber Jain sect, has been recently developed and enhanced under the guidance of Acharya Ratna Deshbhushanji Maharaj and Aryika Gyanmati Mataji, making it a prominent pilgrimage destination in Jainism.
Deokaali Temple
Source: https://ayodhya.nic.in
Situated near the Naya Ghat, the Deokaali Temple in Ayodhya is associated with several tales from the Ramayana As per mythology, after her wedding with Lord Rama, Sita arrived in Ayodhya with an idol of goddess Girija Devi. King Dashrath got a beautiful temple constructed for the idol and Sita used to worship her in the temple. An impressive statue of Goddess Devkali, the local deity, is present in this temple.
FAQs
Is it worthwhile to make the trip to Ayodhya?
Ayodhya, which was once the headquarters of the provincial kingdom of Awadh, remains one of India's most fascinating religious attractions. It is shrouded in the sacred cloak of faith and reverence, and it is absolutely deserving of a tourist's time and attention.
What is well-known for shopping in Ayodhya?
Because it is a pilgrim town, this is the finest site to purchase sculpted figures of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman made out of marble and hardwood. You may purchase a wide variety of different religious mementoes, such as t-shirts printed with religious text, key chains adorned with sculptures of Lord Ram and Sita, and photographs of temples.
In Ayodhya, which Ghat is most well-known?
The Ghats that are located close to the Saryu river bank are known by the name Ram ki Paidi. This site is frequented by a large number of believers, all of whom are waiting patiently to take a bath in the sacred water.
What kind of cuisine does Ayodhya specialise in?
Ayodhya sees vegetarian biryani as one of the city's most iconic dishes. Vegetable biryani is a dish that is flavorful and satisfying, and it is made by combining several vegetables with rice and other spices. The savoury combination of fragrant rice and spices that characterises veg biryani makes it an option that is difficult to refuse.
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