Ayodhya is an iconic town in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is a centre of religious activities and architectural work of great historical significance. As the birthplace of Lord Ram, it is one of the most highly revered places in the Hindu religion and culture and is home to numerous temples, ghats, and other monuments.
The spiritual and serene ambience that Ayodhya gives off is incomparable to any other place in India, which is why it should be your next destination for a trip this year!
Top 12 Places to Visit in Ayodhya and Things to Do
1. Ram Janmbhoomi
The Shri Ram Janm Bhoomi is one of the top tourist places in Ayodhya Ayodhya, located in the Ram Kot area. It is one of the most famous Ayodhya tourist destinations and is said to be the birthplace of Lord Sri Ram.
It is also the first important pilgrimage site for Hindus in India making it an important location for sightseeing in Ayodhya. If you are a dedicated Hindu devotee, this Site in Ayodhya is a place that you must definitely visit in your life.
Relive the Indian epic Ramayana by visiting this dreamy place of sightseeing in Ayodhya near the divine Sarayu river.
It is also a controversial destination as it is the same place where the famous Babri Masjid once stood.
No Indian is new to the series of violent riots that spread across India in 1992 when Hindus demolished the Babri Masjid. This was an act in response to the Mughals who destroyed a Hindu shrine to build this mosque in this location.
The conflicts were resolved in August 2020 the construction of the Ram Mandir began, which is said to become one of the most iconic temples in India.
- Things to do: Tour the site, go on a guided tour, learn about the history of the place, visit Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi, relax at the sacred ghats
- Transportation options: You can either walk from the Ayodhya railway station or travel on a bus from the Ayodhya bus station at ram katha park.
- Best time to visit: October- February
- Distance from Ayodhya: 5 km (from Ayodhya railway station in Dharmakata)
2. Hanuman Garhi
Another important place is Hanuman Garhi, located in the Sai Nagar area of Ayodhya, Hanuman Garhi is on top of our list of famous places to visit in Ayodhya. It is a 10th-century Ayodhya mandir where Lord Hanuman was said to live to guard Ayodhya.
It is one of the best places to visit in Ayodhya due to the scenic location of the temple as it sits on top of a hilltop.
Visitors are welcomed by a 76-staircase pathway that leads to the entrance and the sculpture of young Lord Hanuman sitting on his mother’s (Maa Anjani) lap.
It is a popular place of sightseeing in Ayodhya due to the stunning architecture that adorns this Ayodhya temple, and due to its ideal location in the heart of the town.
This mandir has an interior cave which greets devotees with beautiful statues of Lord Hanuman that present stories from ancient Hindu mythology.
Do not leave the premises of this Ayodhya temple without treating yourself to the prasad made of desi ghee available outside the temple!
- Things to do: Meditate at the mandir, enjoy the architecture, go on a food tour, take part in a local festival, explore the neighbourhood, visit nearby tourist places like Ram Janmbhoomi
- Travel options: Uttar Pradesh transport corporation bus/cabs/autos
- Best time to visit: During Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanthi
- Timings: 5 am to 11 pm
- Distance from Ayodhya: 1 km (from Ayodhya railway station)
3. Tulsi Smarak Bhawan Museum
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan Museum is one of the places to visit in Ayodhya due to the extensive collection of literary compositions it holds.
This building is dedicated to Goswami Tulsidas and was established in 1969 to honour the great Hindi poet. He is known for his works like Hanuman Chalisa and Ramcharitmanas which are of great significance in the Indian culture and traditions.
Not only is it a repository of the literary composition of Tulsidas, but is also a place that hosts prayer meetings, religious concerts, and discourses.
You can also spend time in the library (Ram Katha Sanghralaya) which features a great collection of literary works like Ramayana and Ram Katha.
Do not miss out on the Ramleela performance that is enacted every day from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Tulsi Smarak Bhawan Museum.
- Things to do: Take a look at the literary works exhibited in the museum, watch an enactment of Ramleela, visit the research centre known as Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan, take part in the prayer meetings and devotional concerts
- How to reach: Walk/get an auto from Ayodhya Junction
- Timings 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Library 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 1 km from Ayodhya Junction
4. Mani Parvat
Mani Parvat is a little hillock located in Kamal Ganj in Ayodhya. It is one of the popular religious places to visit in Ayodhya since it has great religious importance. The of Lord Hanuman uprooting a whole mountain or sanjeevani booti to treat a wounded Lakshman is familiar to every Indian.
A part of the mountain is said to have fallen at a place in Ayodhya which is now known as Mani Parbat.
It is also of huge significance in the Buddhist religion since Lord Buddha is said to have given his sermons during his stay in Ayodhya from this place.
The historical significance of this top tourist attraction in Ayodhya doesn’t end here.
You can also spot a stupa built by emperor Ashoka and also find several shrines and a Buddhist monastery in this place.
It is also a rejuvenating place to relax and meditate at due to the calm vibe and the stunning view of the city that it offers from the top of the hillock.
- Things to do: Enjoy the breathtaking views, take awesome photos, visit the Mani Parvat temple, tour the monastery and shrine, and take a walk.
- How to reach: Get a cab or auto from the Ayodhya railway station
- Distance from Ayodhya: 3 km from Ayodhya Junction
5. Gulab Bari
A day of sightseeing in Ayodhya is incomplete without visiting Gulab Bari which literally means garden of roses. It is one of the places to visit in Ayodhya that has a serine aura and is perfect to relax in after visiting all the popular destinations like temples.
It is located in Vaidehi Nagar of Faizabad and is the place where the tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula (3rd Nawab of Awadh) is located.
This famous place takes you back to history as it was a garden that was used to host religious functions during the era of the Nawab.
There are various things to see in this garden in Ayodhya including the beautiful verandas, water fountains, the pretty inverted Lotus, and the graves of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula and his mother.
It is one of the best places you must visit in Ayodhya especially for architecture lovers, due to the beautiful Islamic style of architecture of the tomb that this garden houses.
- Things to do: Take a tour of the tomb, explore the lush green garden and learn about its cultural significance, take pictures in front of the ponds in the garden, learn about the different types of roses, visit the mosque in Gulab Bari
- How to reach You can reach this place by getting a cab or auto from the Ayodhya railway station.
- Best time to visit is October to March
- Timings 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 5 km from Ayodhya junction
6. Kanak Bhawan
Another Ayodhya mandir that is commonly visited by people across the world is Kanak Bhavan located in Tulsi Nagar in Ayodhya. You can take a trip from Ram Janmbhoomi and move towards its northeastern side to visit this divine beauty also known as Sone ka ghar.
Built-in 1891 by Vrishbhanu Kuvari, this Ayodhya temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife goddess Sita and attracts a large number of devotees every year.
Kanak Bhawan literally translates to the golden palace and is a treat to the eyes due to its beautiful Bundelkhand architecture and spiritual vibes.
You get to see 3 idols of the two gods in the Garbagriha where they adorn golden crowns and each statue has a history of its own. They are of large size (Kanak Bihari), normal size (Manak Bihari) and small size (Jugal Bihari).
They are all well-decorated with gold ornaments and are maintained well making it a popularly visited Ayodhya Mandir.
- Things to do: Relax at the courtyard of this Ayodhya mandir, enjoy the beauty of the paintings and sculptures, meditate in the calm surroundings of the temple, enjoy the entertainment provided by musicians in the courtyard
- How to reach: You can reach this place by opting for a cab or auto from Ayodhya junction.
- Timings: 8 am to 11:30 am, 4:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Distance from Ayodhya: 2 km from Ayodhya Junction
7. Ram Ki Paidi
Situated on the banks of the Sarayu River, Ram Ki Paidi is a picturesque location for sightseeing in Ayodhya that makes you question if you are in an old Hindi movie.
It is a series of ghats that let you relax on Naya Ghat along with other pilgrims and devotees that have flown in from different parts of the country.
You can sit on the bank of the river, indulge in a bit of sightseeing, and take in the divinity of the place. The original steps were demolished by the strong currents of the river and the new ghat was constructed in 1984 by the government of UP.
You can see a number of devotees bathing in the river Sarayu as dipping in the holy waters of this river is said to wash away your sins.
- Things to do: Bathe in the Sarayu River, relax and observe the surroundings, chant prayers, enjoy local foods in the restaurants nearby, visit Nageshwarnath Temple
- How to reach: Get into a cab or auto from Ayodhya Junction railway station
- Best time to visit: During Diwali
- Distance from Ayodhya 3 km from Ayodhya junction
8. Nageshwarnath temple
Nageshwarnath temple is an Ayodhya mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva that you should visit while at Ram Ki Paidi. It is the oldest temple in Ayodhya and is definitely on our list of places to visit in Ayodhya due to its history and cultural richness.
You can visit the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to see one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
This Ayodhya temple attracts thousands of tourists every year especially during Mahashivratri when the procession of Lord Shiva is held.
Did you know that this Ayodhya mandir is said to have been built by khush, the younger son of Lord Rama? Legend has it that the little boy lost one of his ornaments when he was taking a bath in the holy Sarayu river before it was finally found by Naag Kanya, a devotee of Lord Shiva.
It is believed that Kush built this temple as a reply to the devotee’s kind gesture.
This temple which was brought down just after the rule of Chandragupta Vikramaditya was rebuilt in 1750 by Naval Rai.
- Things to do: Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this Ayodhya mandir, take a dip in the Sarayu river, go on a guided tour and learn more about the history of the temple, watch Lord Shiva’s Borat during Shivratri
- How to reach: You can reach this temple by cab or auto.
- Best time to visit: During Mahashivratri and Trayodashi
- Distance from Ayodhya: 3 km from Ayodhya junction
9. Sita ki Rasoi
Once you have visited the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, you can move to its northwestern side to visit the famous Sita Ki Rasoi. As the name suggests, it is said to be a kitchen used by goddess Sita herself.
Now, the site has been converted into an Ayodhya temple which still contains some exhibit vessels from the earlier kitchen. This Ayodhya mandir also invites devotees to take a look at the amazingly decorated and embellished idols of Gods like Lord Sri Ram, Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughan and their wives respectively. The beautiful idols of Goddess Sita, Shrutakirti, and Mandavi Urmila are other attractions that win the attention of devotees.
You can also relish the free food that this temple offers to anybody who visits this place between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM.
- Things to do: Enjoy the free food offered by the temple, explore the beauty of the place, donate money for charity, visit Ram Janmbhoomi, pay respects to the Gods and Goddesses in the temple
- How to reach: Walk from the Ayodhya railway station or take a bus from one of the bus stands near Ram Katha Park.
- Timings 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 5 km from Ayodhya Junction
10. Ram Katha Park
Ram Katha Park is another tourist destination that stands out in any list of places to visit in Ayodhya. This top tourist attraction is a spacious picnic spot as well as a well-maintained park that provides you with much-required relaxation at the end of the day.
Ram Katha Park was built to share the burden that the different temples gods and monuments in Ayodhya go through all around the year due to the large number of tourists.
It is a place to visit if you are looking to interact with like-minded religious people, indulge in recitals of scriptures, and other spiritual activities. The environment in this park is said to be highly positive and spiritual making it the perfect spot to unwind with your family.
You have travelled all the way to Ayodhya and you might just as well show off everything you have within you. This top destination in Ayodhya allows you to express your artistic talents like dance, music, and theatrical performances.
This top tourist destination in Ayodhya will soon be known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok Memorial Park after undergoing a renovation process.
- Things to do: Take a walk in the park, watch the rituals in the nearby temples, recite chants, take part in the talent shows, participate in religious and social gatherings
- How to reach: get a cab or auto from Ayodhya railway station
- Best time to visit: All round the year
- Distance from Ayodhya 3 km from Ayodhya junction
11. Treta Ke Thakur
A trip to Ayodhya requires you to tour another Ayodhya mandir named Treta Ke Thakur which is dedicated to lord Rama who is said to be The Lord of the Treta Yug.
Along with Lord Rama, this temple in Ayodhya located along the Naya Ghat of Ayodhya also houses idols of other Gods and Goddesses including Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Sita, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Sugreev.
Hindu mythology fanatics should not miss visiting this top tourist destination as it is where Lord Rama is said to have celebrated his victory over Ravana.
The traditional Nagar-style Hindu architecture of the temple and the beauty of the idols made with black sandstone is a visual treat to any devotee who visits this Ayodhya Mandir.
It is one of the places to visit in Ayodhya if you are planning to go on a trip in the month of October or November as this temple is open only in one of these months during the Kartik Shukla Ekadasi festival.
- Things to do: Take part in the colourful celebrations in the month of Karthika, relax at the Naya Ghat, take a bath in the Sarayu river, tour the temple, watch the rituals during Kartik Shukla Ekadasi festival
- How to reach: get a cab/auto from Ayodhya junction
- Best time to visit: October November
- Distance from Ayodhya: 5 km from Ayodhya junction
12. Dashrat Bhawan
Dashrath Bhavan in the Ram Kot area is one of the religious places to visit in Ayodhya this year. It is believed that this famous location of sightseeing in Ayodhya is constructed in the same place where the palace of King Dashrath (the ruler of Ayodhya) was.
This top tourist attraction in Ayodhya is a favourite among locals and tourists alike due to the stunning paintings and well-decorated entrance.
You can get a glimpse of the history of Ayodhya by visiting this place which also includes a shrine where you can find the idols of Lord Sriram Lord Lakshman and Goddess Sita.
This Ayodhya Mandir is a feast for your senses as you can savour the religious essence of the place.
Its sculptures, the aura of the place, the image of the Saints wearing their religious clothes, the sound of the chants, and musicians playing their instruments create dreamy memories which you can never forget when visiting this Ayodhya temple.
- Things to do Meditate in the calm atmosphere of the temple, listen to the artists playing musical instruments, watch the saints recite excerpts from the Ramayana
- How to reach: Walk or take a rickshaw from Ayodhya Junction
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 2 km from Ayodhya junction
Frequently Asked Questions
A full-day trip is enough to enjoy the beauties of Ayodhya. You can stay another day if you wish to linger in the spiritual ambiance of the place for a little more time!
Ayodhya is home to the most historically significant temples and monuments in the country.
A few places you must not miss when traveling to Ayodhya include Ram Janmbhoomi, Raja mandir, Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath temple, and Mani Parvat.
Ayodhya is a hub of religious and cultural activities. They include visiting numerous temples like Nageshwarnath temple, Treta ka Thakur and Sita Ki Rasoi.
Entertain yourself with the enactment of Ramleela at the cultural center in Tulsi Smarak Bhavan Museum and watch a cultural show in Ram Katha Park.
Ayodhya is one of the top destinations in the country with several Indian mythological stories and legends associated with it. Enjoy great works of Indian architecture, visit important spiritual places, and engage in religious activities during a 2-day trip to Ayodhya.
You can explore any place in India including Ayodhya just for a small amount of money by surviving on local food items and public transportation. In case you wish to go on a guided tour, you can look up Ayodhya tour packages that start from as low as ₹8000.
