Best places to visit in Ayodhya
Best places to visit in Ayodhya
Ayodhya, situated on the banks of the Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism and the legendary birthplace of Lord Rama — one of the most revered deities in the Hindu faith. The newly constructed Ram Mandir at the Ram Janmabhoomi site has transformed Ayodhya into one of India's most visited and rapidly developing pilgrimage destinations. The city's ancient ghats, the Kanak Bhawan temple, the Hanuman Garhi shrine, and the magical experience of the evening aarti on the Sarayu make Ayodhya a profoundly spiritual destination with deep historical and cultural significance.
Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
→Ram Janmabhoomi is the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh — the holiest site in Hinduism for Vaishnavite devotees and one of the most significant religious landmarks in Indian history. The newly consecrated Ram Mandir (inaugurated January 2024) — a magnificent Nagara-style sandstone temple designed by Chandrakant Sompura — marks this sacred spot. A top India pilgrimage destination drawing tens of millions of devotees annually to the Char Dham-linked Ayodhya yatra.
Hanuman Garhi
→Hanuman Garhi is Ayodhya's most prominent and visited temple after Ram Janmabhoomi — a hilltop Hanuman fortress-shrine at the centre of the holy city, accessible by 76 steps. Believed to be the home of Hanuman, who guards Lord Ram's birthplace from this hill, the temple houses a magnificent 6-foot Hanuman idol and stunning views of Ayodhya's skyline. One of Uttar Pradesh's most important pilgrimage temples, drawing devotees from across India daily.
Kanak Bhawan
→Kanak Bhawan is one of Ayodhya's most beloved and ornately decorated temples — a golden palace-temple gifted by Queen Kaikeyi to Sita as a wedding present, according to the Ramayana. The shrine houses exquisitely adorned golden idols of Ram and Sita under jewelled crowns. One of the most architecturally vibrant and photographically striking temples in Ayodhya, known for its richly decorated interiors and the devotional energy of its pilgrims during Ram Navami and Diwali festivals.
Saryu River Ghats
→The Saryu River Ghats are the spiritual heart of Ayodhya — where the sacred Saryu River (Ghaghara), mentioned in the Ramayana as the holy river of Ikshvaku dynasty, flows through India's holiest city. The Ram ki Paidi ghat complex, Naya Ghat, and the evening Saryu Aarti (modelled on Varanasi's Ganga Aarti) are spectacular. Sunrise boat rides on the Saryu offer golden views of Ayodhya's temple spires. A top Ayodhya spiritual and photography destination.
Ramkot
→Ramkot is the elevated western precinct of Ayodhya — the ancient fort area believed to be the original palace complex of King Dasharatha and Lord Ram. The area contains the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, Kanak Bhawan, and several of Ayodhya's oldest temples. Ramkot is the sacred nucleus around which the entire holy city of Ayodhya is built, and is the first destination for pilgrims arriving for the Ram Janmabhoomi darshan on any Ayodhya pilgrimage or heritage tour.