Ayodhya

Tourist places in Ayodhya, Ayodhya Travel Info

City Overview

Ayodhya is an ancient city located on the banks of the Sarayu River in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India. Revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya holds immense religious, cultural, and historical significance. The city is deeply rooted in the epic Ramayana and has been a center of spiritual learning, devotion, and temple traditions for centuries.

Ayodhya is famous worldwide for the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and numerous ghats, temples, and monasteries that line the riverfront. Its geographic location in eastern Uttar Pradesh places it within the fertile Gangetic plains, supporting settlement and pilgrimage activities since ancient times. Today, Ayodhya is undergoing rapid infrastructure development while preserving its spiritual identity.

The city is ideal for pilgrims, heritage and culture enthusiasts, families, spiritual seekers, and travelers interested in India’s ancient history and religious traditions.

  • Famous for: Ram Janmabhoomi, temples, spiritual heritage
  • Location: Eastern Uttar Pradesh, on the Sarayu River
  • Ideal for: Pilgrimage, heritage, family, spiritual travel

Best Time to Visit

Ayodhya experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, a monsoon season, and cool winters. Summers from April to June can be extremely hot, while the monsoon months from July to September bring rainfall and occasional humidity. Winters from October to February are cool and pleasant, making them the best time to visit the city.

The peak tourist season coincides with winter months and major religious events, when the weather is comfortable for temple visits and walking along the ghats. The off-season during summer sees fewer visitors but requires precautions against heat.

Religious festivals significantly influence travel patterns throughout the year.

  • Peak season: October to February
  • Festive highlights: Ram Navami, Diwali, Kartik Purnima
  • Travel tips: Visit temples early morning in summer and stay hydrated

Transportation & Getting Around

Ayodhya is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport provides direct connectivity to major Indian cities. Ayodhya Cantt and Ayodhya Dham railway stations connect the city with Lucknow, Varanasi, Delhi, and other key destinations. Road connectivity is supported by national and state highways linking Ayodhya with major towns in Uttar Pradesh.

Local transportation includes auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, city buses, and taxis. Many religious sites are located close to each other and can be explored on foot, especially near the riverfront and temple areas.

  • Air: Domestic airport with growing connectivity
  • Rail: Multiple stations serving long-distance routes
  • Local travel: Autos, e-rickshaws, buses, taxis
  • Approximate cost: ₹20–₹60 for short local rides

Nearby Places & Day Trips

Ayodhya serves as a spiritual hub for exploring nearby pilgrimage towns and cultural destinations in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Several important religious and historical places are located within short travel distance.

Faizabad, adjacent to Ayodhya, offers markets and historical sites, while Shringverpur is associated with Ramayana legends. Prayagraj, a major pilgrimage city, can be visited as a longer day trip.

  • Faizabad: Adjacent city, markets and heritage spots
  • Shringverpur: Approx. 40 km, Ramayana-linked site
  • Prayagraj: Approx. 170 km, pilgrimage and heritage city
  • Options: Pilgrimage, heritage, cultural exploration