About Ayodhya
Ayodhya lies on the banks of the Sarayu in Uttar Pradesh and is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama. The city has changed quickly since the Ram Mandir opened in January 2024, with new roads, an airport and a railway station.
For most pilgrims, one or two days covers the main darshan, the ghats and the older temples.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir
The temple is built in the Nagara style from pink sandstone, with richly carved pillars. Security is strict, so phones and bags often must be left behind. Check current darshan timings and allow plenty of time on festival days.
Hanuman Garhi and the old temples
Devotees traditionally stop at Hanuman Garhi, reached by a flight of steps. Kanak Bhawan is loved for its images of Rama and Sita, and Nageshwarnath is an old Shiva temple close to the river.
Evenings on the Sarayu
Ram ki Paidi is a run of ghats where lamps and evening aarti draw families together. During Deepotsav, before Diwali, the banks are lit with lakhs of diyas, and rooms should be booked well ahead.
