Quick Facts
Distance
200 km
Travel Time
4-5 hrs
Best Transport
Train
Why Visit Ayodhya
Ayodhya is one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities (Sapta Puri) — believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. For centuries, it was a deeply revered but modest pilgrimage town. The best time to visit the Varanasi-Ayodhya region is October to March. That changed on January 22, 2024, when the new Ram Mandir was inaugurated at the Ram Janmabhoomi site, transforming Ayodhya into one of India's most visited destinations virtually overnight.
The Ram Mandir is a monumental achievement in temple architecture — a 161-foot-tall, three-story structure built entirely in sandstone without steel or iron, in the ancient Nagara style. The city itself has been extensively redeveloped with new roads, ghats, lighting, and infrastructure. Beyond the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya offers Hanuman Garhi (a hilltop Hanuman temple with city views), the serene Saryu River ghats, and several ancient temples that predate the modern temple by centuries.
Local Tip
How to Get There
By Train (Recommended)
Multiple daily trains from Varanasi Junction to Ayodhya Junction (formerly Faizabad Junction). The journey takes 3.5-5 hours depending on the train. The Vande Bharat Express is the fastest option at 3.5 hours. The railway station has been expanded and modernized to handle increased pilgrim traffic.
Cost: INR 170-1,505 depending on class and train type
By Bus
UP State Transport (UPSRTC) runs frequent buses from Varanasi to Ayodhya via NH-28. The journey takes 5-6 hours with stops. AC Volvo buses are available on this route and are reasonably comfortable. Buses depart from Varanasi Bus Stand (near the Cantonment).
Cost: INR 200-400 (non-AC to AC)
By Taxi / Private Car
A private taxi takes 4-5 hours via NH-28. This is the most flexible option, especially for a day trip — you can leave at your preferred time and stop along the way. The road is a mix of highway and state road, reasonably well maintained. Ola Outstation and hotel-arranged cars are available.
Cost: INR 3,500-5,000 one way / INR 6,000-8,000 round trip with waiting
Money Saver
Best Trains: Varanasi to Ayodhya
| Train | Depart | Arrive | Duration | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Saryu Express (14236) Most popular option. Early departure — full day in Ayodhya. Daily service. | 05:20 AM | 10:05 AM | 4h 45m | INR 170 (SL) / INR 600 (3AC) |
Faizabad Express (14208) Overnight option. Arrive early morning — start sightseeing after sunrise. | 11:30 PM | 04:30 AM | 5h 00m | INR 170 (SL) / INR 600 (3AC) |
Vande Bharat Express Fastest and most comfortable. Semi-high-speed. Limited availability — book early. | 06:00 AM | 09:30 AM | 3h 30m | INR 755 (CC) / INR 1,505 (EC) |
Timings and fares are indicative and subject to change. Ayodhya Junction was formerly known as Faizabad Junction — some booking platforms may still show the old name. Check IRCTC for current schedules. SL = Sleeper, 3AC = AC 3-tier, CC = Chair Car, EC = Executive Chair.
What to See in Ayodhya
Ram Mandir (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi)
The magnificent new Ram Mandir, inaugurated on January 22, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands at the believed birthplace of Lord Ram. The three-story temple is built in the Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture using Bansi Paharpur sandstone from Rajasthan — no steel or iron was used in the construction. The sanctum houses the idol of Ram Lalla (infant Ram). At 161 feet tall and 380 feet long, it is one of the largest Hindu temples built in modern India. The temple complex spans 70 acres and includes a pilgrim facility center, museum, and gardens.
Tip: Arrive before 8 AM to avoid the longest queues. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Deposit all belongings (phone, wallet, bags) at the free locker facility outside. Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. The security process is similar to Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi.
Hanuman Garhi
A 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, perched on a hillock in the heart of Ayodhya. You climb 76 steps to reach the main temple, which houses a striking statue of Hanuman with baby Ram in his lap. The temple offers panoramic views of Ayodhya city and the Saryu River. It is one of the most important Hanuman temples in India and is traditionally visited before the Ram Mandir — devotees seek Hanuman's blessings before visiting Ram's birthplace.
Tip: Visit on a Tuesday or Saturday (auspicious for Hanuman worship) for the most vibrant atmosphere. The 76 steps can be tiring in summer — carry water. The views from the top are worth the climb. The market around the temple sells devotional items and sweets.
Saryu Ghat (Ram Ki Paidi)
The ghats along the Saryu River (also called Ghaghra) are the spiritual heart of Ayodhya, much like the Ganga ghats in Varanasi — but calmer, less crowded, and more contemplative. Ram Ki Paidi is the main ghat, recently renovated with wide steps, landscaped gardens, and decorative lighting. An evening aarti ceremony is performed here, smaller and more intimate than Varanasi's but beautiful in its own right. The Saryu is sacred in Hinduism — Lord Ram is said to have taken his final journey (Jal Samadhi) into this river.
Tip: The evening aarti at Ram Ki Paidi typically begins at sunset (6-7 PM depending on season). It is a serene experience without the crowds of Dashashwamedh Ghat. A walk along the ghats in the early morning is peaceful and atmospheric.
Kanak Bhawan
One of Ayodhya's most beautiful temples, Kanak Bhawan is dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. The highlight is the ornately decorated sanctum where the idols of Ram and Sita wear golden crowns — the temple's name means 'Golden House.' Legend says it was gifted by Kaikeyi (Ram's stepmother) to Sita as a wedding present. The temple's interior is richly painted with scenes from the Ramayana. It has a calm, joyful energy distinct from the grandeur of the Ram Mandir.
Tip: The golden crowns on the idols are the main attraction — look for them during darshan. The temple is less crowded than Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi, making it a peaceful stop. Photography is not allowed inside.
Nageshwarnath Temple
One of the oldest temples in Ayodhya, believed to have been established by Kush (son of Lord Ram). Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the few ancient structures in Ayodhya that survived multiple invasions through the centuries. The temple is said to have been rediscovered by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain when he found a single diya still burning at the site. It is an important Shiva temple and provides a nice contrast to the Ram-focused temples in the city.
Tip: The temple is most atmospheric during the morning aarti. It is located near Hanuman Garhi, so you can combine the two visits easily. The history of this temple surviving through centuries of destruction is remarkable.
Ram Mandir: Security & Entry Rules
What You Need to Know
- No phones or cameras — deposit all electronic devices at the free locker facility before entering the security zone. This is strictly enforced.
- No bags, wallets, or metal objects — only your body and the clothes you are wearing. Even small purses are not allowed.
- Dress code — modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing attire.
- Security screening — airport-style metal detectors and pat-down checks. Similar to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple process in Varanasi.
- Queue time — 1-3 hours on regular days, 4-6 hours on weekends and festivals. Arrive early for shorter waits.
- Temple hours — 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with breaks during aarti times (typically 12:00-2:00 PM and 7:00-7:30 PM for Sandhya Aarti).
- Free entry — there is no ticket or fee. VIP passes are not available for the general public.
Heads Up
Day Trip vs Overnight
Day Trip (tight but doable)
- Early morning train (5:20 AM Saryu Express)
- Arrive Ayodhya ~10 AM, auto to Ram Mandir
- Ram Mandir darshan (2-3 hours with queue)
- Hanuman Garhi (30-45 min, walking distance)
- Quick lunch at a local restaurant
- Saryu Ghat walk (30 min)
- Evening train back to Varanasi
Best for: Travelers with limited time. Consider taxi for flexibility.
Overnight Stay (recommended)
- Day 1: Arrive, Ram Mandir darshan (less rush)
- Day 1: Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan
- Day 1 evening: Saryu Ghat aarti ceremony
- Day 2 morning: Nageshwarnath Temple, markets
- Day 2: Explore at leisure, souvenir shopping
- Day 2 afternoon: Return to Varanasi
Budget hotels: INR 800-1,500/night. Mid-range: INR 2,000-5,000.
Local Tip
The Spiritual Triangle: Varanasi-Ayodhya-Prayagraj
Three of Hinduism's seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) are within 200 km of each other in Uttar Pradesh. Combining them creates one of India's most powerful spiritual journeys — from Shiva's eternal abode (Varanasi) to Ram's birthplace (Ayodhya) to the confluence of sacred rivers (Prayagraj).
Suggested Combined Itinerary (6-7 days)
- Days 1-3: Varanasi — ghats, Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga Aarti, Sarnath, street food.
- Day 4: Train to Ayodhya (4-5 hrs). Afternoon: Hanuman Garhi, evening Saryu Ghat aarti.
- Day 5: Morning: Ram Mandir, Kanak Bhawan. Afternoon: Train to Prayagraj (3-4 hrs).
- Day 6: Prayagraj — Triveni Sangam boat ride, Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhawan museum.
- Day 7: Return to Varanasi (2-3 hrs by train) or depart from Prayagraj.
Local Tip
Spiritual Note