Nestled along the banks of the Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya is known for its profound spiritual energy and timeless devotion. This ancient city is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, and it’s centred around the magnificent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. The tourist places of Ayodhya showcase its significance as one of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations.
Ayodhya is a premier destination for religious tourism, holding an irreplaceable place in the Hindu mythology. It's a city steeped in an atmosphere of divinity, with plenty of temples and sacred sites to visit. Ayodhya Tourism is a mix of ancient heritage, religious significance, and cultural vibrancy. The city overflows with centuries-old river ghats, historic shrines, and spiritual landmarks.
Whether you’re visiting Ayodhya as a devotee seeking darshan or a traveller exploring India’s ancient roots, the city welcomes you warmly. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into the pages of the Ramayana itself.
To explore all tourist places in Ayodhya Dham properly, check the all-inclusive tour packages by Ayodhya Tourism. We take care of everything from accommodation and transportation to guided temple tours and local insights. We also have a list of top car rental companies in Ayodhya, making it easy to visit the sites in the city and nearby. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch.
History of Ayodhya
Ayodhya is an ancient city with a history stretching back thousands of years. In the Hindu epic, Ramayana, it was known as the capital of the Kosala Kingdom. Ayodhya was then ruled by King Dasaratha (of the Ikshvaku dynasty) and Queen Kaushalya, who gave birth to Lord Rama. As per legend, Saint Manu (the initiator of mankind) founded the city and gave it to the Ikshvakus to rule.
Several legends, such as the Brahmanda Purana and the Garuda Purana, mention Ayodhya as one of the most sacred cities and holiest places for Hindus. The city is also referred to as Saket in ancient texts and Buddhist literature. And it’s even said that Gautam Buddha and Mahavira visited and lived in Ayodhya at some point.
Ayodhya has seen various dynasties rise and fall, each leaving its mark on the city. Today, it has evolved into a world-class pilgrimage destination. Ayodhya, UP tourism showcases a beautiful mix of its mythological heritage and modern development.
Places to Visit in Ayodhya
Ayodhya's tourist landscape offers a variety of spiritual experiences and numerous destinations of historical significance. Whether you want to seek divine blessings or immerse yourself in ancient culture, Ayodhya and nearby tourist places can fulfil all your aspirations. Each location in Ayodhya Dham tourism carries a sacred story, contributing to the city's divine atmosphere.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir stands as the crown jewel of Ayodhya. The grand temple complex, built in the traditional Hindu style, is designed to accommodate millions of pilgrims from around the world. It marks the birthplace of Lord Rama.
Then, Hanuman Garhi, perched atop a hill, is one of the most visited shrines in the Ayodhya tourist places list. This temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is believed to be where Hanuman resided while guarding Ayodhya. The hilltop also offers panoramic views of Ayodhya. Devotees walk up 76 stairs to reach the main shrine, and they throng here throughout the day.
Treta Ke Thakur is also a popular Hindu temple in Ayodhya. It marks the spot where Lord Rama performed the Ashwamedha Yajna. Another among the must-visit tourist places in Ayodhya is the Nageshwarnath Temple. This Shiva temple is one of the oldest shrines in the city. The Jain Shwetamber Temple, dedicated to Rishabhdev (the first Tirthankar), adds another layer to the resplendent spiritual mosaic of Ayodhya.
Apart from those temples, the ancient Kanak Bhawan is also a must-visit. It houses beautiful idols of Lord Rama and Sita adorned with golden crowns. Sita ki Rasoi, believed to be a kitchen used by Goddess Sita herself, is popular among devotees as well. Then, Dashrath Bhavan is said to be the original residence of King Dashrath.
Nearby, Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat are two ancient mounds that hold religious significance in Ayodhya. These two hillocks are associated with various episodes in the epic Ramayana. And they offer you quiet spaces for contemplation.
Along the Sarayu River, the ghats are also among the top religious tourism destinations in Ayodhya. Ram Ki Paidi, the main bathing ghat, consists of a series of steps where pilgrims perform rituals and take holy dips. Ram Ghat, known for Swarg Dwar (meaning gate to heaven), is also a revered riverfront in Ayodhya. Guptar Ghat is another popular one.
The city also has the historic Tulsi Smarak Bhawan. It’s believed to be the place where the 16th-century saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramcharita. In addition to a massive library, it houses a research centre for studying the cultural and spiritual information about Ayodhya.
And just on the outskirts of Ayodhya, in Faizabad, several historical monuments showcase Awadhi architecture. Moti Mahal, especially, is one of the best tourist places near Ayodhya city. The palace exemplifies Mughal architectural brilliance, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the Nawabi era. Gulab Bari and Bahu Begum ka Maqbara are also nearby.
Other Activities and Experiences
Beyond Ayodhya temple tourism and ghat visits, the city offers a range of immersive spiritual and cultural experiences. Several ashrams and cultural centres host sessions where ancient texts come alive through storytelling and music. Ram Katha and Ramayana recitations, too, are regularly held in the landscaped gardens of Ram Katha Park.
Participating in the riverside Sarayu Aarti at sunset is another once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a must-do activity during a visit to Ayodhya. As lamps are lit simultaneously and devotional songs fill the air, you'll feel transported to another realm. For those seeking inner peace, numerous centres provide meditation and yoga sessions in Ayodhya.
Day trips or overnight trips to tourist places near Ayodhya are also available as part of a suitable Ayodhya Tour package. Spiritual seekers can head to Shringi Rishi Ashram (40 km), Naimisharanya (220 km) and Tulsipur (100 km). History enthusiasts might enjoy visiting Gonda (50 km) and Lucknow (135 km). Ayodhya is also connected to Prayagraj (165 km) and Varanasi (220 km), making it an ideal base for an extended pilgrimage to other nearby religious tourist places.
During your visit, you can explore local markets as well. Religious items such as miniature temple replicas, Rama and Sita idols, and paintings depicting Ramayana scenes are sold in many shops. You can also try local restaurants and market stalls for sattvic vegetarian food. Then, street vendors serve fresh jalebis, samosas and the local favourite khasta kachori.
How to Reach Ayodhya
The following are the different ways to explore Ayodhya and nearby tourist places:
By Air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, about 10 km from the city centre, offers connecting flights to Ayodhya. Lucknow Airport (160 km away) is a better option, with regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and other major cities. From the airport, you can book a cab/taxi from the top car rental companies in Ayodhya to explore the city and nearby destinations.
By Train: Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt railway stations connect this city to different corners of the country. Major trains from Delhi, Lucknow, Prayagraj and other Indian cities stop here. Local transportation for Ayodhya tourist places includes cycle-rickshaws, auto rickshaws, and rental cabs/taxis.
By Road: Excellent highway connectivity makes Ayodhya easily accessible by road. State-run buses and private coaches, both AC and non-AC, operate regularly from nearby cities. You can also take a cab/taxi or self-drive to enjoy a journey through the Northern Plain of India. Lucknow is 135 km away, Varanasi is 220 km, and Patna is 430 km from Ayodhya.
With the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, tourism has attracted tremendous infrastructure development in the region. Whether you spend a day or a week, the best tourist places in Ayodhya leave an indelible impression. Ayodhya Tour packages provide the spiritual ambience expected in this holy city. We offer tailored trips to the temples, ghats and other tourist places in Ayodhya. Fill out the Contact Us form to reach our travel experts.
