You might know Ayodhya only for Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. It’s the birthplace of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A number of events from the Hindu epic Ramayana have been set around this ancient city. So, there are several important places to visit in Ayodhya related to Lord Rama.
But the importance of Ayodhya is much more than being Lord Rama's place of birth. The holy city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh holds a special place among the Hindus. It’s located at the banks of River Sarayu, along which lies some of the best places to visit in Ayodhya.
Dotted with numerous temples and buzzing ghats, Ayodhya is a must-visit religious city. It’s among the most revered Hindu pilgrim spots.
The city has a range of tourist attractions, not only on the river bank but scattered all over the place. And here is a list of places to visit in Ayodhya you must not miss.
1. Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Ram Janmabhoomi (or Ram’s birthplace) is one of the most sacred sites in Ayodhya. As per the events narrated in Ramayana, Lord Rama took his birth as Lord Vishnu's manifestation in Ayodhya. He’s said to have grown up along River Sarayu.
The site has been a source of conflict between the Hindu and Muslim communities for several decades. It was only after the Supreme Court declared it a temple site that the construction of this one of the famous temples in Ayodhya could start.
This Ram Mandir is the most popular tourist spot in Ayodhya. The grand temple complex includes the main sanctum and various other structures.
- Entry Fee: Yet to be announced
- Timings: Yet to be announced
- Distance from Ayodhya: Close to city centre
2. Kanak Bhawan Temple
Kanak Bhawan (meaning Golden Palace) is a majestic temple dedicated to Lord Rama and his consort Sita. The temple has a vibrant, golden hue. It’s built in the Rajasthani architectural style, making it one of the top places to visit in Ayodhya, UP.
What makes the temple unique is the belief that both the idols here are self-manifested. They appeared on their own. It’s said that Kaikeyi, Lord Rama’s stepmother, gifted this temple shrine to him and Sita.
Although the temple is said to have been built centuries ago, during Vikramaditya’s reign, the present structure is from the 1900s.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 11 AM and 4.30 PM – 9 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: Close to city centre
3. Hanuman Garhi
Another famous place to visit in Ayodhya is Hanuman Garhi temple. The temple is dedicated to the mighty “Monkey God,” Lord Hanuman, believed to be Ayodhya’s protector.
It’s customary to visit this temple before you visit Ayodhya Ram Mandir, making it one of the top 5 places to visit in Ayodhya. It has a cave adorned with several statues of Lord Hanuman, along with his mother, Maa Anjani.
This 10th-century temple is built on a hilltop, with 70+ steep steps to reach the entrance. You also get a panoramic view of Ayodhya and its temples from the top. It’s said that Lord Hanuman lived here while guarding Ayodhya.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: Close to city centre
4. Treta Ke Thakur
Treta Ke Thakur is an ancient temple on the banks of River Sarayu. It’s dedicated to Lord Rama. He is considered the ruler of Treta Yuga (one of the four periods in the world, according to Hinduism).
The temple is believed to have been built at the same place where Lord Rama performed the famed Ashvamedha Yajna. More than its religious significance, the temple is visited for its historical allure.
The temple was renovated in the 1700s by a Maratha queen to give it the shape you see today. It houses several other idols apart from Lord Rama’s representing Laxman, Hanuman, Sita and others. These figures are said to be carved from a single black sandstone rock.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open only on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (in October/November), for 24 hours
- Distance from Ayodhya: 2 km from city centre
5. Guptar Ghat
Situated on the banks of River Sarayu, Guptar Ghat is another site associated with Lord Rama. It’s said to be the place where he gave up his mortal life by taking Jal Samadhi (entering the river) and made his way back to Baikunth, descending into heaven.
Several temples are also located on and near the place, making it an important pilgrim spot for Hindus. A short flight of stairs leads you to the river, where many rituals are performed.
Guptar Ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in Ayodhya. Many people come here to take a dip in the holy water and free themselves from all worries and sins.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 10 km from city centre
6. Swarg Dwar
Swarg Dwar (meaning Gate to Heaven) is also a revered ghat situated along the picturesque banks of River Sarayu. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama’s mortal body is cremated.
The site is also known as Ram Ghat, and it holds immense significance as a place of religious reverence and ritualistic importance. Devotees believe that bathing here cleanses them of their sins. And they can enter heaven in their afterlife.
You’ll also find several small temples near Swarg Dwar. Pilgrims often engage in prayers and rituals on the ghat, seeking blessings and divine grace.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 3 km from city centre
7. Sita ki Rasoi
Sita ki Rasoi (Sita’s Kitchen, in English) is another of the revered historical places in Ayodhya, associated with Sita, Lord Rama’s wife. It’s said Sita cooked her meals here after returning from Lanka.
Today, Sita Rasoi isn’t an actual kitchen but a sacred site that houses idols of Lord Rama, his brothers and their wives. The site also has a small exhibit with symbolic kitchenware like a rolling pin and a rolling plate.
It’s believed that Mother Sita not only cooked for herself and her family but fed everyone who was hungry. The temple follows this tradition by offering free food to visitors.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 2 km from city centre
8. Dashrath Mahal
Dashrath Mahal (or Dashrath Bhawan) is a palace and temple dedicated to King Dashrath, the father of Lord Rama. It’s right in the centre of the city, and it’s said this is where the original palace of the king existed.
The palace, although not as magnificent as its older counterpart, is spacious. It’s painted with vibrant hues of red, blue and yellow, and it’s well-maintained. The entrance is also ornamented with beautiful paintings.
Popularly known as Bada Asthan, Dashrath Mahal houses a shrine with idols of Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. Saints continuously recite dohas (verses) from different scriptures here.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 12 noon and 4 PM – 10 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: Close to city centre
9. Nageshwarnath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Nageshwarnath Temple is considered one of the oldest temples in Ayodhya. It’s believed to have been established by Kush, Lord Rama's son. As per legends, he raised the temple for a Shiva devotee, Naga Kanya.
The current temple you see is a reconstructed version from the 1800s. And it’s among the top 10 places to visit in Ayodhya.
The temple attracts devotees from all across the country, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival. The procession of Lord Shiva is a major attraction here during the festival.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 2 km from city centre
10. Choti Chhavni
Choti Chhawani (also known as Maniramdas Chhavni) is a magnificent structure crafted out of white marble. It was established by the revered Hindu saint, Shri Maniram Das Ji, resembling a small camp (chhavni, in Hindi).
Swami Maniramdas built the place as his ashram, to spend his time in meditation and spiritual pursuits.
Today, it’s a spiritual centre constantly flocked by saints and devotees. The sheer magnificence of the building makes it worth a visit. It also hosts Satsang (spiritual discourses) and other religious activities often.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 7 AM – 10 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 2 km from city centre
11. Tulsi Smarak Bhawan
Next on the list of must-visit places in Ayodhya is Tulsi Smarak Bhawan. It’s built in the memory of the 16th-century saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas. The site of the memorial is believed to be the place where he composed his famed Ramcharitamanas.
The memorial has an enormous library and museum that has preserved a variety of facts related to Lord Rama. It also has a research centre that collects and studies cultural information about the region.
Another attraction of Tulsi Smarak Bhawan is the daily recitation of Ramlila (Rama’s life story). Spiritual discourses and cultural programs are also organised here regularly.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: Close to city centre
12. Ram Katha Park
Ram Katha Park is a spacious park in Ayodhya, housing open-air theatres and well-kept lawns. It’s spread over a vast area, providing plenty of space for devotional programmes, religious events and cultural performances.
The park offers an opportunity for budding artists to showcase their theatrical talent. It’s open to host dance events, poetry, stories and all forms of regional arts.
It’s a popular leisure destination, too. It provides a much-needed solace from the crowded lanes of Ayodhya. People visit the park to spend their evenings in a serene environment, and kids play in the greens.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 3 km from city centre
13. Moti Mahal
Built by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, Moti Mahal is known for its architectural beauty. It was built in 1743 as the residence of Begum Umat-uz-Zohra Bano (or Bahu Begum). She was the wife of Shuja-ud-Daula.
The palace is also referred to as Moti Mahal, and it’s a fine marvel of Mughal architecture. The grandeur of the monument showcases the rich heritage of the Nawabs of Ayodhya.
It’s situated on the outskirts of the city, in Faizabad, and makes for a captivating day out with family. It’s frequented by many tourists, too. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in and around Ayodhya.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 12 noon – 11 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 6 km from city centre
14. Gulab Bari
Gulab Bari (meaning the Garden of Roses) is another place of tourist interest related to Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. It’s a beautiful garden and mausoleum containing the tombs of the Nawab and his family.
It’s a Charbagh-style garden with the cenotaph building in the centre. It’s a cross between the Awadhi and the Mughal style of architecture.
It’s said that Shuja-ud-Daula got Gulab Bari built while he was alive. Several varieties of roses adorn its lawns. Artificial ponds with running fountains are also built in the garden. It’s a gorgeous portrayal of the lavish style of the Nawabs.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 4 AM – 7 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 5 km from city centre
15. Bahu Begum ka Maqbara
Bahu Begum ka Maqbara (or the Mausoleum of Bahu Begum) is another important historical monument in Ayodhya. The tomb was built as the resting place of Bahu Begum, Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula’s wife, in 1816.
It’s said that, with Bahu Begum ka Maqbara, the Nawab wanted to recreate the grandeur of Agra’s Taj Mahal. The mausoleum reflects a beautiful blend of Mughal and Awadhi styles. It’s built with white marble, and lush green gardens surround it.
Its architecture makes it one of the best places to visit near Ayodhya city.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
- Distance from Ayodhya: 9 km from city centre
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, finds mention in several legends in the Hindu religion. Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is probably the most popular site in the city. But you also have several other places to visit in and around Ayodhya.
It’s much more than a Hindu pilgrimage spot. Ayodhya’s relationship with Ramayana and the Nawabi culture has given it an identity of its own. It’s a vibrant fusion of religion, culture and history. It has temples, historical buildings and several ghats on the banks of River Sarayu.
Plan your trip between November and February to explore all the places to visit in Ayodhya. The weather in Ayodhya is the most comfortable during those months.
