Are you thinking about where to go for a special trip? Consider Ayodhya! It’s a city in India that has a lot to offer for everyone. However, Ayodhya is a sacred city that lays on the banks of the Sarayu River, and it isn’t just any geographical location. It’s very special to millions, not in India alone but in the whole world, since it is one of the seven chhota kendras or major Hindu teerths (Yatra). The remaining six are Mathura, Maya (Haridwar), Kasi (Varanasi), Kanchi (Kanchipuram), Avantika (Ujjain), and Dvaravati (Dwarka).
But for Hindus, Ayodhya is especially important because it is there that Rama, one of their most respected gods, comes back as a person who explores the earth. You can read all about this in the famous Indian story called the Ramayana. History remains one of the most important things that define this city. Visitors come here to learn more about their religions through pilgrimages, their history, and for simple peace of mind. First, let’s talk about why Ayodhya is a great place to visit.
Check Here: India’s Famous Spiritual Tour Package – Chardham Yatra
Places to visit in Ayodhya
Rama Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya
This is the birthplace of Lord Rama, the place of deity and divine worship. People do come here to visit the inner sanctum and experience the serenity of life, apart from learning about Ayodhya’s rich cultural history.
Kanak Bhavan
This temple is famous for its beautiful architecture and religious significance and is dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and other devotees. The mother was a gift to Sita.
Treta Ke Thakur
Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple marks the place where he performed the holy rituals. People from all over the world come to pay their respects and feel the spiritual vibration.
Nageshwarnath Temple
Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is believed to have been established by Lord Rama during his stay in Ayodhya.
Architecture: The temple showcases traditional North Indian temple architecture.
Swarg Dwar
According to the Ramayana, it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama ascended to heaven.
Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat
Twin hillocks associated with the legends of Lava and Kush, the sons of Lord Rama
Temples: There are temples dedicated to Lava and Kush atop these hillocks.
Ramkot
A fort-like structure that houses the main deity of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
Sita Ki Rasoi
Significance: This spot is believed to be the kitchen of Sita, showcasing an age-old tradition.
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan:
Commemorates the works of Tulsidas, the poet-saint who wrote the Ramcharitmanas.
Library: It also houses a library with a vast collection of literature related to Tulsidas.
Gulab Bari
Nawabi Architecture: A beautiful garden and mausoleum showcasing the architectural styles of the Nawabs of Awadh.
Moti Mahal
History: This historical structure has served as a residence for the Nawabs and is known for its architectural grandeur.
How to Reach Ayodhya
Traveling to Ayodhya is comfortable because places of reverence or interest lie around a kilometer from the city center, amidst the temples.
By Air: The nearest airport from Lalita is Lucknow International Airport, situated at approximately 152 km. It is easy for you to catch a flight from any city in India and alight at Lucknow airport, which allows flights from other countries as well. You can then get to Ayodhya by taxi or public transport.
Nearest Airport: A distance of 130 kilometers from the airport Chaudhary Charan Singh (LKO), which is situated at Ayodhya.
By Train: The two primary railway/train stations are Faizabad and Ayodhya, which connect to many large cities. Ayodhya is much further away from Lucknow, but only by rail, whereas Faizabad is about 128 km away. The Ayodhya Railway Station lies on the Network of Northern Indian Railways in Broad Gauge along with the Mughal Sarai-Lucknow Line. Active inter-day trains are the Lucknow Express, Varanasi Doon Express, and Delhi Faizabad Express.
By Bus: UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) provides round the clock services to Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, and other cities in Uttar Pradesh, leading people to Ayodhya. It is around 172 km away from Lucknow, and you can find buses every minute of the day. One can even buy the UPSRTC bus tickets online by advance booking from sites such as RedBus. A cheap and readily available cycle rickshaw at the Faizabad bus stand between the bus stand and railway station costs around INR 30 rupees.
By Road: Numerous big cities in Uttar Pradesh are connected to Ayodhya by roads, so it is not difficult to travel by road. In the case that you are coming from cities such as Allahabad (which is 166 kilometres away), Faizabad (which is just 7 kilometers away), Lucknow (which is just 134 miles away), and Varanasi- (209 kilometres away), it can be easy to book a taxi at an affordable price. These cities have well-developed transport networks through wide roads that link them to Ayodhya, which is convenient for travel when it comes to people moving from these metropolises or close towns and villages.
If you are looking to travel to Ayodhya, there is a time of the year when it is truly magical.
Perfect Weather: The optimal period for the visit to Ayodhya is October–March, when the climate is balanced and rather comfortable. The temperatures also fall within the sweet spot of 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, allowing visitors to hike or trek outdoors for extended periods without having to worry about being underdressed for the weather conditions. Cool winters, unlike the scorching summers drowning in heavy rainfall, are more lenient and gentler to turn about before hurting one’s body.
Festival season: The festivals of Ayodhya, including Diwali and Ram Navami, are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people with mesmerizing grandeur. It’s a top place to visit, especially for Diwali, as this city really knows how to turn the whole country into a vibrant celebration. Ayodhya is the best pilgrimage and destination for Hindus, as it was the birthplace of Lord Rama. One of the opportunities to visit this place is during Rama Navami, which falls every year in the month of April and marks the emergence of Rama.
For that, if you want to celebrate beautiful weather and a colorful festival, choose the time to stay in Ayodhya from October to March, or Diwali and Ram Navami.
‘Sri Ram’ Bricks for Construction
The temple will be constructed with ‘Shri Ram’ bricks at the believed birthplace of Lord Rama. According to legend, the Ram Setu, renowned for its strength and durability, was constructed of similar stones called Ramshilas.
Conclusion
Ayodhya is an important city with rich history and culture and is especially important to Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Rama. Ayodhya is a special place that has a lot to offer its visitors. Whether you want to take a break into spirituality, history, or just relax,. So, if you are looking for a memorable trip, consider exploring Ayodhya and discovering its unique beauty. A visit to Ayodhya offers an opportunity to explore important temples and spiritual sites. So, plan a trip to Ayodhya and experience the magic of this holy city for yourself.
Wonderful blog, very informative.