Ayodhya has always been a sacred city for Hindus, but 2025 is the first full year when visiting the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir feels seamlessly possible as a quick getaway. Thanks to the new Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ), upgraded railway stations, and improved civic infrastructure, the city now welcomes thousands of devotees daily. But here’s the real question: can you experience Ayodhya well within a weekend?
The short answer is yes. With smart planning – knowing flight options, darshan timings, crowd patterns, and local movement hacks – you can comfortably cover the temple, nearby shrines, and river ghats in just 48 hours. Here’s the ultimate weekend blueprint.
Getting There: Flights & Trains
By Air
- Airport: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham (AYJ)
- Direct flights (2025): Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Hisar
- Backup option: Lucknow (LKO), followed by a 3–3.5 hour drive to Ayodhya
- Airport to temple distance: ~10 km (25–35 min by taxi/auto, depending on traffic)
By Train
- Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY) and Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) are the two key stations.
- Both stations are within easy reach of the Ram Mandir and central city hotels.
Darshan & Aarti Timings
General Darshan
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon/Evening: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Aarti Slots (Pass-Based)
- Mangala Aarti (pre-dawn)
- Shringar Aarti (morning)
- Bhog Aarti (mid-day)
- Sandhya Aarti (evening)
- Shayan Aarti (night)
Note: Darshan is free for all, but attending an aarti requires a limited pass issued by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Crowd Management & Travel Hacks
- Travel light: Avoid large bags; security checks are strict.
- Time it right: Go early morning (before 8:00 AM) or after 7:00 PM for smoother darshan.
- Avoid peak days: Festivals like Ram Navami (Apr 6, 2025), Dussehra (Oct 2), Diwali (Oct 21), Kartik Purnima (Nov 5) bring huge crowds.
- Stay close: Choose hotels near Ram Path or Naya Ghat to save commute time.
- Don’t depend only on aarti: Treat aarti attendance as a bonus; plan general darshan separately.
Temple Rules: What You Can & Can’t Carry
- Prohibited: Mobile phones, cameras, bags, belts, watches, electronic items, food, flowers, and garlands.
- Allowed: Cash, ID, small offerings purchased inside the temple precinct.
- Cloakrooms/lockers are available near entry points.
Dress Code
There isn’t an official dress code, but modest clothing is strongly advised. Men are expected to wear kurta-pajama or sober trousers and shirts, while women often choose sarees or salwar suits. Sleeveless tops, shorts, or revealing attire should be avoided. Shoulders and knees should remain covered, and footwear must be removed before entry.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options have expanded rapidly around the temple zone. Here are a few recommended stays:
- Hotel Prince Ayodhya – Budget, clean, ~INR 1,500 per night.
- Saraswati Luxurious Homestay – Cozy, ~INR 1,800– INR 2,000 per night.
- Tulsi Bhawan – Comfortable mid-range stay, ~INR 3,500– INR 4,000 per night.
- Sitaynam Hotel & Resort – Opposite Ram Mandir, premium comfort, ~INR 6,000– INR 7,000 per night.
- Tent City near Naya Ghat – Riverside spiritual stay, INR 4,000 upwards depending on package.
48-Hour Ayodhya Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Immersion
- 8:00 AM – Arrive in Ayodhya and check in: Whether you land at Maharishi Valmiki International Airport or step off an overnight train, reach your hotel on Ram Path or Naya Ghat by 8 AM, check in, and freshen up.
- 9:00 AM – Morning darshan at Ram Mandir: Head straight to the temple for your first darshan during the morning window (typically 7 AM – 11:30 AM). This is one of the calmer times, and the sanctum’s spiritual energy feels especially serene.
- 11:30 AM – Visit Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan: After completing your darshan, walk 10 minutes to Hanuman Garhi, the fort-like temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and then continue to Kanak Bhawan, a palace-like shrine dedicated to Sita.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch and rest: Return to your hotel or a local vegetarian restaurant for lunch – simple thalis are easily available – and take some rest to escape the midday heat and crowds.
- 4:30 PM – Stroll to the ghats and boat ride: Head towards the Saryu Ghats in the late afternoon. Take a peaceful boat ride on the Saryu River and soak in the evening calm.
- 6:30 PM – Evening aarti at Naya Ghat: Stay on at the ghats to witness the enchanting evening aarti, where hundreds of lamps light up the riverfront in a spectacular spiritual atmosphere.
- 8:00 PM – Second darshan or Sandhya Aarti at Ram Mandir: If you have the energy, make a quick evening darshan (darshan timings usually extend to 9:30 PM) or attend the Sandhya Aarti if you’ve arranged a pass in advance. End your day with a simple vegetarian dinner nearby.
Day 2: Sunrise & Farewell
- 5:00 AM – Mangala Aarti or sunrise stroll: Begin the day early with Mangala Aarti at Ram Mandir (requires a special pass), or else take a sunrise walk by the Saryu River to enjoy the quiet start of the day.
- 7:00 AM – Morning darshan at Ram Mandir: Return for another darshan at the temple, usually less crowded than evening hours, allowing a more peaceful experience.
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast and local exploration: Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then explore Nageshwarnath Temple, one of Ayodhya’s oldest shrines, located near Ram Ki Paidi.
- 11:00 AM – Shopping and sweet indulgence: Wander through local bazaars, picking up religious souvenirs, brass idols, and Ayodhya’s famous peda or laddoos to carry home.
- 12:30 PM – Brunch and hotel checkout: Return to your hotel for an early lunch or brunch, pack up, and complete checkout formalities.
- 2:00 PM – Departure: Leave for Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (around 30 minutes from the city center) or head to Ayodhya Dham Junction for your return train, wrapping up a spiritually fulfilling weekend.
Costs at a Glance
- Darshan: Free (general entry)
- Aarti: Pass-only, limited availability (no paid fast-track option)
- Airport transfer: 25–35 min drive, fares vary by taxi/e-rickshaw service
- Hotels: Budget INR 1,500– INR 3,000; mid-range INR 3,500– INR 7,000; premium options higher
Summing Up
Ayodhya in 2025 is absolutely a weekend-doable trip. With direct flights, well-defined darshan windows, and short airport transfers, two days are enough for spiritual fulfilment and cultural immersion. The key is timing – plan around crowd surges, avoid festival weekends if you want peace, and don’t carry unnecessary baggage.
Follow this plan, and you’ll manage two darshans, an aarti (if lucky), visits to nearby temples, and an evening at the ghats – all without rushing.
