After the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the region has witnessed a massive resurgence in travel and spiritual tourism. So much so that it is now a major travel hub in Uttar Pradesh. While Ayodhya itself is an amazing travel destination, what adds to its travel value is that it is surrounded by other major Buddhist and Ramayana travel circuits, as well as Nawabi cultural heritage. So, if you’re in Ayodhya for a few days and are looking to explore what else Uttar Pradesh has in store for you, here are a few places you can consider visiting near Ayodhya for a quick getaway that won’t take too much time out of your itinerary.
Best Places Near Ayodhya You Should Visit
Same-Day Destinations Near Ayodhya
1. Lucknow, The City of Nawabs
After experiencing the beauty of Ayodhya, Lucknow provides a pleasant contrast. The bustling Nawabi hospitality, architecture, and heritage are the perfect pairing to Ayodhya’s quaint and old-worldly vibe.
Distance From Ayodhya: 135 km
What To Do And Where To Go
- Bara Imambara (and its famous Bhulbhulaiya maze)
- Chota Imambara
- Rumi Darwaza
- Shopping for authentic Chikan embroidery in Hazratganj
2. Shravasti, The Sacred Buddhist And Jain Sanctuary
Shravasti is one of the four main pilgrimage sites on the Buddhist Circuit. This is the place where Lord Buddha spent 24 rainy retreats (Vassa). If you’re looking for a quieter, reflective day trip, this is ideal for it. You can easily take the Ayodhya–Gonda–Shravasti route for this.
Distance From Ayodhya: 110 km
What To Do And Where To Go
- Jetavana Monastery ruins
- Anandabodhi Tree
- Angulimala Stupa
- International monasteries (Thai, South Korean, and Sri Lankan stupas).
3. Gorakhpur And Maghar, Spiritual Centers of Eastern UP
These places are considered spiritual hubs, and for good reason. Visiting the Sant Kabir Samadhi Sthal in Maghar and the Gorakhpur Math in Gorakhpur is a must. While in Gorakhpur, you can also behold the greatest printing press to print Hindu Scriptures and religious texts, the Gita Press.
Distance From Ayodhya: 135 km
What To Do And Where To Go
- Gorakhnath Temple
- Gita Press (features a museum of rare hand-painted Ramayana manuscripts)
- Ramgarh Taal for evening boating
- En route, stop at Maghar (Sant Kabir Samadhi Sthal).
Also Read: 7 Best Restaurants In Ayodhya You Absolutely Must Visit
Weekend Getaways Near Ayodhya
1. Naimisharanya or Neemsar
Religiously, this is a forest of great import. It is considered the place where Maharishi Ved Vyas composed the 18 Puranas. It is also in this forest where the 80,000 sages performed penance. If you want to experience the full extent of this place’s religiosity, consider staying overnight at some ashram or boutique guesthouses near Sitapur and then attend a few early morning temple rituals.
Distance From Ayodhya: 215 km
What To Do And Where To Go
- Chakra Tirth (a circular holy pond)
- Hanuman Garhi (featuring a massive standing posture of Lord Hanuman)
- Vyas Gaddi
- Lalita Devi Temple
2. Chitrakoot, The Forest Realm Of Lord Ram
If the legends are to be believed, Chitrakoot has the sacred forest where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana lived for 11 of the 14 years of their banishment. Here you can take a short trip to explore all the riverfront ghats and forest sanctuaries.
Distance From Ayodhya: 275 km
What To Do And Where To Go
- Visit Ramghat along the Mandakini River
- Kamadgiri Parikrama
- Hanuman Dhara
- Sati Anusuya Ashram
- The natural limestone caves of Gupt Godavari
3. Prayagraj (Formerly Known As Allahabad), The Holy Sangam
Prayagraj is a must-visit destination, especially for those who are keen on witnessing the sacred confluence or the Triveni Sangam. The place witnesses footfalls of millions of people from far and wide who are there just to see this point of convergence of the three holiest rivers in India, Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
Distance From Ayodhya: 165 km
What To Do And Where To Go
- Boat ride to Triveni Sangam
- Prayagraj Fort (Akbar Fort or Patalpuri Temple)
- Anand Bhawan
- Hanuman Mandir (Lying Hanuman Temple)
Also Read: What To Eat In Ayodhya? Famous Local Foods, Sweets & Places To Try
Author’s Note
On my recent trip to Ayodhya, I found that the journey was made significantly more convenient by the new four-lane Ayodhya-Gorakhpur highway (NH-27). The recently upgraded Ayodhya-Lucknow corridor has also greatly improved the travel experience.
I visited Ayodhya in February and found the weather to be quite pleasant. If you, too, want to avoid peak summers and ceaseless rains, you should plan your visit between October and March. The weather during this time ranges from 12°C to 25°C. You can even comfortably enjoy any walking tours in this weather as you’re not bothered by rain nor exhausted by the sun.
For our travels near Ayodhya, we booked a private taxi from the official Ayodhya Ayukt Tourism counters. They charge a standard per-kilometer fee. If you’re keen on traveling by trains, you can do that as well. For instance, there’s a Vande Bharat and a Jan Shatabdi that connect Ayodhya to Lucknow and Prayagraj.
Summing Up
Ayodhya has transformed into a travel hub for a reason. The pilgrim circuit around the city is just as spiritually enriching as beholding the Ram Janmabhoomi. Over the last few years, especially, many people have woken up to the fact that Ayodhya offers more than just the Ram Janmabhoomi. It offers a plethora of other religious and cultural travel circuits that can be explored conveniently, provided you plan in advance and smartly. From the Nawabi city of Lucknow to the rapidly transforming hub of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh has no dearth of religious and cultural destinations. That quite a few of them are within close proximity of Ayodhya is an added benefit for many of the pilgrims.
