Ayodhya, with its rich cultural heritage and a deep-rooted significance in Hinduism, is a great destination to visit. With a number of temples, sites of interest, the picturesque Sarayu ghats, and markets, Ayodhya is ideal for pilgrims and spiritual travelers.
So how many days are enough to explore Ayodhya? Will a weekend be enough to visit Ayodhya? We’re answering these questions in this comprehensive blog about the ideal Ayodhya itinerary. Let’s get started.
How Many Days Do You Need In Ayodhya?
Many tourists visiting Ayodhya for the first time are often faced with one question: “how many days do you need in Ayodhya?”
The answer can depend on how much time you are willing to spend in the city, but 2 days in Ayodhya are more than enough in your Ayodhya itinerary. It gives you enough time to visit key temples, including the famed Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and the places near Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
2 days gives you enough time to explore important places such as Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and other important temples, while leaving room for the Sarayu ghats and evening aarti.
However, you can choose your trip length based on your priorities:
- 1 day: Best for seeing the major temples and Ram Mandir. Ideal for those who’re in Ayodhya for a stopover.
- 2 days: Ideal for a comprehensive first visit, covering the most famous sites in the city.
- 3 days: Best for a relaxed Ayodhya weekend itinerary with additional attractions.
It is also essential to plan your Ayodhya trip plan in advance, noting down important festivals and religious occasions. You can either plan your Ayodhya trip during these festivals or visit during the quieter periods of time for lesser crowds.
Also Read: Ayodhya Ram Temple Now Fully Complete – Your Guide To Timings, Entry & How To Reach
Ayodhya 1 Day Itinerary
If you have only a day in Ayodhya, you can explore the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, a few temples nearby, and end your day by visiting the Sarayu riverfront. Here are the best places to add to your Ayodhya itinerary.
Morning: Ram Mandir & Hanuman Garhi
Begin your day early by visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple or Ram Mandir, the centerpiece of all attractions in Ayodhya. The temple is a peaceful place and can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, including security checks and exploring the premises.
After paying your respects at the Ram Mandir, you can head to Hanuman Garhi, one of Ayodhya’s most prominent temples. Located in the heart of the old city, the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is traditionally considered an important stop for pilgrims visiting Ayodhya. Hanuman Garhi is situated at a walking distance from the Ram Mandir premises.
Late Morning: Kanak Bhawan & Sita Ki Rasoi
From Hanuman Garhi, walk towards Kanak Bhawan, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Its ornate interiors and colorful idols make it one of the most interesting temples to see after Ram Mandir.
From here, you can make your way to Sita ki Rasoi, a temple site associated with Sita. It is believed to be the kitchen that Sita used when she was in Ayodhya. These attractions are relatively close to each other, making this part of the itinerary convenient to explore on foot.
Afternoon: Lunch & Dashrath Bhawan
After exploring these sites in Ayodhya, you can halt for a lunch break. Visit any of the eateries and restaurants for local food in Ayodhya.
After lunch, visit Dashrath Bhawan, traditionally associated with King Dashrath, the father of Lord Rama. Keep the afternoon relatively flexible. Depending on crowds, queues and the amount of time spent at Ram Mandir, you may need to adjust your Ayodhya itinerary.
Evening: Ram Ki Paidi & Sarayu Aarti
End your Ayodhya 1 day itinerary at Ram Ki Paidi, a series of ghats along the Sarayu River. You can walk along these ghats and spend some time at the ghats. Then, you can partake in the Sarayu Aarti which usually takes place every evening. Post the aarti, you can explore the local street food in Ayodhya and stroll through the markets.
Ayodhya 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Ram Mandir & Old Ayodhya
Follow the one-day itinerary above, but give yourself more time at each stop in this Ayodhya 2 day itinerary. And of course, no Ayodhya trip plan can begin without visiting the Ram Mandir the first thing in the morning.
Morning: Ram Mandir + Hanuman Garhi
Late morning: Kanak Bhawan + Sita Ki Rasoi
Afternoon: Lunch + Dashrath Bhawan + Nageshwar Nath Temple
Evening: Ram Ki Paidi + Sarayu River Evening aarti
Nageshwar Nath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located near the Ram Ki Paidi area, making it convenient to combine with your riverfront visit.
Day 2: Ghats, Temples & Lesser-Explored Ayodhya
Begin your second day at Guptar Ghat, a significant religious site associated with Lord Rama. After visiting the ghat, head towards Mani Parvat, a historically and religiously significant site associated with Buddhist, Hindu and Jain traditions.
Then, you can return to the central part of Ayodhya for lunch and then visit the Ramayana Wax Museum or spend some time at the riverfront. You can also use the second afternoon to revisit areas you particularly enjoyed on Day 1.
Ayodhya isn’t necessarily a destination where you need to fill every hour with sightseeing, sometimes, it is best to take it slow and find peace in keeping the Ayodhya itinerary relaxed.
Also Read: Ayodhya Travel Guide
Ayodhya Weekend Itinerary: 3 Days
Have a long weekend? Three days in Ayodhya allow for a much more relaxed trip.
Just like the Ayodhya 1 day itinerary and Ayodhya 2 day itinerary, the Ayodhya weekend itinerary can follow the same Day 1 and Day 2 plans. You can space out the attractions between the first two days according to your travel plan.
Day 3: Explore The Lesser-Known Places
Day 3 is a good day to try out local food in Ayodhya and engage in some shopping. You can explore the Faizabad neighborhood, home to historic sites like Moti Mahal and Imambada Gulab Bari – Tomb of Shuja-ud-daula. You can also relax at the Joggers Park in the Cantt Area.
If your departure is later in the day, avoid planning a long-distance excursion. Keep your final few hours close to your transport point, particularly during busy travel periods.
Can You See Ayodhya In One Day?
Yes, it is possible to visit many of the highlights of Ayodhya, including the Ram Mandir, in a day. An Ayodhya 1 day itinerary can include the Ram Mandir and a few attractions close to it.
Visit the Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Sita Rasoi, Dasharath Bhawan, and the Sarayu riverfront in a day in your Ayodhya itinerary.
Are 2 Days Enough To Explore Ayodhya?
For most travelers, two days is the sweet spot. An Ayodhya 2 day itinerary gives you enough time to cover the major temples and include the ghats, while also allowing some flexibility if you encounter long queues or heavy crowds. It is particularly suitable for spiritual travelers dedicating day one to religious sites and day two for tourist attractions and shopping.
Visiting Ayodhya from Mumbai? The new Ayodhya To Mumbai Amrit Bharat Train might just be the best option for travel!
Author’s Note
Exploring Ayodhya in one to three days is totally possible with the right planning. If you’re planning to explore the city, I’d ideally recommend making an Ayodhya 2 day itinerary. This way you’ll get enough time to explore main temples and tourist attractions at a decent pace. Also, you can combine a 1 day Ayodhya itinerary with a few places to visit near Ayodhya in your weekend getaway!
Summing Up
Ayodhya is easily explorable within a day or over the weekend. The city, with its rich cultural and religious significance, is home to the iconic Ram Mandir and plenty of historic temples and ghats. Which of these Ayodhya travel plans are you choosing for your next visit to Ayodhya?
