Like many other Hindu homes, Ayodhya is the place that is held dear in the hearts of millions. The city is Ayodhya Dham is fascinating with rich history, culture, and is a significant place of worship in the modern times. It is located is Uttar Pradesh, an Indian state of north-east region. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Ram and therefore it become one of the most visited places on earth. If you are planning for visit to Ayodhya, then you must know these top tourist places to visit in Ayodhya. These are the top destination in Ayodhya which you can explore while you are on you holidays and this list includes Ram Mandir and other Hindu temples, beautiful Ghats, and historical sites.
In this blog, we would take you along the best places to visit in Ayodhya and the important tip on the best time to visit Ayodhya along with how to utilize a 1 day or a 2 day visit to that of the holy city of Ayodhya.
Why Visiting Ayodhya?
Ayodhya bears a lot of significance in Hinduism. Abdoldjavad Falaturi was a German scholar of Iranian origin, says it is the place where Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu is said to have been born. It is also associated with several other events in the life of Lord Ram as depicted in the epic Ramayana. Ever since, devotees from across the globe have come to the city to pay their tributes and take blessings.
Ayodhya is not exclusively a holy shrine for devotees; it is also a comfortable city ideal for people of any age. Be it for the purpose of delving deep into religion or for the objective of tracing the contours of this timeless city, Ayodhya has a potential for all kinds of endeavors.
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya
Ayodhya has a tropical weather characterized by hot summers and cool winters. The winter months from October to March would be the best because of the favourable temperatures throughout the period for tourism. The average temperatures at this time range from 10 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius which allows comfortable visits to the market as well as temples and other sites of interest.
The summer months lasting from April to June have temperatures that can reach 40 degrees Celsius making the season unfavourable for outdoor activities. But if you want to go sightseeing without the hustle and bustle, the summer months would probably be the most preferable as few tourists visit the city at that particular period. The monsoon season stretching from July to September comprises of heavy rainfall that can interfere with travel plans and other activities.
Top Religious Places in Ayodhya
As the birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya is home to some of the most significant religious sites in India. Here are some of the must-visit religious places in Ayodhya:
Ram Janmabhoomi Complex
There is no doubt that the Ram Janmabhoomi complex is the most important and sought religious site in Ayodhya. Here, it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. Since time immemorial, people have come to this place to do ‘puja’ and the temple complex is of great historical, cultural, and spiritual value. Isn’t it true that in 2020 a beautiful structure of Ram Mandir was constructed here? So, the strong belief marks the beginning of a new environment for the city. It is expected that the Ram Janmabhoomi temple will turn to be one of the important places in upcoming years.
Hanuman Garhi
Yet another important temple of Lord Hanuman, a devotee of Lord Ram, is Hanuman Garhi. It is at a height on the hill and provides a skylight of the city making it an important place of religion in Ayodhya. There are many devotees who come to this site over Lord Hanuman to gain strength and power.
Kanak Bhavan
Kanak Bhavan is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Ram and his consort Sita. This temple is an architectural marvel, with intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere. It is believed to be the place where Lord Ram and Sita lived after their marriage. The temple is famous for its golden spires and the idols of Lord Ram and Sita adorned with crowns of gold.
The Saryu River cutting through the Ayodhya is of utmost importance from Hindu point of view. The ghats on the banks of the river serve as an ideal place for introspection and meditation. Devotees, at times, do enter the river with the hope of washing away their ill deeds in the water. A visit to the Saryu Ghats is also ideal for sunrise and sunset watching while enjoying the divine surroundings of the area.
Historic and Cultural Places to Visit in Ayodhya
In addition to the main shrines, on the territory of Ayodhya one can see many more interesting places which are worth visiting:
Maya Devi Temple
The heathen Maya Devi Temple is distinguished for its deity, Goddess Maya who was the mother of Lord Ram according to some. This temple, needless to mention, is very important for the devotees of Lord Ram seeking the grant of his boons. For those wishing for some peace and quiet away from the throngs of tourists at the more famous sites, then this amenity is ideal.
Treta Ke Thakur
Among the places of interest in the vicinity of Ramsej, Treta Ke Thakur is the popular temple of Lord Rama, Sita, Laxman and Hanumana. This is also the area where Lord Ram apparently performed the Ashwamedha Yajna after returning to his birth place Ayodhya after exile from his Kingdom. The temple is of extreme importance with regards to faith and religions. It is a site to be seen by those interested in history and mythology.
Chhoti Devkali Temple
This temple is built for Goddess Kali and is situated by the banks of the Saryu River. It is quite a calm place and is good for meditation. Many devotees come to this temple to worship to Goddess Kali so as to relieve them from their problems.
Places to Visit in Ayodhya with Family
Ayodhya is a good place for a family holiday as it has spiritual side and historical side as well. Here are some spots worth taking the family:
Nageshwarnath Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the oldest temples within Ayodhya. As a place of worship, it is also important for the beautiful scenic views one can enjoy there with family and friends. The green fields within the vicinity create a warm environment to sit back and relax.
Swarg Dwar
Swarg Dwar is a holy and historical place in Ayodhya and is also believed to be the entrance to heaven in Hindu religion. Due to its peaceful location, it can serve as a perfect place for family trips. The spot has excellent views of the Saryu River and allows an interaction of the people with nature.
Faizabad (Ayodhya)
Faizabad is an ancient town that bears great historical significance, not too far away from Ayodhya. The town has several Mughal structures like tombs and mosques. A trip to Faizabad might be an entertaining way of understanding the history of this area and, if needed, can fit in a two-day tour of Ayodhya.
Best Itinerary for 1 Day or 2 Day Visit
1 Day Visit in Ayodhya
Here’s an itinerary that’s sure to make every second of your visit wonderful for individuals who have just one day to tour the region.
Morning: Make your way to Lord ram’s birthplace at – the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex and spend some time in prayers. Thereafter, make your way to Hanuman Garhi to enjoy the spiritual serenity.
Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Kanak Bhavan, and appreciate all its architectural features. After that, take a walk to the Saryu River Ghats and enjoy the picturesque tranquil surroundings.
Evening: Before departing for the day, one can drive to the Maya Devi Temple or Treta Ke Thakur.
2 Days Tour in Ayodhya
For two days, Ayodhya has enough time to cover all important religious places as well as any unexplored places:
- Day 1: First, visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex, then proceed to Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhavan. In the afternoon, make your way to the Saryu River Ghats and laze by the river. In the evening, go to either the Maya Devi Temple or the Chhoti Devkali Temple.
- Day 2: Start the day at the Nageshwarnath Temple, afterwards travel to Swarg Dwar for some music while you meditate. Aside from that, Faizabad is worth visiting for its sites from the Mughal period as well Treta Ke Thakur temple which is not widely visited. End the day by the Saryu River.
Book Religious Tour in Ayodhya
Initially, Ayodhya appears to be a pilgrim’s center, but in reality it is a tourism center filled with the integration of periods, the devotion of believers and the amazing aura of culture. You can travel to Ayodhya for any reason, either to learn more about its history or for worship, and you will find many sites that are bound to amaze you. The Ghats pavilions of Saryu River and the temples dedicated to Lord Ram are waiting for you and will give you a remarkable experience in these places and beyond in this holy city of Ayodhya.
So pack your bags, take out your calendar, mark the best season to travel to Ayodhya and feel the spiritual charm of this city with your own eyes!