2 nights 3days in Ayodhya ji

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, Sarayu River, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan

Published on 2021-08-30

Architecture in Ayodhya ji

Architecture in Ayodhya ji

Destination

pilgrimage

Best time to visit

October to March

  • Ayodhya is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus, generally referred to as Sapta-Puris
  • Based on the banks of the Sarayu River, about 135 km from Lucknow, Ayodhya is revered as the Birthplace of Lord Ram.
  • One of India’s biggest festivals, Diwali, may be traced back to Ayodhya, where the residents had lit up the entire city with clay lamps to welcome Lord Ram from his victory in the battle of Lanka.
  • Ayodhya is famous for its rich cultural heritage and temples and installations from the Ramayana era. It is a spiritual city filled with devotees chanting the names of Sita-Pati Ram all across.
  • Ayodhya is now a major highlight with respect to religious tourism for the ambitious Ram Mandir project undertaken by the Government.

How to reach Ayodhya Ji?

  • Airport - Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport at Lucknow is the nearest airport. Maryada Purushottam Shriram International Airport is an upcoming airport that will be upgraded from the existing government airstrip.
  • Railhead - Faizabad Railway Station is linked to all major cities of India. Ayodhya is 6 km from Faizabad.
  • By Bus – Faizabad happens to be the major bus stand. Work is underway to develop a major bus terminus near Naya Ghat in Ayodhya.
  • By Taxi - Multiple modes of public transport, such as metro rail, taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available. Lucknow also has a dedicated four-metre-wide lane for cyclists which is over four km long.

Highlights

  • The places related to the Hindu Epic, Ramayana are the biggest highlights of Ayodhya. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is the place where construction is underway for a grand new Temple dedicated to Lord Ram.
  • The banks of River Sarayu is a sacred spot where devotees may take a holy bath.
  • Hanuman Garhi is a marvellous temple dedicated to Hanuman in the middle of the town.
  • Kanak Bhawan is a palace that Kaikayee, Lord Ram’s stepmother is believed to have gifted to Devi Sita on her wedding with Lord Ram.

Itinerary

Day 1 Reach Ayodhya, visit Ram Janmabhoomi and experience evening aarti at River Sarayu

One can stay at Hotel Ramprastha, around 2 km from Hanuman Garhi, at a tariff of Rs. 2250 per night.

  • Pilgrims may also stay in a dharmshala. Birla Dharmshala offers rooms for Rs. 500 to Rs. 1100 per night.
  • Just a km away from Ram Janmabhoomi, this dharmshala also has the facility of an in-house restaurant. Contact: 9935224897, 05278-232252.

Explore Hotels in Ayodhya

  • Have lunch and set out on a tour of the temples in the town. Temples in Ayodhya generally remain closed between 1 pm and 4 pm
Ramprastha Hotel, Ayodhya
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Ramprastha Hotel, Ayodhya

Visit Shri Hanuman Garhi - This is the place where Hanuman is believed to have stayed guard to the kingdom of Ayodhya. It is built in the shape of a four-sided fort with circular bastions at each corner.

  • Devotees need to climb a flight of 80-90 stairs to reach this beautiful temple where an idol of Hanuman is worshipped. Multiple stalls sell sweets, especially Pedha. 
Shri Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya
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Shri Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya

Ram Janmabhoomi is the proposed site of the grand Ram Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple will be built in 10 acres and 57 acres of land will be developed into a complex with a prayer hall, a lecture hall, an educational facility and other facilities like a museum and a cafeteria.

  • Presently, Ram Lalla, the infant form of Lord Ram, is the presiding deity of a temporary temple. The main structure of the temple will be built on a raised platform and will have three storeys with a total of 366 columns.
on way to shri Ram Janambhoomi
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on way to shri Ram Janambhoomi

Visit Shri Tiwari Temple - which is also known as Teen Kalash Temple. This temple was an Ashram of Guru Vashishth, the family priest of Lord Ram. Lord Ram and his brothers had received their primary education here.

  • Visit Nageshwarnath Temple - Situated at Ram Paidi, this temple is believed to have been built by Kush, son of Lord Ram. The presiding deity is a Shivlinga, worshipped by the Naga.

Reach Naya Ghat in the evening to experience the beautiful Sarayu Aarti. Boats are also available at this bank of the river for a ride in the river.

  • Overnight stay at Ayodhya.
Evening Sarayu aarti also happens at Naya Ghat
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Evening Sarayu aarti also happens at Naya Ghat

Day 2 Sightseeing in the outskirts of Ayodhya

You can have Breakfast at Chandra Bhojonalaya

Prepare for a tour of temples adjacent to the town of Ayodhya. Since these are between 15 to 20 km away from the centre of the town, it is advisable to reserve a vehicle for covering the various places.

Visit the Raja Dasharath Samadhi Sthal - where Lord Ram’s brothers, Bharat and Shatrughan are believed to have cremated their father, King Dasharath, while Lord Ram was away in exile. Located 15 km from Ayodhya, the temple houses footprints of the four sons of King Dasharath and Guru Vashishth. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shani.

Raja Dashrath
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Raja Dashrath

  • Visit Suraj Kund - which is a natural pond where ancestors of Lord Ram are believed to have come for holy bath. The name is derived from the fact that they used to worship the Sun God here. Hence, there is a Suryanarayan Temple near the waterbody. Evening aarti is also organized every day.
  • Visit Nandigram Ayodhya - (earlier known as Bharatkund). During Lord Ram’s exile, King Bharat had put Lord Ram’s sandals on the throne, while he himself ruled from Nandigram, which is 19 km from Ayodhya. He used to meditate under a banyan tree at Bharat Tapasthali. There is a well with water from 27 pilgrimages in the vicinity.

Visit Guptar Ghat - wherefrom Lord Ram is believed to have left for his heavenly abode. Guptar Ghat on the bank of River Sarayu is a quaint ghat, with a big temple in pale yellow dominating the landscape.

  • Overnight stay in Ayodhya.
17 km from Shri ram Mandir
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17 km from Shri ram Mandir

Day 3 Local Sightseeing and return to your home location

One can have breakfast Maurya Misthan Bhander is popular for Dahi-jalebi served in a clay pot.

Dahi Jalebi, Maurya Misthan Bhandar
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Dahi Jalebi, Maurya Misthan Bhandar

Visit Chhoti Devi Kali Temple - which is about 400 mt from the above sweetshop, and 2 km from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. This is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is the Kuldevi of Sita Mata.

Visit the Ram Shila Nyas Sthal - Over two hundred thousand bricks etched with the 'Sri Ram' in several languages, from various parts of the country are kept here. These bricks will be utilized in the construction of the new temple. Devotees may see these magnificently carved stones and a replica of the temple at this site.

Visit the Kanak Bhawan - which is around 2km from the Ram Shila Nyas Sthal. This is the palace that Queen Kaikayee had gifted Sita, on the occasion of her marriage to her stepson Lord Ram.

  • The colourfully carved archways, intricately decorated walls and windows make this the most beautiful place in Ayodhya today. The temple houses the beautiful idols of Lord Ram and Devi Sita. Devotees may attend the Bhog-Aarti around noon in the temple.
Shri Ram Shila nyas sthal
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Shri Ram Shila nyas sthal

Have prasad at the Kanak Bhawan Prasad Griha and start off towards Faizabad or Lucknow to return to your hometown.

Suggestions and recommendations:

  • For visiting temples in the outskirts of Ayodhya, it is convenient to hire a taxi or battery-operated rickshaw. We had hired taxi services of Anil (9455147300) for Rs. 2800 for a day.
  • We were assisted by Pandey Ji during our trip. He runs a shop near Sugreev Kila and he is a guide by passion. He may be contacted at 7985703347.
  • Tourists may club a tour of Ayodhya with that of Lucknow. Buses and taxis are sufficiently available on this route.