Ayodhya Travel Guide · Darshan Timings & Places
Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
जय श्री राम.
The sacred birthplace of Lord Rama. The grand new Ram Mandir. Hanuman Garhi. Kanak Bhawan. The Saryu Ghat aarti. Here is everything you need to plan a proper darshan — timings, dress code, surrounding temples, and how to extend your yatra to Varanasi and Prayagraj.
Morning Darshan
7 AM – 11 AM
Evening Darshan
2 PM – 9 PM
General Darshan
Free Entry
Sugam Darshan
₹300 Fast-track
Top Places in Ayodhya
Every temple.
Every story.
01
Ram Janmabhoomi · Shri Ram Mandir
Main Temple
The grand new Ram Mandir at the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, inaugurated in January 2024. Built in Nagara architectural style with pink sandstone. The Ram Lalla idol of Lord Rama as a five-year-old is installed in the garbha griha. Darshan daily from 7 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 9 PM.
Insider Tip
Carry only essentials — phones and leather items not allowed · Free lockers at entry · Sugam Darshan pass available online · Best time: early morning or late evening · Aarti darshan requires advance booking.
02
Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Temple
A 10th-century fort-like temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, built atop a hill reached by 76 steps. Considered the second-most important darshan in Ayodhya — visiting Hanuman Garhi before Ram Mandir is traditional. Tuesdays and Saturdays see large crowds.
Insider Tip
Climb 76 steps (elderly can use palanquin) · Visit before Ram Mandir · Coconut and prasad shops at base · Best day: Tuesday · Evening aarti is beautiful.
03
Kanak Bhawan
Palace Temple
The gold palace — believed to be a wedding gift from Queen Kaikeyi to Devi Sita. Houses golden-crowned idols of Rama and Sita. The interior is richly decorated with marble and gold leaf. A favourite for spiritual photographers and devotees.
Insider Tip
Near Hanuman Garhi · Allow 45 minutes · Photography allowed outside only · Shringar aarti at 9 AM and evening is spectacular · Closed 11:30 AM – 4 PM.
04
Saryu Ghat · Ram Ki Paidi
Ghat · River
The sacred Saryu River flows past Ayodhya — Lord Rama's final earthly destination. Ram Ki Paidi is a series of stepped ghats along the river. The evening Saryu Aarti is a newer tradition (post-2023) modeled on the Ganga Aarti. Illuminated ghats during Diwali are a spectacular sight.
Insider Tip
Evening Saryu Aarti: 6–7 PM · Boat rides available · Diwali Deepotsav (Oct–Nov) lights up millions of diyas · Cleaner now than before — take a holy dip if comfortable.
05
Nageshwarnath Temple
Shiva Temple
An ancient Shiva temple said to be founded by Kush, son of Lord Rama. One of the oldest surviving temples in Ayodhya, pre-dating the modern Ram Mandir by millennia. Shravan Somvars see massive gatherings.
Insider Tip
Near Ram Ki Paidi · Lingam darshan is the highlight · Shravan month is peak time · Best visited before main Ram Mandir.
06
Dashrath Mahal (Bada Sthan)
Palace Site
The believed site of King Dashrath's palace — father of Lord Rama. A quiet temple complex with beautiful deity darshan. Holds daily bhajans and kirtans. Popular with scholars of the Ramayana.
Insider Tip
Usually less crowded · Combined with Kanak Bhawan visit · Sundar Kand path on Saturdays · Gentle, reflective atmosphere.
07
Treta Ke Thakur Temple
Ancient Temple
Believed to mark the spot where Lord Rama performed the Ashvamedha Yajna after his return from Lanka. The temple opens only once a year on Ekadashi in the Hindu month of Kartik — making it one of the rarest darshans.
Insider Tip
Open ONCE a year — verify the date · Kartik Ekadashi (Oct–Nov) · Plan trip around this if devotion is deep · Limited entry.
08
Sita Ki Rasoi
Kitchen Memorial
Said to be the ancient kitchen where Devi Sita prepared meals. A small but touching temple with idols of Rama-Sita and the divine couple's culinary implements. Symbolises the goddess-as-homemaker form of Sita.
Insider Tip
Located near Ram Janmabhoomi · Allow 20 minutes · Rolling pin and belana are worshipped · Small offering of rice traditional.
09
Mani Parvat & Sugriv Parbat
Hill Shrines
Two small hills believed to be where Hanuman paused while carrying the Sanjeevani mountain. Sugriv Parbat holds a temple to the monkey king Sugriv. The elevated position offers lovely sunset views over Ayodhya.
Insider Tip
Short climb · Best visited at sunset · Less crowded · Good for reflection and photos · Combine with evening aarti at Saryu.
10
Birla Mandir · Moti Mahal · Tulsi Smarak Bhawan
Museums & Memorials
Birla Mandir is a clean modern temple complex. Moti Mahal is a Mughal-era structure associated with Queen Nur Bano. The Tulsi Smarak Bhawan honours Saint Tulsidas with recitations of the Ramcharitmanas every evening.
Insider Tip
Tulsi Smarak has daily evening recitation · Moti Mahal free entry · Birla Mandir spotlessly maintained · Can be combined in half a day.
Plan Your Visit
How many days
for Ayodhya?
1 Day
Quick Darshan
Hanuman Garhi → Ram Mandir → Kanak Bhawan → Saryu Aarti evening · Best for transit pilgrims
2 Days
Complete Ayodhya
Day 1: All major temples (Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath). Day 2: Dashrath Mahal, Mani Parbat, Birla Mandir, Saryu boat ride.
3 Days
Ayodhya + Varanasi
Day 1-2: Ayodhya deep tour. Day 3: Drive to Varanasi (200 km, 4–5 hrs) for Kashi Vishwanath and Ganga Aarti.
Frequently Asked
Everything about
Ayodhya darshan.
जय श्री राम
Your Ayodhya darshan,
done thoughtfully.
Private AC vehicle, 3-star hotels walking distance from Ram Mandir, VIP queue assistance, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Saryu Aarti — all taken care of. From ₹8,499 per person.