For most of us, holiday means chasing beaches, sunsets or wandering in the mountains. But there are a few journeys that make us feel a little slower and help us dig a little deeper into the roots and spirituality of India and its traditions.
Let us travel to Ayodhya – the birthplace of Lord Rama and the most revered spiritual destinations of India. Resting beautifully on the sacred Sarayu River, Ayodhya is not just a spiritual hub but is emerging as a travel destination where the year-old faith blends new-age infrastructure.
Consider this your friendly guide if you have planned to book Ayodhya tour packages – this will help you know what to pack, where to go, which weather is apt to plan and everything you ought to know before your departure.
Why should Ayodhya be on your travel list?
Ayodhya is considered one of the most sacred travel destinations of India because it is the birthplace of Lord Rama. This could prove to be a deeply fulfilling journey as it is centred around the old religious faith and Indian mythology. You can contact a trusted travel platform such as Thomas Cook to help you plan your trip to Ayodhya.
There is this wonderful atmospheric vibe in the streets of Ayodhya as people repeatedly chant “Jai Shree Ram, the temple bells echo, and millions of devotees wait to seek the divine blessings of the Lord.
The Ram Mandir: The Soul of your Ayodhya trip
The obvious reason many people are including Ayodhya in their travel list is visiting the magnificent Ram Mandir, located at Shri Ram Janambhoomi. The architecture of the temple is striking, and the experience of visiting this temple will live in your hearts forever!
Pro tip: Keep your day flexible as the temple visits may take more time than expected, especially during weekends or festive holidays. It is advised that you check the online websites for entry protocols and timings. Dress respectfully and follow the temple rules without rushing.
Explore Ayodhya: Don’t just visit the temple.
The city is also famous for having clean ghats, a collection of other temples and many religious landmarks such as Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Sita Ki Rasoi and Sarayu Ghat.
When should you plan a visit to Ayodhya?
Ayodhya is accessible throughout the year, but the season considerably brings about a change in the experience.
For comfortable sightseeing, cooler weather and outdoor exploration, it is suggested that you plan your Ayodhya tour packages during the months from October to March. Summer months can be hot, and you may face trouble exploring the city.
And the festive time!
The festivals of Ram Navami and Diwali can illuminate Ayodhya into a city full of faith and lights. There is a significant increase in the number of devotees visiting the temple during these festivals, so expect higher crowds, higher demands for accommodation and tighter security arrangements.
How many days are enough?
If you are visiting for the first time, 2-3 days are enough to explore the city and immerse yourself in the divinity of the masterpiece.
Food and local cuisines
Since it is a spiritual trip, it does not mean you have to merely starve on Chai and Biscuits!
Ayodhya is a food hub for many vegetarian restaurants that offer a variety of North Indian meals to local snacks and mouth-watering sweets.
Pro tip: Do not forget to try the local favourites of the city like Kachori subzi, jalebi, peda and puri sabzi.
What is an ideal location to plan your stay?
Since Ayodhya has emerged as a tourist destination over the past few years, it has accommodation options ranging from budget hotels and guesthouses to premium hotel stays and comfortable properties.
For your convenience, it is advised that you book your accommodations near the main pilgrimage area so that your travel time is reduced and you can make the most of your day!
However, if you are planning to visit during holidays or festivals, Book early, as the accommodations fill up quickly and the prices go sky-rocketed.
How to reach Ayodhya?
In recent years, Ayodhya has become considerably easier to access:
1. By Air:
Ayodhya has been blessed with an international airport by the name of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, which provides great connectivity to the city. The routes to this airport vary according to the seasons and airlines and are considered the most opted and convenient modes to reach the spiritual destination.
2. By train:
There are mainly 2 operational railway stations that connect almost all the cities – Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt. Travelling to Ayodhya by train is considered the most budget-friendly option.
3. By road:
Ayodhya is fairly well connected through roads to many cities such as Prayagraj, Lucknow and Varanasi.
If you are travelling from Delhi, opt for booking a flight as it is the quickest and the most convenient mode.
Few important things to keep in mind
A little mindfulness goes a long way since Ayodhya is a spiritual destination.
- Make sure that you are dressed modestly and comfortably
- Since you will be visiting temples, wear comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear.
- Carry a bottle of water, especially if you have planned to travel in hot months.
- For small purchases and offerings, keep some cash handy and do not just rely on digital payments.
- At religious sites, follow the photography restrictions.
- At popular temples and complexes, be ready to welcome huge crowds.
- Keep your itineraries and days flexible.
- Don’t rush; just be in the moment and enjoy the divinity.
Some practical and must-know tips that you need to know while planning a spiritual getaway to Ayodhya
1. No electronics:
Refrain from carrying any electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches or video cameras. Carrying these inside the main temple complex is strictly prohibited.
2. Dress code:
Be modest and dress nicely to respect the sacred environment of the Ram Janambhoomi temple.
3. Best time to plan:
The best time to plan a sacred trip to the auspicious Ram temple is between october to March, as this is the most comfortable weather to stand in long queues and enjoy the magnificent infrastructure of the temple.
The real charm of Ayodhya lies in spending the evening by the riverfront, listening to the chantings that echo along the streets, the evening lights that illuminate the city and the colourful environment that makes it worth visiting. So, visiting Ayodhya is not just about ticking a pilgrimage destination off your bucket list; it is about feeling the city’s mythology, soaking in the history and experiencing the magnificent grandeur of the temple.
