Ayodhya is a city of epics and echoes—home of Lord Rama, seat of the Ramayana, and a living tapestry of temples, ghats, and devotional music. In 2024, the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir opened its grand doors, inviting pilgrims and culture-lovers to experience darshan amid exquisite carvings and a newly landscaped complex.

Beyond marquee shrines, Ayodhya reveals itself in small moments: the aroma of chai in kulhads, the cadence of kirtan drifting across the Saryu, and the soft light of evening aarti washing over Ram Ki Paidi. Hanuman Garhi’s climb rewards you with panoramic views, while Kanak Bhawan’s jeweled sanctum whispers a more intimate devotion.

Practicalities matter here: dress modestly, expect bag checks, and note that mobile phones and large bags may be restricted inside major temples with locker facilities nearby. Food skews pure-vegetarian; alcohol is scarce. For transport, e-rickshaws are abundant, and guided tours can streamline queues and context. This plan assumes arrival on Day 1 afternoon and departure on Day 7 afternoon.

Ayodhya

Ayodhya sits on the Saryu River in Uttar Pradesh, a short hop from the state capital Lucknow. Two railheads—Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt—connect from Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi, while the new Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham links major Indian cities by air.

Top sights include the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal, Nageshwarnath Temple, Treta ke Thakur, Guptar Ghat, and Ram Ki Paidi/Naya Ghat for the riverfront aarti. Don’t miss Tulsi Smarak Bhawan’s museum and Ram Katha Park’s cultural performances. A striking modern landmark, Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, features a giant veena sculpture honoring the legendary singer.

Where to stay (center yourself near Naya Ghat or Hanuman Garhi for easy temple access):

• Search stays on Hotels.com and VRBO.
• Well-located options often chosen by pilgrims: Hotel Krishna Palace, Hotel Ram Inn, and Hotel Shree Palace.

Getting there:

• Flights: Check routes to Ayodhya Dham (AYJ) or via Lucknow (LKO) on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Approximate times/fares: Delhi–Ayodhya ~1h 10m, $25–70 one-way; Mumbai–Ayodhya ~2h 20m, $50–120.
• Trains (great in India): Search schedules on Trip.com Trains. Lucknow–Ayodhya Dham ~2.5–3.5 hours (INR 100–500), Varanasi–Ayodhya ~4–5 hours (INR 150–600), Delhi overnight ~10–12 hours.

Local tips: Hire an e-rickshaw for short hops (INR 10–30/km) or a car with driver for temple circuits (INR 2,500–3,500/day). Most temples are free; have small change for shoe safekeeping and lockers. Peak crowds on weekends and festivals; consider a guided tour with VIP darshan support if traveling with seniors.

Day 1: Arrival, Riverfront Walk, and Saryu Aarti

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Settle near Naya Ghat to orient yourself—walk past Ram Ki Paidi’s long steps and feel the pace shift to devotional calm. Pause at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk to see the luminous veena installation and grab a kulhad chai from a riverside stall.

Evening: Attend the Saryu Aarti at Naya Ghat (usually around sunset; arrive 30–45 minutes early). Priests perform synchronized rituals with conch, lamps, and mantras—sit on the steps for the best view and bring a light shawl. Dinner ideas: pure-veg bhojanalayas around Hanuman Garhi serve hot poori–sabzi and seasonal sabzis; or keep it easy with a North Indian thali at your hotel restaurant (Krishna Palace/Shree Palace often offer reliable vegetarian menus).

Day 2: Ram Janmabhoomi Darshan, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan

Morning: Begin with early darshan at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Dress modestly; leather items, large bags, and mobiles may be restricted—use official lockers outside the complex. Expect 45–120 minutes in line on weekdays; longer on weekends. After darshan, refuel with kachori–jalebi and lassi from the snack lanes around Chotti Chhawani.

Afternoon: Climb to Hanuman Garhi for sweeping city views and the monkey-guarded sanctum. Continue to Kanak Bhawan, famed for its radiant idols of Sita–Ram and ornate arches. Lunch: look for “pure veg bhojanalaya” boards near Hanuman Garhi; order a simple thali (dal, seasonal sabzi, roti, and rice) to keep the day light.

Evening: Wander to Dashrath Mahal—a photogenic complex associated with Rama’s royal lineage. As twilight falls, take a short e-rickshaw to Ram Ki Paidi for a gentle river breeze. Dinner at a family-friendly veg spot near Naya Ghat; end with rabri or peda from a local misthan bhandar.

Day 3: Heritage Circuit—Nageshwarnath, Treta ke Thakur, Mani Parvat, and Ram Katha Park

Morning: Visit Nageshwarnath Temple, dedicated to Shiva and linked to Kush (Rama’s son). Continue to Treta ke Thakur—a revered site tied to Rama’s Ashwamedha Yajna traditions. Take time to appreciate the quiet courtyards and carved doorways.

Afternoon: Head to Mani Parvat and Sugriv Kila, small but atmospheric hillocks with mythic associations and vantage points for the old city. Lunch: opt for a seasonal veg pulao or paneer curry with tandoori roti at your hotel or a nearby sit-down restaurant; ask for less-oily preparations if you plan to walk more.

Evening: Catch a cultural program at Ram Katha Park (evenings/weekends often feature bhajan concerts or Ramayana-themed performances; schedules vary). Stroll the landscaped grounds, then try a riverside boat ride at dusk—shared boats run ~INR 80–150 per person; private boats ~INR 800–1,500 depending on duration and timing.

Day 4: Full-Day Guided Temple & City Tour (with Local Expert)

Maximize your time and context with a one-day guided tour that covers major shrines, ghats, and stories—ideal if you prefer smoother logistics and deeper commentary. This is also helpful for seniors and first-time visitors navigating queues.

Recommended experience: Ayodhya Full Day Guided Tour

• Typical duration: ~8–10 hours; hotel pickup available.
• Expect stops at Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Naya Ghat, and more—with historical context and tips for darshan etiquette.
• Lunch break: your guide can steer you to a clean, pure-veg kitchen for a simple thali or paneer dishes.

Wrap the day with the Saryu Aarti if you didn’t see it on Day 1, or sample light snacks along the riverfront food kiosks—try aloo tikki, chaat, or warm milk flavored with saffron in a clay cup.

Day 5: Guptar Ghat, Bharat Kund (Nandigram) & Queen Huh Memorial Park

Morning: Take a short drive to Guptar Ghat, associated with Rama’s final immersion. The ghats are quieter than Naya Ghat—perfect for sunrise contemplation and photography. Nearby tea stalls serve strong masala chai and crisp rusks.

Afternoon: Continue to Bharat Kund (Nandigram), linked to Rama’s brother Bharat. The small tanks and shrines are steeped in story; carry some fruit and water for a light picnic. Return via the Queen Huh (Heo Hwang-ok) Memorial Park, celebrating Ayodhya’s Indo–Korean ties with contemporary sculpture and landscaped paths.

Evening: Back in town, browse devotional items, incense, and souvenirs near Hanuman Garhi. Dinner: a homestyle North Indian spread—dal tadka, jeera rice, mixed veg, and fresh phulkas—at your hotel restaurant, or a reputable pure-veg dining room near Naya Ghat.

Day 6: Markets, Sweets, and River Time

Morning: Start with a street-food breakfast: piping hot kachori–aloo, jalebi, and sweetened thick milk in a kulhad around the old lanes by Ram Ki Paidi. If you prefer a seated start, many hotels serve idli, poha, and parathas—ask for low-spice options if needed.

Afternoon: Visit Tulsi Smarak Bhawan to learn about Tulsidas and the Ramcharitmanas. Then swing by local markets for brass diyas, rudraksha malas, and sandalwood incense. For gifts, pick boxed pedas or assorted mithai from a well-known misthan bhandar.

Evening: Unwind by the river—consider a longer private boat at golden hour, or simply sit along Ram Ki Paidi listening to bhajans drifting from nearby temples. Dinner can be a hearty paneer-do-pyaza with tandoori roti; finish with kesar kulfi or rabri.

Day 7: Easy Morning Darshan, Packing, and Departure

Morning: If you’d like help with lines or are traveling with elders, book a VIP-supported visit before you leave.

Recommended experience: Ayodhya Private Tour & VIP Darshan -Special support for Seniors

Afternoon: Pick up prasad and sweets for home, return to your hotel, and depart for your flight or train. For onward travel or returns, compare options on Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com, and Trip.com Trains.

Optional/Alternative Guided Experiences (slot into Day 2, 3, or 6)

• Ayodhya tour in one day - Private & Guided tour — ideal if you prefer a brisk, highlight-packed overview in one go.

• Ayodhya Day Excursion — a flexible option if your focus is darshan plus a few key ghats and temples with logistics handled.

Food & Coffee Notes (throughout your week)

• Breakfast favorites: poori–aloo, kachori–sabzi, jalebi, and lassi; for gentle starts, try poha or idli at your hotel.
• Lunch: stick to simple thalis (dal, two veg, roti, rice, curd). Temple-adjacent bhojanalayas are fast, affordable, and vegetarian.
• Sweets to try: peda, rabri, malai laddu, and seasonal malaiyyo (winter mornings).
• Drinks: kulhad chai by the ghats; in warm months, fresh lime sodas and sugarcane juice from reputable stalls.

Safety & etiquette: Keep footwear mindful (shoe counters are common). Ask before photographing people or rituals. Carry small notes/UPI for offerings and lockers. During major festivals (Ram Navami, Deepotsav/Diwali), book rooms and guides weeks in advance.

Where to book or adjust lodging quickly? Compare options on Hotels.com, browse homes on VRBO, or pick traveler-favorites like Hotel Krishna Palace, Hotel Ram Inn, and Hotel Shree Palace.

Ayodhya rewards unhurried days: early-morning bells, thoughtful afternoons in temple courtyards, and evenings under a sky of lamps on the Saryu. With this itinerary, you’ll balance marquee darshan with quiet corners—and carry the city’s hymns home long after you leave.