Ram ki Paidi — a series of riverside ghats lit up spectacularly during the Deepotsav festival.
Why Ayodhya is sacred
Ayodhya is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, the central figure of the Ramayana, and one of the seven most sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism. The newly built Ram Mandir, inaugurated in 2024, now stands at the site long regarded as Rama's birthplace (Ram Janmabhoomi).
At a glance
- Deity
- Lord Rama
- River / Locale
- Sarayu
- Best Time
- Oct – Mar; Ram Navami (Mar/Apr) and Diwali bring grand celebrations
A brief history
Ancient texts describe Ayodhya as the capital of the Kosala kingdom ruled by Rama's dynasty. The city has been a continuous pilgrimage destination for millennia, with the Sarayu ghats, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan forming a circuit of devotion that long predates the recent temple construction.
Highlights & rituals
Hanuman Garhi sits atop a small hill and is considered the first stop before visiting Ram Mandir.
The evening aarti along the Sarayu draws large devotee crowds.
A glimpse of Ayodhya
Practical information
How to reach
- →Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya, has direct flights from Delhi and other major cities.
- →Ayodhya Dham Junction is well linked by rail to Lucknow, Varanasi, and Delhi.
- →Roughly 2 hours by road from Lucknow via NH27.
Best time to visit
Oct – Mar; Ram Navami (Mar/Apr) and Diwali bring grand celebrations
Altitude
93 m above sea level
Nearby attractions
Hanuman GarhiKanak BhawanRam ki Paidi ghatsTreta Nath Temple