Hotels in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhya sits on the south bank of the Sarayu in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and most people come for one reason: darshan of Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir. The temple changed the town. Ram Path now runs wide through the old centre, a new airport and a rebuilt railway station have opened, and a place that once filled up at Ram Navami and Diwali now sees pilgrims all year. Choosing a room here comes down to one question: how far are you willing to walk or ride at five in the morning?

Where to stay in Ayodhya

For a first visit with a one or two night stay, the temple side saves the most effort. For three nights or more, or a group with a coach, Faizabad usually gives more room and easier parking.

Getting to Ayodhya

• By air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is on the edge of town, a short taxi ride from the temple. Lucknow airport is the usual alternative, with more flights, about three hours away by road.
• By train: Ayodhya Dham Junction is the station closest to the temple. Ayodhya Cantt, the old Faizabad station, is a few kilometres further west. Check which one your ticket names before you book a taxi or a room.
• By road: Ayodhya is on the Lucknow to Gorakhpur highway, about 135 km from Lucknow. Pilgrims often join it with Prayagraj and Varanasi, each a half day's drive away.

What to see in Ayodhya

• Ram Mandir — the new temple at Ram Janmabhoomi, home of Ram Lalla. Phones and bags are not allowed inside, so use the lockers or leave them at your hotel, and check the current timings and passes before you go.
• Hanuman Garhi — the hilltop fort temple up a long flight of steps. Many pilgrims visit it first.
• Kanak Bhawan — the temple said to have been a gift to Sita, known for its golden crowned idols.
• Ram ki Paidi and Naya Ghat — the steps along the Sarayu, best at the evening aarti and the centre of the Deepotsav lamps.
• Nageshwarnath Temple and Guptar Ghat — an old Shiva temple by the river, and a calmer ghat west of town.
• Nandigram and Bharat Kund — south of town, where Bharat is said to have ruled in Ram's name.

When to go to Ayodhya

October to March is the comfortable season, with cool mornings for the queues, though fog in December and January can delay trains and flights. April to June is very hot, so go for darshan at opening time. Monsoon rain from July to September keeps crowds lower. The busiest dates are Ram Navami, Deepotsav on the eve of Diwali, the Sawan Jhula Mela, the Kartik parikrama and Vivah Panchami. Rooms near the temple go first on those dates, so book them early and confirm with the property a day before you travel.

Ayodhya is a pilgrim town and the food around the temple is vegetarian. Expect thalis, kachori and sweet shops, and ask your hotel what it serves if you need something specific.

What to check before booking

• How far the room really is from the temple, in minutes on foot, not in a straight line.
• Where your car can park, and whether it can reach the door on a festival day.
• Lift or ground floor rooms for older pilgrims.
• Whether the hotel can help with an early taxi or e-rickshaw for morning darshan.
• Cancellation terms, especially on festival dates.

Ayodhya hotel FAQs