36 hours in Ayodhya, beyond the Ram Mandir

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Hindu god Rama. (Photo: UP Tourism)

Sitting on the calm east bank of the beautiful river Sarayu, Ayodhya welcomes you with open arms. It's like a living storybook, filled with the echoes of ancient times. It is the place where the Ramayana comes alive, where history whispers its tales, and where exciting attractions wait to be explored. Whether you're a pilgrim, a history buff, an archaeology enthusiast, or a curious student, Ayodhya is a special haven. Now more than ever, as the country anticipates the inauguration of the iconic temple.

If you cannot be in Ayodhya now, time your visit for around the Ram Navami festival which is celebrated around March-April, with great pomp and show. It is during this time that pilgrims from all over the country and the world flock to Ayodhya in great numbers and pay obeisance to Lord Ram, and the city swirls in all its glory. The culmination of the festivities, with the burning of effigies of Ravan, is bound to leave visitors wonderstruck. Apart from visiting the famous temple, if you have a day a half in this historic city, this is what you should pack it with.

Day 1

Morning

Hanuman Garhi temple, Ayodhya. (Photo: UP Tourism)

A common custom in Ayodhya is that before worshipping Lord Ram, one must venerate Lord Hanuman. There is no better place to start than the Hanuman Garhi Temple, constructed in the shape of a fort and accessed by 76 stairs where the garbhagriha adorned with intricate silver carvings awaits in splendour. It is believed that Lord Hanuman resided in this place, which was a cave earlier, to protect the birthplace of Lord Ram. Immerse yourself in prayers and be sure to pay attention to the statue of Maa Anjani with Bal Hanuman and the Vijay Stambh (Victory Pillar). From here, head to Ramkot to seek the blessings of Lord Rama in his sacred birthplace, bustling with devotion, especially during Ram Navami.

Ramkot Fort, Ayodhya. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Ramkot Tirthdham, Ayodhya. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

You will surely find prasad made of pure ghee at these temples. Enjoy a delectable north Indian thali at one of the many Bhojanalays here for an authentic experience.

Afternoon

After a soul-filling meal, head to Treta-ke-Thakur which marks the spot where Lord Ram performed the Ashwamedh Yagna. With its black sandstone statues from the era of King Vikramaditya, this ancient temple is a historic marvel.

Treta Ke Thakur, Ayodhya. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

You can also pay a visit to Shri Nageshwar Nath Temple, which is believed to have been built by Lord Rama’s son, Kush. According to folklore, Kush was bathing in the Sarayu river when his armlet fell in the water. Soon after, a Nag Kanya (serpent girl) surfaced from the water and returned his armlet. They ended up falling in love and Kush built the temple in her memory, naming it ‘Nageshwar Nath’.

Nageshwarnath Temple entrance, Ayodhya. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

End your afternoon with a leisurely stroll or a rejuvenating boat ride at Ram ki Paidi. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet and let the calm waters of the Sarayu wash away any lingering stress. You will find lots of devotees taking a dip in the holy waters to wash away their sins. As the sun begins its descent, make your way to the banks of the Sarayu river for a soul-soothing evening aarti. Join the locals in the rhythmic chants and the flickering glow of the diyas, creating an ethereal ambience. Be sure to try out the street food from the local stalls, and don’t miss out on the laddus and rabri!

Ram Ki Paidi, a series of ghats, in Ayodhya. (Photo: UP Tourism)

Evening

Delve into the heritage and historical beauty of Ayodhya at Tulsi Smarak Bhawan. The Museum pays homage to 16th-century saint-poet Tulsidas and acts as a repository of antiques, books and data related to Lord Shri Ram. With its collection of precious Hindu artifacts and writings, this is the perfect place for all the ancient history enthusiasts and Hindu mythology buffs. You cannot miss the mesmerising play of Ramleela, performed every day from 6pm to 9pm at the Tulsi Smarak Bhawan. Quite deservingly, the Ramleela has received the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from UNESCO.

Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Ayodhya. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Day 2

Morning

Awaken to prayer bells and rhythmic chanting early in the morning, have a hearty breakfast before making your way to Mani Parvat. It is believed that when Lord Hanuman was carrying the huge mountain with Sanjeevani Booti to Lanka to heal an injured Lakshman, a part of it fell in Ayodhya and is now known as Mani Parvat. Don’t miss the famous Shri Ram Chaat Bhandar on your way.

Bahu Begum ka Maqbara, Ayodhya. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The next stop is an exhibit of beautiful non-Mughal Islamic architecture, Bahu Begum ka Maqbara. The Tomb of Bahu Begum was structured with white marble to try and recreate the splendour of the Taj Mahal in loving memory of the queen of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. Wander in the opulent halls of this mausoleum. Admire the breathtaking view of the entire city from the tallest standing edifice in Ayodhya. Have a sumptuous local thali at one of the many traditional eateries before you leave.