Ayodhya, on the banks of the Sarayu river in Uttar Pradesh, is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama and is one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities. Since the January 2024 consecration of the new Ram Mandir, the city has seen a wave of infrastructure development — including an upgraded airport and railway station — alongside its older ghats and temples.
The Story of Ayodhya
Ayodhya is revered in Hindu tradition as the birthplace of Lord Rama and the capital of his father Dasharatha's kingdom, as described in the epic Ramayana. It is counted among the Sapta Puri, the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, and the present-day town on the banks of the Sarayu river is understood to date back to around the 2nd century CE, later renamed from "Saketa" by a Gupta-era king keen to associate it with Rama's mythical birthplace.
In 1528–29, a mosque known as the Babri Masjid was constructed at the site many Hindus consider Ram Janmabhoomi (Rama's birthplace) during the reign of the Mughal emperor Babur. The site became the subject of recurring religious and legal disputes over the following centuries, culminating in the mosque's demolition in December 1992, which triggered nationwide unrest.
In 2019, India's Supreme Court ruled the disputed 2.77-acre site should be handed to Hindus for the construction of a temple, with an alternative plot allotted nearby for a mosque. Construction of the new Ram Mandir began in 2020, and on 22 January 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed its consecration (Pran Pratishtha) ceremony — a moment watched by millions and one that has since made Ayodhya one of India's fastest-growing pilgrimage destinations.
Top Places to Visit in Ayodhya
Ram Mandir & Ram Janmabhoomi — here's what most visitors build their itinerary around.
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya
How to Reach Ayodhya
* Indicative one-way sedan fares — the exact fare (including driver allowance, taxes and estimated tolls) is always shown before you confirm your booking. Ertiga, Innova Crysta and Tempo Traveller options are available at checkout.
Good to Know Before You Go
Ayodhya Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Ayodhya is about 555 km from Delhi, roughly 10–11 hours by road; many travellers instead connect via Lucknow, which is only about 130 km / 3 hours away.
The temple's consecration ceremony (Pran Pratishtha) was performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 January 2024, at the site regarded as Ram Janmabhoomi, Lord Rama's traditional birthplace.
October to March offers the most comfortable weather for temple visits and ghat walks; expect the largest crowds around Ram Navami in spring.
Yes — Maharishi Valmiki International Airport opened in 2024 and connects Ayodhya directly to Delhi and other major Indian cities.
Yes — One-Way Bhaarat runs flat-fare one-way cabs to Ayodhya from Lucknow, Delhi and other nearby cities, with the fare shown upfront before booking.