Ayodhya with Elders and Children

It can be done comfortably

For many families, bringing parents or grandparents to Ayodhya is the whole purpose of the journey. The city has become much easier for them in recent years, with wider paths, ramps, wheelchairs and help desks at the main temple. What makes the difference is planning the day around their energy rather than around a list of sights.

Choose the right dates

Come between October and March, on ordinary weekdays, and stay away from Ram Navami, Deepotsav, the Kartik fairs and New Year week. Avoid May and June. In late December and January, wait for the fog to lift before going out. See Best time to visit.

Stay close

A room near Ram Path or Naya Ghat saves long transfers and lets elders return to rest at midday. Ask for the ground floor or a lift, a western-style toilet and hot water. See Where to stay.

At Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir

The walk from the entry to the temple and back is long. At the pilgrim facilitation centre ask for a wheelchair; volunteers and staff assist elderly and differently-abled visitors, and there is seating, drinking water, toilets and first aid. Ramps and lifts serve the temple. Arrangements are improved from time to time, so ask at the help desk on arrival for the current route for senior citizens. Read the darshan guide.

At Hanuman Garhi

The 76 steps are steep and crowded. Options: climb slowly with rests while a family member stays alongside; go at opening time when it is empty; or let elders offer their prayers from the foot of the steps, which many do. Faith is not measured in stairs.

A gentle day plan

• Early morning: Ram Mandir, with a wheelchair if needed.
• Then Kanak Bhawan, which is level and has a courtyard to sit in.
• Back to the room by 11 for food and rest.
• At 4.30, an e-rickshaw to Ram ki Paidi and the Saryu aarti, watched seated from the upper steps.
• Keep Guptar Ghat or Bharat Kund for a second day by car.

What to carry for elders

• Regular medicines for the whole trip plus two extra days, with the prescription.
• A list of conditions, allergies and a family doctor's number.
• A walking stick, a light folding stool, socks, a cap or shawl by season.
• Glucose or biscuits for diabetics, ORS, and a water bottle.
• An ID card and a slip with your mobile number in their pocket.

With small children

Carry snacks, water and a change of clothes. Hold hands in every queue and near water. Write your phone number on the child's arm or on a card in the pocket. Tell them the story of the place before you arrive: Hanuman for Hanuman Garhi, the Bala Kanda for the Ram Mandir. Children who know the story do not get bored.

If someone feels unwell

Sit them down in shade, give water, and call 108. Police and volunteers at every major point will help. Listings: hospitals and clinics, medical stores and wheelchair and senior help. Our team can arrange an escort who knows these routes: request a guided tour.