Ayodhya in One Day: A Darshan Itinerary

How to use this plan

This is the order most pilgrims have followed for generations: river, guardian, Lord, palace, river again. It works for a visitor arriving the night before or by an early train. Temple hours vary through the year, so treat the times as a guide and check locally.

Sunrise: the Saryu

Begin at Naya Ghat. A dip in the Saryu, or simply touching its water to your head, is the customary start of an Ayodhya yatra. Watch the sunrise; the river is at its most peaceful. Bathe only at the steps and within the railings.

Early morning: Hanuman Garhi

Walk or take an e-rickshaw to Hanuman Garhi and climb the 76 steps while the queue is short. Offer laddoos and ask the guardian's leave.

Morning: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir

Go straight on to the Ram Mandir. Deposit your phone and footwear, pass security and have darshan of Ram Lalla. Allow two to three hours. Read the darshan guide the night before.

Late morning: Dashrath Mahal and Kanak Bhawan

Both are a few minutes' walk away. Sit for a while in the courtyard of Kanak Bhawan and listen to the kirtan at Dashrath Mahal. If access is open, see Sita ki Rasoi.

Midday: eat and rest

Most temples close in the early afternoon. Have a simple vegetarian meal at a bhojanalaya or at one of the free kitchens run by ashrams, then rest. In summer this break is essential. Find places in the directory.

Afternoon: one more stop

Choose one according to your energy:

• Tulsi Smarak Bhawan for the Ram Katha exhibits, or
• Mani Parvat for the view, or
• Guptar Ghat by taxi for a quiet hour by the river.

Evening: the riverfront

Be at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk before sunset, walk down to Ram ki Paidi, visit Nageshwarnath Temple on the ghats, and take your place for the Saryu aarti at Naya Ghat. Stay for the lights afterwards.

Practical notes

• Carry water, a cap and a small towel; leave valuables in your room.
• Fix a meeting point with your group at each stop.
• With elders, skip the afternoon stop and keep the evening; see Ayodhya with elders and children.
• Want the stories told as you go? Request a guided tour.

Have a second day? See the two-day itinerary.