Ayodhya Two-Day Itinerary

Why two days

One day is enough for darshan. Two days let you understand the city: the beginning of Ram's story in the old town on the first day, and its wider circle, the exile, the waiting and the farewell, on the second. It also means you are not rushing elders through queues.

Day one: the heart of Ayodhya

Follow the one-day plan at an easy pace:

• Sunrise at the Saryu.
• Hanuman Garhi, then Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
• Dashrath Mahal, Kanak Bhawan and Sita ki Rasoi.
• Rest through the afternoon.
• Sunset at Ram ki Paidi, Nageshwarnath Temple and the Saryu aarti.

Because you have tomorrow, you can spend longer in each place, and return to the Ram Mandir in the evening when it is lit if you wish.

Day two: the wider circle

Hire a taxi or auto for the day and agree the route and price before starting.

Morning: Guptar Ghat

Drive to Guptar Ghat, where Ram is believed to have entered the Saryu at the end of his life on earth. It is quiet and beautiful in the early light. Take a short boat ride if you like.

Late morning: Suraj Kund

Return through the city and continue to Suraj Kund, the pond of the Sun, ancestor of the Raghukul.

Midday: Nandigram

Carry on to Bharat Kund at Nandigram, where Bharata is believed to have ruled for fourteen years as the servant of Ram's sandals. Eat before or after; facilities at the site are basic.

Afternoon: Mani Parvat and Tulsi Smarak

Back in the city, climb Mani Parvat for the view, then visit Tulsi Smarak Bhawan.

Evening: free

Shop for prasad, tulsi malas and books near Hanuman Garhi, see Lata Mangeshkar Chowk lit up, or attend the aarti again.

Reading for the journey

The places make more sense with their stories. On the first evening read the Bala Kanda and Ayodhya Kanda; before Nandigram read about Bharata; before Guptar Ghat read the Uttara Kanda.

A third day

Go on to Chitrakoot, Prayagraj or Varanasi; see How to reach Ayodhya. To have everything arranged with a guide, request a guided tour. Taxis are listed in the directory.