What to Skip on Your First Trip to Ayodhya

Ayodhya is one of the most visited cities in India today. Since the consecration of the Ram Mandir in January 2024, pilgrims have arrived in enormous numbers, and the city has transformed itself with new roads, a new airport, a redeveloped railway station and countless new hotels. For a first-time visitor, it can be both thrilling and overwhelming. The good news is that a few simple choices make a huge difference. Here is what to skip on your first trip to Ayodhya, and what to do instead.

Skip the peak days, if you can

The easiest way to improve your visit is to avoid the busiest days. Major festivals such as Ram Navami and Diwali, the anniversary of the consecration, long weekends and public holidays bring vast crowds, long queues and traffic restrictions. Deepotsav, the festival of lamps around Diwali, is spectacular but intensely crowded.

If you want to see a festival, go prepared and plan well ahead. If you simply want to see the city, choose a weekday outside the festival calendar. December is a good month, with mild days, although mornings can be cold and foggy.

Skip the day trip

Many people visit Ayodhya as a rushed day trip from Lucknow or elsewhere. It is possible, but you spend much of the day in transit and queues, and see little beyond the main temples. Stay at least one night, ideally two or three. That way you can visit the Ram Mandir early in the morning, when it is calmer, see the evening aarti on the Saryu and explore the quieter corners of the city at your own pace.

Skip carrying too much

Security at the Ram Mandir is strict. Phones, bags, electronic devices, and many other items are generally not permitted inside, and there are facilities to deposit them before entry. Rules and procedures can change, so check the current situation before your visit. The simplest approach is to carry as little as possible: leave most things at your hotel, wear slip-on shoes and keep a small amount of cash in a pocket. You will save time at every checkpoint.

Skip the touts and “VIP darshan” offers

Wherever crowds gather, so do touts. You may be approached by people offering faster darshan, special passes, guided tours or rituals for a fee. Some may be genuine, but many are not, and some may mislead you about the official procedures. Rely on official information from the temple trust and the authorities for passes and timings, and ask your hotel for advice. Politely decline anything you have not asked for.

Skip the afternoon crowds

Most temples, including Hanuman Garhi, are busiest in the late morning and afternoon. Go early instead. Dawn in Ayodhya is lovely: cool air, temple bells, mist over the Saryu and pilgrims bathing at the ghats. Rest in the middle of the day, and head out again in the late afternoon and evening for the river and the aarti.

Skip only seeing the Ram Mandir

The Ram Mandir is magnificent, but Ayodhya is far more than one temple. Do not skip Hanuman Garhi, the hilltop temple of the city’s guardian; Kanak Bhawan, traditionally Sita’s palace; Dashrath Mahal; and the countless small temples and maths in the old lanes. Spend time at Ram ki Paidi and Naya Ghat by the river. If you have time, venture out to Guptar Ghat, Faizabad’s Nawabi tombs and Bharat Kund at Nandigram.

Skip feeding the monkeys

Ayodhya’s temples, particularly Hanuman Garhi, are home to many monkeys. They are bold and quick, and will snatch food, bags, spectacles and phones. Do not feed them, do not carry food openly and keep a firm hold on your belongings.

Skip ignoring the dress code and temple etiquette

Ayodhya is a holy city. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, remove your shoes where required, and follow the rules of each temple, including restrictions on photography. Ask before photographing sadhus or people performing rituals. Ayodhya is largely vegetarian, and alcohol is not part of the city’s culture; respect this throughout your stay.

Skip unmetered rides without agreeing a price

E-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are the easiest way to get around, but agree the fare before you set off, especially near the station, the airport and the main temples. Ask your hotel for a sense of fair prices. Where app-based taxis are available, they can be a useful alternative for longer trips.

Skip unreviewed hotels

Accommodation in Ayodhya has expanded dramatically in a short time, and quality varies widely. Some new hotels and homestays are excellent; others have not yet found their feet. Read recent reviews from several sources, check the exact location, and confirm cancellation policies before you book, particularly for festival periods. Book well in advance for busy dates.

Skip the river in the wrong places

The Saryu is wide and can be deceptively strong. Bathe only at established ghats where others are bathing, and use any chains or railings provided. Be careful on wet steps, and supervise children closely. Do not leave plastic or other waste at the ghats.

Skip a fixed schedule in winter

December and January bring fog across the plains of northern India, and flights and trains can be delayed, sometimes significantly. Build some slack into your plans, avoid tight connections and keep an eye on updates from your airline or the railways.

What to do instead

So what should a first trip to Ayodhya look like? Stay two or three nights. Visit the Ram Mandir early on a weekday. See Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan in the morning, rest in the afternoon, and spend your evenings at Ram ki Paidi and the Saryu aarti. Wander the old lanes, eat simple local food and talk to the people you meet. Take a half-day to see Guptar Ghat and Faizabad, where the Nawabi tombs and quiet riverbank offer a welcome change of pace from the busy temple circuit. Travel light, dress respectfully and be patient.

Do this, and Ayodhya will reveal itself not just as a city of crowds and headlines, but as a living, layered and deeply welcoming place.