Planning a pilgrimage can be quite a tedious task. Especially when you’re taking a trip without hiring tour guides. Sometimes it can be easier to just hire a travel agency to plan your entire trip for you, but that may feel like you have no control over your trip. If you’re one of those people who enjoy planning and executing their trips all on their own, we’re here to help you. We’ve put together a list of everything you should surely see while you’re visiting the majestic Ram Mandir that will be consecrated this January 22nd.

Historical Sites and Temples 

While the main aim of taking this pilgrimage is obviously to visit the beautiful Ram Mandir, you can surely take a look at what else the city has to offer, right? As you already know, the city of Ayodhya is the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama.

Hanuman Garhi

The iconic Hanuman Garhi Temple is a very important temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Located only 1 km away from Ayodhya Railway station, this temple is believed to be the place where Lord Hanuman would stay while guarding Ayodhya. This Hindu Temple dates back to the 10th century and if you’re visiting Ayodhya, this temple has to be on your itinerary. You can reach here either by train or by using public transportation like buses. It is believed that one must first visit the Hanuman Garhi before visiting Ram Mandir. 

Kanak Bhavan

This is another iconic temple in Ayodhya with beautiful significance that you must not miss. It is located only a few minutes from Hanuman Garhi. Kanak Bhavan, or Sone ka Mandir is believed to be a gift from Kaikeyi Ji to Goddess Sita Ji for her wedding with Lord Rama. This temple has 3 lovely pairs of idols of Ram and Sita placed together. It is also believed that Lord Rama comes to the Kanak Bhavan every evening to rest and then returns to the Orchha temple in Madhya Pradesh in the morning for his duties as a king. 

Treta ke Thakur

Another one of your must-visit places is the Treta ke Thakur temple which only opens once a year, during the Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. This usually falls in October or November and if you are planning to visit Ayodhya around that time, you must visit this temple. This temple houses beautiful idols of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, Lord Hanuman, and Sage Vashishtha. Located only 20-25 km from Ayodhya Junction, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama who here, is referred to as the Lord of the Treta Yug.  

Nageshwarnath Temple

The Nageshwarnath Temple is one with great significance. This temple is dedicated and it has been believed that it was built by Lord Rama’s son, Kush for a nag-kanya who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. This temple houses one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. If you visit this temple around Shivratri, you will get to witness a grand celebration along with a baraat of Lord Shiva that is taken out.

Raja Mandir

Another one with deep ancient history, Raja Mandir is located in Faizabad, close to Guptar Ghat and along the bank of the beautiful River Sarayu. This river is a tributary of the Holy river Ganga and it is believed that all the sins of people who take a dip in this river are washed away. This temple houses idols of many Hindu deities. You can reach this place easily through public transport like buses or auto rickshaws.

Dashrath Bhawan

Dashrath Bhawan is a temple built in the location where the palace of King Dashrath, Lord Ram’s father lies. Even though it is much smaller than its original equivalent, it is a beautiful and colorful place located right in Ayodhya where Lord Ram was born and spent his formative years. On your visit here, you will get to meet hundreds of other devotees chanting Ram Ram with all devotion.

Sita Ki Rasoi 

This place is believed to have been the kitchen of Goddess Sita. It has the lovely architecture of an Indian temple and is a place where Saints and even visitors are served free food to date. A visit here gives you the immense feeling of joy to be standing in a place where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita themselves stood once. There are beautiful idols of the Lord and goddess placed here. 

Cultural and Heritage Experience

Along with all the iconic places with historic significance located in Ayodhya, you will also get to witness many places of cultural as well as heritage significance. Ayodhya and Firozpur are places with a lot to learn about. Behind many interesting views lie many interesting stories. Let’s look at a few of these.

Ayodhya Ghats

Ayodhya has many beautiful ghats along rivers. A ghat is a set of steps leading to the river water that are built parallel to the river flow. One can witness some of the main ghats of Ayodhya like Guptar Ghat, Raj Ghat, Ram Ghat, Lakshman Ghat, Janki Ghat, and Naya Ghat. 

• Ram Ghat, also called Swarg Dwar is believed to be the place where Lord Ram was cremated. 
• Lakshman Ghat is believed to be the place where Lord Ram’s brother Lakshman took Samadhi.
• Guptar Ghat, along the banks of River Sarayu, has another mythological significance along with the serene view of the river.

Ayodhya Museum

As we already discussed, Ayodhya is a city with pages and pages of history and significance. Many museums in this city proudly display the history of this beautiful city with items from centuries ago. One such significant museum is the Tulsi Smarak Bhawan Museum which was founded in 1969 in loving memory of Goswami Tulsidas. Tulsidas was a Hindu Saint and poet who wrote the Hanuman Chalisa and the epic Ramcharitmanas. This museum showcases Tulsidas’ literary collection. You can also attend various lectures and prayer gatherings along with other devotees here.

Ayodhya Art Gallery

A visit to Ayodhya is not complete without taking in all the history and interesting information about this place and its cultural significance. If you’re a curious traveler, you must visit all the places here that will add to your knowledge of the Hindu culture. The Ram Katha Museum is of great historic value where you can witness lovely art and paintings along with other antiques displayed here. There are other painting exhibitions organized here that you definitely should not miss. 

Ayodhya Research Institute 

Just like all these museums and art galleries, one may find immense pleasure in witnessing the place where all of these are researched. The Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan, also called the Ayodhya Research Institute is the place where all the artifacts of historic and cultural value are collected. Located right within the previously mentioned Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, this institute is of immense value. One must add this to the itinerary while visiting the city of Ayodhya.

Ramkatha Park

After taking a trip here, and visiting all the multiple places mentioned above, it can be pretty exhausting. You can visit the Ram Katha Park, located only 3 km from Ayodhya Junction which is a land full of serenity. An interesting fact about this place is that it is soon going to be renamed Queen Heo Hwang-ok Memorial Park in honor of a Korean queen who was believed to have been born as Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, daughter of King Padmasen who was the ruler of the ancient kingdom of Kosala. 

Local Cuisine And Food

Now, we do realize we have gone on and on about all the places that you can visit during your trip to Ayodhya, without a single word about food. Sure, you’re going to be full from all the knowledge and serenity you take in from this place but, Pet Pooja is a necessity, isn’t it? Well, we have put together a list of all the local delicacies along with where you will find them so you can make the most of your visit without spending too much time researching.

Ayodhya Sweets

The state of Uttar Pradesh is known to have all these unique food items that should be on your list if you’re a foodie. Some of the famous sweets in Ayodhya are 

• Malpua
• Rabri – paired with Malpua/Jalebi
• Khurchan Peda
• Kheer

While you may have had all of these in your city, there is just something special about these sweets in Ayodhya.

Here are a few local eateries of Ayodhya where you can find all these lovely sweets and more.

• Raskunj
• Maurya Mishthan Bhandar
• Thakur Misththan Bhandar
• Vishwanath Mishthan Bhandar

Ayodhya Street Food

One thing about visiting a different city is the varying food. Cafes and restaurants in every city explore almost all the same options with only a few variations in taste and menu, otherwise, it’s always the same 4 cuisines and the same 20 dishes. However, the street food in every city is the real hero. You get to taste authentic food from the city at pocket-friendly prices. Ayodhya is famous for having a variety of street food that should not be missed.

Here’s a list of all the local delicacies –

• Kachori
• Chat – Dahi Puri, Panipuri
• Ram Ji Samosa
• Aloo Pakodi
• Fara

Even your common street food items are available here, like Chole Bhature and Momos of course with a special twist. 

Now, coming down to our suggestions on some local eateries, here we have a list 

• Gabbar Pakodi
• Ram Ji Samosa wale
• Maurya Mishthan Bhandar
• Momo Street

Ayodhya Restaurants

While all these eateries are amazing, nobody can deny the fact that after a long day of visiting temples and gaining knowledge from all the interesting places in Ayodhya, sitting in a comfortable restaurant with great quality food surrounded by your loved ones is just what you would need. Sure, street food is exciting and must be explored but, not sure if that’s a great idea after having a long tiring day. Here’s our pick for some lovely restaurants in Ayodhya 

• Shri Kanak Sarkar Rasoi
• Makhan Malai Restaurant
• Baba Bhojnalaya
• Urban Chili

Shopping and Souvenirs

After having spent all those days in such a lively city, we are bound to wish to take something back for our family back home. Ayodhya is big on shopping for multiple gift items and souvenirs. 

Ayodhya Market

The streets of Ayodhya are filled with tourists from all around the world and all over the country who are looking to shop for gifts and souvenirs. Just like that, there are markets along the streets with many types of products to sell to tourists. Mind you, they’re going to overcharge you for everything, but if you shop smart and bargain well, you can grab some lovely items like pictures of temples, beautiful idols of Hindu deities, and more such items. You can visit some of these stores for special souvenirs

• Avadh Tulsi Mala Kendra
• Parasmai Outlet

Handicrafts and Artifacts

Many places sell authentic and handmade antiques that we’re sure will make your close ones feel extra close if you get them. You can support local stores that make handcrafted items like pots, textiles, and other crafts by purchasing these items with the thought about how these are specifically made for you, or the one that you can gift these to. Some of these stores are 

• Leela Handicraft
• Yashanjali Creations
• Tharu Tribal Passion
• Honor Craft

Conclusion

We have made sure to put together a small guide on how to go about your trip to Ayodhya including everything from where to go, what to do, where to eat, and what to buy. The city of Ayodhya is the city of wonders where you will get to witness many places and stories at the same time. This is also why it is necessary to visit every place and enjoy every second of this trip while it lasts. Go on that pilgrimage while you can, we have handled the rest.