Blog Details

Ayodhya is a remarkable Indian city that has always been associated with mythology and history; it is considered one of the sacred Places in India. Ayodhya is known as the place where Lord Rama was born, so it has long been a center for pilgrimage for those both in India and around the world. The culture of the city through the festivals is alive and such experiences offer a sneak peek into the lifestyle of the people. In this article, the author provides information on the optimal months to visit Ayodhya, festivals that need to be seen in the city, as well as a 2-days itinerary in Ayodhya.

The best time to visit Ayodhya depends on what you and maybe your family want to see and participate.

Generally, the best time to visit Ayodhya is from October till March because the climate will be good during this time. The city has a subtropical climate where there are extreme relative humidities in temperatures during the summers and also in winters. Autumn and winter is a great time to go there and overlook the cultural events of the city and to visit many tourist attractions.

Key Festivals in Ayodhya

1. Ayodhya Deepotsav
   When: Period one extended is during the period before Diwali, either in October or early November.
   Highlights: Ayodhya Deepotsav therefore implies the illumination of Ayodhya as a light of victory which seeks to symbolise and celebrate the victory of lord Rama upon his triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya after being exiled. Majority of places are gifted with millions of little lamps (diyas) which make the surrounding look attractive. Cultural programs, Ramlila shows and fireworks are main features of the offerings. This festival has gone global, so it is one event that people cannot afford to miss.
2. Ram Navami
   When: March or April.
   Highlights: As a religious festival, Ram Navami is held annually in Ayodhya to symbolise the birth of Lord Rama. Pilgrims flock the city with a zeal to offer a darshan of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and take part in the colourful parades. Markandeya says that is why gods are decorated, temples are decorated, and voices chant hymns and kirtans.
3. Sawan Jhula Mela
   When: July or August.
   Highlights: The Joyrides of Lord Rama and Sita could be seen in this festival as it falls in the monsoon month of Sawan. The Kanak Bhawan in particular, located in the city, has many spaces decorated with swings in bright colors. Songs and dance special to either devotional places or occasions enhance the party-like feel to the celebrations.
4. Makar Sankranti
   When: January.
   Highlights: Known for kite flying, religious ceremonies are performed to mark Makar Sankranti in Ayodhya including the rituals on the ghats of the river Sarayu. The Sun transits into Capricorn on this day and is also known for giving charity, taking bath in holy river and having traditional sweets made of sesame and jaggery.

2-Day Itinerary for Ayodhya

Day 1: Natural splendor and a rich spiritual stock 

Morning

• Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: On waking up, you can plan to go for a visit to Lord Rama’s birthplace. The temple complex is an important place that is used for a prayer by various people and persons.
• Hanuman Garhi: This temple for Lord Hanuman is located little away from Ram Janmabhoomi and the place provides a vantage view of Ayodhaya.

Afternoon

• Kanak Bhawan: This temple is most famous for having elegant architecture and detailed sculptural artwork dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita.
• Treta Ke Thakur: Check out this temple, which is considered to have idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuma made of black sanded stone.

Evening

• Sarayu River: The last episode is the beautiful boat ride on the river Sarayu and beautiful aarti in the evening. The river looks dandy while the floating diyas offer a spiritual connotation to the act.

Day 2: Explore the layers of cultural and historical significance

Morning

• Tulsi Smarak Bhawan:This cultural centre is devoted to the works of the poet-saint Tulsidas who authored the Ram Charit Manas; it stages Ramlila regularly.
• Guptar Ghat: This ghat is said to be the place where Lord Ram took Jal samadhi and is also known for its historic importance.

Afternoon

• Nageshwarnath Temple: This is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva and religiously has the history of being built by the son of Lord Rama named Kush.
• Ram Ki Paidi: Seric row by the side of the river Sarayu specially for the rites including a number of ghats to watch the ceremonies of the devotees or for a peaceful walk.

Evening

• Local Markets: Experience the economic life of the people of Ayodhya through elaborate and popular markets and ghats. You can also buy local souvenirs, dresses, and handicrafts.
• Ayodhya Deepotsav (if visiting during Diwali): Join the festivities and watch the cultural activities that are performed during the festival.

Tourism Attractions sightseeing destinations and places of interest in Ayodhya

• Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: Known as having prime importance as a religious point in Ayodhya.
• Hanuman Garhi: A temple with quite a long background that has to do with its religious function.
• Kanak Bhawan: A beautiful building with architectural motifs that depict the corresponding period.
• Treta Ke Thakur: It is one of the biggest religious places of tourist attractions with historic god idols.
• Sarayu River: The traditional lamps are ideal to use during evening poojas as well as in boat tours in the serene backwaters.
• Nageshwarnath Temple: Cultural heritage sites associated with Hindu Mythology is a temple dedicated to Shiva and it has mythological background.
• Ram Ki Paidi: Peaceful spots for magnificent view ideally located for the ghats.

Tips for Visiting Ayodhya

• Plan Ahead: Ayodhya can prove to be crowded during such festivities. Book accommodations in advance.
• Dress Modestly: Sick religious sensibilities and do not display any form of dressing that could be seen as provocative especially when observing religious shrines.
• Local Cuisine: Some of the local items to try include chaat, kachori, and culturally rich sweets.
• Guided Tours: For better appreciation of the history and mythology of the places, it would be wise to opt for an accredited guide.

Ayodhya is simply a city crammed with abounding cultural values and religious beliefs; the festivity here is surreal. Festival tourism is apparent due to a visit to Ayodhya during the Deepotsav festival and Ram Navami festivals enhance the understanding of the cultural fabric of the city. Whether one is history lover, god lover or just loves exploring the destinations connected with rich history, Ayodhya shall surely offer an unexampled journey through the looking glass of time.

By following the recommended itinerary coupled with wise selection of time period and specifically planning your preferences around these above mentioned festivals you can surely get the best out of your visit to this city which is soaked in its timeless heritage. Ayodhya is where great events took place which are revered in Hindu mythology but the actual allure of Ayodhya comes from its people who are happy to host the ‘King’ and make the visit memorable.