Home › Destinations › Ayodhya › Ayodhya + Varanasi Combined Trip

1 DayAyodhya

Ayodhya + Varanasi Combined Trip

Planning 4 days in Ayodhya? A 4-day spiritual journey combining the sacred city of Ayodhya, birthplace of Lord Rama, with the ancient ghats and temples along the Saryu river, offering a deep dive into Hindu mythology and devotion. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.

Arrival and First Darshan at Hanuman Garhi

Day 1

Begin your pilgrimage in Ayodhya with a visit to Hanuman Garhi, the traditional first stop before Ram Mandir. Climb the 76 steps to seek blessings from Hanuman, then proceed to the magnificent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, consecrated in 2024. In the evening, witness the serene aarti at Ram Ki Paidi ghats.

Activities

Visit Hanuman Garhi temple and offer prayers
Explore Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (Ram Mandir)
Evening aarti at Ram Ki Paidi ghats
Stroll along the Saryu riverfront

Meals

•Breakfast at hotel
•Lunch at a local bhojanalaya (thali)
•Dinner at hotel or restaurant

Sacred Temples and Historical Sites

Day 2

Dedicate the day to exploring Ayodhya's ancient temples and palaces. Visit Kanak Bhawan, known for its ornate idols, and Dashrath Mahal, associated with King Dasharatha. Pay respects at Nageshwarnath Temple and Treta Ke Thakur, then end with a peaceful evening at Guptar Ghat.

Activities

Darshan at Kanak Bhawan
Visit Dashrath Mahal (palace museum)
Explore Nageshwarnath Temple and Treta Ke Thakur
Sunset visit to Guptar Ghat

Meals

•Breakfast at hotel
•Lunch at a pure-veg restaurant
•Dinner at local eatery

Saryu Aarti and Tulsi Smarak Bhawan

Day 3

Start with a morning boat ride on the Saryu river, followed by visits to Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, dedicated to the poet Tulsidas. Spend the afternoon exploring the new Ram Katha museum or the Valmiki Ramayana Bhawan. In the evening, attend the grand Saryu aarti at Ram Ki Paidi.

Activities

Morning boat ride on Saryu river
Visit Tulsi Smarak Bhawan
Explore Ram Katha museum or Valmiki Bhawan
Attend Saryu aarti at Ram Ki Paidi

Meals

•Breakfast at hotel
•Lunch at a local restaurant
•Dinner at a rooftop café overlooking the ghats

Reflection and Departure

Day 4

On the final day, visit any remaining sites like the new Valmiki International Airport (if time permits) or do a last darshan at Ram Mandir. Purchase souvenirs like miniature Ramayana books or idols, then depart with a peaceful heart.

Activities

Optional early morning darshan at Ram Mandir
Visit local markets for souvenirs
Pack and check out from hotel
Departure to airport or railway station

Meals

•Breakfast at hotel
•Lunch en route or before departure

Detailed Timeline

Day 1

8 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Many hotels in Ayodhya offer simple Indian breakfast options like poha, paratha, and chai. If you're staying near the city center, you can also try local eateries like 'Shree Ram Bhojnalaya' for a traditional start.

08:30 AM

Visit Hanuman Garhi Temple

Climb the 76 steps to Hanuman Garhi, the guardian temple of Ayodhya. It is customary to visit here first before Ram Mandir. Offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple is open from early morning; expect a queue, but it moves quickly. No entry fee.

10:00 AM

Explore Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (Ram Mandir)

Proceed to the grand Ram Mandir, consecrated in 2024. The temple complex is vast, so allocate at least 2 hours. Dress modestly, and note that mobile phones are not allowed inside the sanctum. Entry is free, but you may need to deposit bags and phones at the cloakroom.

Afternoon

01:00 PM

Lunch at a local bhojanalaya (thali)

Enjoy a traditional thali at a local bhojanalaya near the temple area. Many places offer unlimited thalis with dal, rice, vegetables, roti, and sweets for around ₹100-₹200. Pure veg options are abundant. Try 'Bhandari Bhojnalaya' or similar for an authentic experience.

03:00 PM

Rest and leisure at hotel

After a busy morning, return to your hotel for some rest. The afternoon sun can be strong, so relax, hydrate, and recharge for the evening. If you're not tired, you can visit a nearby café for chai.

05:30 PM

Evening aarti at Ram Ki Paidi ghats

Head to the Ram Ki Paidi ghats on the Saryu river for the evening aarti. The aarti typically begins around sunset (around 6:00-6:30 PM). Arrive early to get a good spot. The atmosphere is devotional and serene, with lamps and chants. Free to attend.

Evening

07:30 PM

Stroll along the Saryu riverfront

After the aarti, take a leisurely walk along the riverfront promenade. You'll see beautifully illuminated ghats and temples. Enjoy the cool breeze and the sight of devotees performing rituals. You can also buy prasad or small offerings from local vendors.

08:30 PM

Dinner at hotel or restaurant

Return to your hotel for dinner or dine at a local restaurant. Many hotels serve multi-cuisine options, but you can also try 'Rama Restaurant' or similar for North Indian dishes. Budget around ₹300-₹500 per person for a filling meal.

Day 2

8 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. If you prefer local flavors, step out to a nearby eatery for kachori-sabzi or jalebi. Keep the morning light as you'll be visiting temples.

08:30 AM

Darshan at Kanak Bhawan

Visit Kanak Bhawan, one of the most beautiful temples in Ayodhya, known for its ornate idols of Ram and Sita. The temple is believed to be gifted by Queen Kaikeyi. Spend about 45 minutes admiring the architecture and offering prayers. No entry fee, but donations are welcome.

10:00 AM

Visit Dashrath Mahal (palace museum)

Explore Dashrath Mahal, the palace of King Dasharatha, now a museum. It houses artifacts and exhibits related to the Ramayana. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Entry fee is around ₹10-₹20. Allocate 1 hour to walk through the halls and gardens.

Afternoon

12:00 PM

Explore Nageshwarnath Temple

Head to Nageshwarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, said to be established by Kush, son of Ram. It's a peaceful site with a distinct architecture. Spend about 30-45 minutes. No entry fee. Be prepared for a short queue during peak hours.

01:30 PM

Lunch at a pure-veg restaurant

Have lunch at a pure-veg restaurant like 'Shree Ram Rasoi' or 'Bholenath Bhojanalya'. These places offer simple, sattvic meals. A thali may cost ₹150-₹250. Try the local specialty 'bedmi puri' if available.

03:00 PM

Visit Treta Ke Thakur

Visit Treta Ke Thakur, a temple marking the site where Ram performed the Ashwamedha yagna. The temple has idols of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. It's a quiet spot, perfect for reflection. Spend about 45 minutes. No entry fee.

05:00 PM

Sunset visit to Guptar Ghat

Drive to Guptar Ghat, where Ram is believed to have taken jal samadhi. The ghat is serene and less crowded than Ram Ki Paidi. Enjoy the sunset over the Saryu. You can also take a boat ride (₹50-₹100 per person). Spend an hour here.

Evening

07:00 PM

Dinner at local eatery

Return to the city and have dinner at a local eatery. Try 'Ayodhya Misthan Bhandar' for sweets and snacks, or a restaurant like 'The Ramayana Hotel' for a more formal meal. Budget around ₹300 for two.

Day 3

8 activities

Morning

06:30 AM

Morning boat ride on Saryu river

Start early with a boat ride on the Saryu. Boats are available from Ram Ki Paidi and Guptar Ghat. The ride lasts about 30-45 minutes and costs ₹50-₹150 per person. You'll see ghats, temples, and the river's calm beauty. Best time is sunrise.

08:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Return to your hotel for breakfast. If you skipped it earlier, many hotels serve breakfast until 10 AM. Alternatively, grab a quick bite at a local stall with fresh jalebis or samosas.

09:30 AM

Visit Tulsi Smarak Bhawan

Explore Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, dedicated to the poet Tulsidas, who wrote the Ramcharitmanas. The building houses a library and museum with manuscripts and artifacts. It's open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. Spend about 1 hour.

11:00 AM

Explore Ram Katha museum or Valmiki Bhawan

Choose between the Ram Katha museum (which depicts the story of Ram through paintings and exhibits) or Valmiki Ramayana Bhawan. Both are educational and immersive. Entry fees are nominal (₹10-₹20). Allocate 1.5 hours. Check opening times; some may close for lunch.

Afternoon

01:30 PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Have lunch at a local restaurant like 'Shree Ram Bhojnalaya' or 'Maa Vaishno Bhojanalya'. These offer thalis at reasonable prices (₹150-₹200). The food is simple and hygienic. Try the 'dal kachori' if available.

03:30 PM

Rest and leisure at hotel

Take a break at your hotel to rest and freshen up. You can also explore nearby markets for handicrafts or simply relax. If you're interested, you could visit the nearby 'Saryu Kunj' park for a stroll.

05:30 PM

Attend Saryu aarti at Ram Ki Paidi

Arrive early at Ram Ki Paidi for the grand Saryu aarti. This is a more elaborate ceremony than the previous evening, with many priests and large lamps. The aarti starts around sunset. Find a spot on the steps or take a boat for a closer view (boat ride during aarti may cost extra). Free to attend.

Evening

08:00 PM

Dinner at a rooftop café overlooking the ghats

End the day with dinner at a rooftop café like 'Ghats of Ayodhya' or 'Saryu View Restaurant'. Enjoy North Indian or Chinese cuisine while overlooking the illuminated ghats. Expect to pay ₹400-₹600 for two. Make a reservation if possible.

Day 4

6 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Optional early morning darshan at Ram Mandir

If you wish to have a final darshan, visit Ram Mandir early to avoid crowds. The temple opens at 6:30 AM. You can spend 30-45 minutes in prayer. Note that queues may still be long on weekends. Free entry.

09:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Return to your hotel for breakfast. Check-out time is usually 12 PM, so you can have a leisurely meal. If you have time, pack your bags after breakfast.

10:00 AM

Visit local markets for souvenirs

Head to the local markets near Ram Mandir or the main bazaar. Look for miniature Ramayana books, idols of Ram Darbar, rudraksha malas, and Saryu sand. Prices vary; bargain politely. A small idol may cost ₹100-₹500, books ₹50-₹200.

Afternoon

12:00 PM

Pack and check out from hotel

Return to your hotel to pack and check out. Ensure you have all your belongings and any prasad you've collected. Keep your travel documents handy for departure.

01:00 PM

Lunch en route or before departure

Have lunch at a restaurant near your mode of departure. If you're heading to the airport or railway station, there are eateries nearby. A quick thali or snacks will cost ₹150-₹300. If time permits, try the local 'khurchan' sweet.

02:30 PM

Departure to airport or railway station

Proceed to the Ayodhya Cantt railway station or the new Maharishi Valmiki International Airport. The airport is about 15 km from the city center; allow 30-45 minutes for travel. Ensure you reach at least 2 hours before flight departure or 1 hour before train departure.

Food Recommendations

Bhandari Sweets & Restaurant

Vegetarian North Indian

Must Try: Ayodhya ke peda, chole bhature, thali

₹200-₹400 per person

Raja Bhoj (Pure Veg Family Restaurant)

Vegetarian thali and snacks

Must Try: Special thali, kachori sabzi, lassi

₹150-₹300 per person

Shree Ram Bhojanalaya

Traditional Awadhi vegetarian

Must Try: Poori sabzi, halwa, dal bafla

₹100-₹250 per person

Transportation Tips

Ayodhya has its own airport (Maharishi Valmiki International Airport) with flights from major cities; book a prepaid taxi to the hotel.
The railway station (Ayodhya Cantt and Ayodhya Junction) is well-connected; auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are available for local travel.
For temple hopping, hire a cycle rickshaw or e-rickshaw for the day (negotiate ₹300-₹500).
The Saryu riverfront is walkable; wear comfortable shoes for ghat visits.