Ayodhya Ram Mandir Yatra Planner
जय श्री राम
How to reach, places to visit, hotels, crowd tips and FAQ
Planning a family yatra to Ayodhya? This is Page 2 of the Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya guide. It covers how to reach Ayodhya by air, train and road, the sacred places to visit around the Janmabhoomi, where to stay and eat, crowd tips and answers to common questions. For darshan timings and free pass booking, read Page 1: Darshan Timings, Booking, Aarti and Live Darshan.
How to Reach Ram Mandir Ayodhya
अयोध्या कैसे पहुंचें
By air, train and road - from the official Trust website
| Mode | Nearest Point | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham (AYJ) | About 8-10 km |
| Air | Lucknow Airport (LKO) | About 130 km |
| Air | Gorakhpur Airport (GOP) | About 140 km |
| Train | Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY) - main station | About 2 km |
| Train | Ayodhya Cantt (AYC), formerly Faizabad Junction | About 8-10 km |
| Road | Lucknow / Prayagraj / Varanasi | 130 / 160 / 200 km |
| Road | Gorakhpur / Delhi | 140 / 636 km |
UPSRTC buses run round the clock from Lucknow, Delhi and Gorakhpur. Autos and e-rickshaws run from the stations and airport to the temple gate.
For senior citizens: Park at an official government parking area outside the city and take the shuttle or e-rickshaw to the gate. E-rickshaws and shuttle services run from the main parking areas. Do not drive your vehicle into the inner lanes near the temple - they are pedestrian-only during peak hours.
Places to Visit Nearby
दर्शनीय स्थल
Sacred sites of Ayodhya listed by the official Trust - all from Hindu scripture
Lord Hanuman's seat as guardian of Ayodhya. By tradition, Lord Rama asked Hanuman to stay and protect Ayodhya. Devotees visit Hanumangarhi first, before the main temple. About 76 steps - doli service available for seniors.
The golden palace that, by tradition, Queen Kaikeyi gifted to Sita Mata after her wedding. The sanctum has beautiful idols of Sita-Ram wearing gold crowns.
The holy Sarayu river. A holy dip before darshan is a traditional part of the Ayodhya yatra. The evening Saryu Aarti at the ghats after sunset is a must-see.
Ancient Shiva temple believed to be established by Kush, Lord Rama's son. The Ayodhya Mahatmya praises a bath at Swargadwar followed by worship of Nageshwarnath.
Sacred well near the Janmabhoomi. Drinking its water is said to give wisdom equal to Brihaspati, the teacher of the gods (Skanda Purana, Ayodhya Mahatmya).
Where Bharat lived as a hermit for 14 years, ruling Ayodhya with Lord Rama's padukas on the throne (Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda). Bharat Kund is also a place for pind daan.
Hotels and Food Near Ram Mandir
ठहरने और खाने की व्यवस्था
All food near the temple is pure vegetarian (sattvic)
| Stay Type | Price / Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dharamshalas and Ashrams | Free to Rs 500 | Run by religious trusts. Basic but clean. Book well in advance |
| Budget Hotels | Rs 800 - 2,500 | Many near Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Rs 2,500 - 6,000 | Modern amenities. Book 2-3 months ahead for festivals |
| Luxury Hotels | Rs 6,000+ | Major chains since 2024. Book 3-4 months before Ram Navami or Diwali |
Food near the temple: All food is pure vegetarian. Free bhandara / langar is served by some trusts and ashrams. Puri-Sabzi and Kachori near the ghats are a traditional morning breakfast. No non-vegetarian food is sold anywhere near the temple complex.
Book Your Trip
Booking links via MakeMyTrip. Prices change daily - confirm on the booking site.
Live Traffic and Crowd Tips
भीड़ और यातायात
Ram Mandir receives 1 to 2 lakh devotees on regular days. Plan ahead.
- Best time to arrive: The 7:00 AM darshan slot has the lightest crowds. Reach the gate 20-30 minutes early.
- Weekends and festivals: Expect severe congestion. Ram Navami (March/April) can see 5 to 10 lakh devotees.
- Parking: Use official government parking outside the city. E-rickshaws and shuttles run from the parking areas towards the gates.
- Inner city roads: Pedestrian-only during peak hours. No private vehicles inside the galis near the temple.
- Festival alert: During Ram Navami, police use one-way traffic control throughout the city. Book accommodation in Ayodhya itself for festival visits.
Check crowd right now: Tap Live Crowd at Ram Mandir below. On the Google Maps page of the temple, scroll down to Popular times. The Live bar shows how busy the temple is at this moment compared with a usual day (for example "Busier than usual" or "Not too busy"). Use Live Road Traffic to see the roads around the temple - green means clear, orange means slow and red means heavy traffic.
Live data comes from Google Maps and appears only during temple hours. For official updates, call the Trust Helpdesk: 05278-292000.
VIP Pass and Dress Code
वीआईपी पास और वेशभूषा
What to know before you reach the gate
| Paid VIP Darshan | Not available. The Trust does not sell any paid VIP or priority darshan. Anyone asking money for "VIP entry" is a fraud. |
| Sugam Darshan Pass | Free, slot-based pass booked online at online.srjbtkshetra.org. Gives entry at a fixed time slot. Up to 8 people per mobile number. |
| Aarti Pass | Free. Mangal, Shringar and Shayan Aarti passes are booked on the same official website. |
| Senior Citizens | No paid pass needed. Priority lane and free wheelchairs at the gates. |
| Dress Code | What to Wear |
|---|---|
| Official Rule | No strict written dress code for devotees, but decent, modest Indian clothing is expected |
| Men | Kurta-pyjama, dhoti, or full trousers with a shirt |
| Women | Saree, salwar-kameez or suit with dupatta |
| Avoid | Shorts, sleeveless tops, short skirts, ripped jeans and leather belts or wallets. Security may stop visitors in revealing clothes |
| Footwear | Easy-to-remove slippers. Shoes are left at the free counters near the gates |
Trust Services and Donations
ट्रस्ट सेवाएं
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra - the Trust constituted by the Government of India in 2020
50% of donations to the Trust for renovation of the Mandir are eligible for deduction under Section 80G(2)(b) of the Income Tax Act. PAN of the Trust: AAZTS6197B. International devotees can also donate.
Contact the Trust:
Helpline: 1860-180-1992 (10 AM - 9 PM, all days)
Helpdesk: 05278-292000 | +91-80095-22111
Email: contact@srjbtkshetra.org
Office: Mandir Nirman Karyashala, Ramghat Chauraha, Near Manas Bhawan, Ayodhya - 224123
Frequently Asked Questions
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न
What are the darshan timings at Ram Mandir Ayodhya?
The temple is open for free darshan from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM in seven slots. Mangal Aarti is at 4:00 AM, Shringar Aarti at 6:00 AM and Shayan Aarti at 10:00 PM. All aarti passes are free and must be booked in advance at srjbtkshetra.org. Timings are from the official Trust website (effective 18 April 2026). See the full slot table on Page 1.
Is darshan at Ram Mandir free?
Yes. General darshan is completely free. All aarti passes (Mangal, Shringar and Shayan) are also completely free. There are no charges at any stage. The Trust does not authorise any agent - book only at the official website online.srjbtkshetra.org.
How far in advance can I book the darshan pass?
Darshan passes usually open about 15 days in advance on the official website. Book as early as possible, especially for weekends, Ram Navami, Diwali and other major festivals when slots fill up very fast.
Is there a separate facility for senior citizens?
Yes. Senior citizens have priority lanes and separate entry. Wheelchairs are available free at all gates. Ramps and accessible paths are provided throughout the complex. Dedicated Sevak staff assist elderly devotees. Inform the Helpdesk when you arrive. The 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM slot is the most comfortable for seniors.
What should I not bring inside Ram Mandir?
Mobile phones, cameras, leather items (belts, purses, shoes with leather), large bags and food items are not allowed inside the temple complex. Free locker facilities are available near all entry gates. Please read the instructions on your booking confirmation - rules may be updated by the Trust.
Which is the best time to visit Ram Mandir to avoid crowds?
The early morning 7:00 AM slot is the least crowded for weekday visits. The 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM slot is also relatively quieter. Weekends and festivals see very heavy crowds. November to February has the most comfortable weather for a visit to Ayodhya.
Can I watch Ram Mandir darshan online?
Yes. The Trust broadcasts Live Darshan through its official YouTube channel. Open the official Trust YouTube channel here. Live Mangal Aarti is broadcast regularly and is free for all devotees worldwide. Watch the embedded live darshan on Page 1 of this guide.
How do I donate to the Ram Mandir Trust?
Donate online at online.srjbtkshetra.org. 50% of donations for renovation of the Mandir are eligible for 80G tax deduction. PAN of Trust: AAZTS6197B. International devotees can also donate. Download donation receipt at online.srjbtkshetra.org/donation-receipt.
Which airports and railway stations are nearest to Ayodhya?
By air: Ayodhya Airport (Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, AYJ) is operational - about 8-10 km from the temple. Lucknow Airport (LKO) is about 130 km away. By train: Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY) is the main station with direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities. Ayodhya Cantt (AYC, formerly Faizabad Junction) is the second station, about 8-10 km away.
What are the biggest festivals at Ram Mandir?
Ram Navami (Lord Rama's birthday, Chaitra Shukla Navami - March/April) is the largest festival, with millions of devotees. Diwali celebrates the day Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya and sees a spectacular lighting of the entire city. Vivah Panchami (Sita-Ram wedding day, Margashirsha Shukla Panchami - November/December) is also celebrated with great devotion in Ayodhya.
Is food near Ram Mandir vegetarian only?
Yes. All food near the Ram Janmabhoomi area is pure vegetarian (sattvic). Non-vegetarian food is not sold anywhere near the temple complex. Many places also serve food without onion and garlic for those observing fasts.
Is there a VIP pass for Ram Mandir darshan?
No. There is no paid VIP darshan at Ram Mandir. The free Sugam Darshan pass gives entry at a fixed time slot and is booked only at online.srjbtkshetra.org. Do not pay any agent for a "VIP pass".
Is there a dress code at Ram Mandir Ayodhya?
There is no strict written dress code, but devotees should wear decent, modest clothing. Men can wear kurta-pyjama or full trousers with a shirt, and women can wear a saree or salwar-kameez. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and leather items.
Why is Ayodhya called the most sacred city in Sanatan Dharma?
The Skanda Purana and Garuda Purana name Ayodhya first in the list of seven cities that give liberation (Saptapuri): "Ayodhya Mathura Maya Kashi Kanchi Avantika, Puri Dvaravati chaiva saptaita mokshadayikah." The Valmiki Ramayana (Bala Kanda, Sarga 5) describes it as the world-famous capital of Kosala on the Sarayu river, and the Atharvaveda (10.2.31) calls it the city of the gods with eight wheels and nine doors.
Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya - Complete Guide
- Page 1: At a Glance, Scriptures, Darshan Timings, Live Darshan, Facilities
- Page 2 (this page): How to Reach, Places to Visit, Hotels, Traffic, FAQ
More from Dekho Dham:
Jai Shri Ram. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya.