Temples, ghats, palaces and museums — the complete list of Ayodhya attractions with what makes each one special, plus practical visiting notes.
Ayodhya is layered — the grand new Ram Mandir sits beside temples that have been worshipped for centuries, and the whole town gathers each evening along the Saryu. Below is our complete list, grouped so you can plan a route rather than a scramble.
Temple timings change with season and festivals. Most temples close for a few hours in the afternoon — plan for a morning and an evening block, and use the middle of the day for travel, food or rest.
A 10th-century fort-temple crowning a hill in the heart of the old town. You climb 76 steps to reach the shrine of Lord Hanuman, worshipped here as the guardian of Ram's birthplace.
Tradition: many devotees visit Hanuman Garhi before Ram Mandir, as Hanuman is believed to guard the temple.
The "palace of gold", said to have been gifted to Sita by Kaikeyi. Its shrine holds crowned idols of Ram and Sita, and the interior is finished in gold leaf and mirror work.
Best time: Sawan and Diwali, when the temple is decorated with exceptional care.
The ancestral palace of King Dashrath, Ram's father. Still a living temple, it holds idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna, and hosts traditional bhajan gatherings.
Location: at the far end of the old town's main temple lane, walking distance from Kanak Bhawan.
Ayodhya's oldest Shiva temple, built by Kush, son of Ram. The shy lingam here is decorated with a distinctive ornament, and the atmosphere is far quieter than the main temple lanes.
Festival: celebrated lavishly on Maha Shivratri.
A small hill temple associated with Sita, where Ram is said to have spent time with his family. A short, easy climb gives you one of the best vantage views over old Ayodhya.
Tip: climb in the morning — the path is exposed and gets hot by noon.
Believed to be the kitchen of Sita. Auspicious for its association with her culinary devotion, it is visited especially by those praying for harmony in the home.
Nearby: combine with Hanuman Garhi and Ram Mandir in one walking loop.
An 18th-century temple rebuilt by Queen Ahalyabai Holkar on the spot where Ram is believed to have performed the Ashwamedha Yajna. Its idols of Ram are distinctive.
Opening: traditionally visited by pilgrims soon after Ram Mandir darshan.
A research institute and museum dedicated to the poet-saint Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas. An evening Ramlila performance is held here most nights.
Highlight: the nightly Ramlila — check the same-day schedule locally.
The centrepiece of Ayodhya — a 161 ft tall Nagara-style temple of carved sandstone and marble, home to Ram Lalla. Free general darshan plus a paid Sugam lane.
The Saryu is Ayodhya's living heart. Plan at least one evening here — the aarti is the memory most travellers carry home.
A long, stepped embankment of stone descending to the Saryu, Ram Ki Paidi is the city's main ceremonial ghat. It hosts the famous Saryu Aarti at dusk, and during Deepotsav, lakhs of earthen lamps turn the steps into a river of light.
A string of smaller ghats runs along the river, each with its own character. Naya Ghat is closest to the old town, while further stretches are calmer and better for sitting quietly. Early morning is ideal for a riverside walk.
A museum of excavated relics, sculptures and manuscripts from the Ram Janmabhoomi site and surrounding archaeology.
A rare patch of green in the city — pleasant for a slow morning walk or a break between temple visits.
Attached to Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, this research library holds a remarkable collection of Ramayana scholarship.
The upper level of the Ram Mandir complex, where the full divine court — Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman — is enshrined.
The outer circumambulation route around the temple complex, lined with carved panels narrating the Ramayana.
The wide ceremonial avenue linking Ayodhya Dham railway station to the temple — landscaped and best seen at night.
Grouping by distance keeps your walking short and your day unhurried.
Hanuman Garhi → Kanak Bhawan → Dashrath Mahal → Treta ke Thakur. All within roughly 2 km and best done in one morning.
Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir → Ram Darbar → Parikrama Path → Ram Katha Sangrahalay. Allow a half day.
Mani Parvat → Nageshwarnath → Sita ki Rasoi → Ram Ki Paidi for the evening aarti.
Tell us how many days you have and what matters most to you — darshan, temples, ghats or a relaxed pace. We will build the route around it.
