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Kanpur Ki Kahaani

Nearby city · ~220 km from Kanpur

Ayodhya

अयोध्या

The city of Shri Ram

Distance from Kanpur
~220 km · ~4 hrs
Fastest way there
Road via Lucknow (NH-27)
Nearest airport
Maharishi Valmiki Intl (AYJ)
Best time to visit
October – March (Deepotsav at Diwali)

About Ayodhya

The city of Shri Ram

Ayodhya, on the banks of the Saryu, is revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram and is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. Its narrow lanes are lined with hundreds of temples and maths, and the grand Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir — consecrated in January 2024 — has transformed it into one of India's most visited pilgrim towns.

From Kanpur, it's about four hours by road (often via Lucknow). Climb to Hanuman Garhi first, as tradition asks, then visit Ram Lalla, Kanak Bhawan and the ghats. Stay for the Saryu aarti — or plan around Deepotsav at Diwali, when lakhs of diyas line Ram ki Paidi.

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Sights

Top Places to Visit

The essential Ayodhya sights — filter by what you love.

Showing 6 places

  • temple

    Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir

    The grand Nagara-style temple consecrated in 2024 at Lord Ram's birthplace. Expect security checks — carry minimal belongings.

    • Ram Janmabhoomi
    • 2–3 hrs
  • temple

    Hanuman Garhi

    A hilltop fort-temple reached by 76 steps; tradition says you pay respects to Hanuman here before visiting Ram Lalla.

    • Sai Nagar
    • 1 hr
  • temple

    Kanak Bhawan

    The 'golden palace', said to have been gifted to Sita by Kaikeyi — known for its gold-crowned idols and devotional music.

    • Tulsi Nagar
    • 45 mins
  • nature

    Ram ki Paidi

    A chain of ghats on the Saryu that becomes a river of lamps during Deepotsav, with lights and fountains most evenings.

    • Saryu riverfront
    • 1 hr
  • temple

    Saryu Ghat Aarti

    The evening aarti at Naya Ghat: conch shells, lamp smoke and floating diyas drifting down the wide, slow Saryu.

    • Naya Ghat
    • 1 hr
  • heritage

    Guptar Ghat

    A peaceful ghat in a green cantonment area, where Lord Ram is believed to have taken jal samadhi — lovely in the morning.

    • Faizabad Cantonment
    • 1 hr

Taste

Must-Try Food

What to eat in Ayodhya, and where locals go for it.

  • Prasad

    Peda & Laddu Prasad

    Milk pedas and besan laddus from the temple-lane sweet shops — offered at the temples and carried home.

    • Hanuman Garhi lanes
    • ₹100–500 per kg
  • Breakfast

    Kachori & Jalebi

    Hot kachoris with aloo sabzi and fresh jalebi near the temple approach roads.

    • Ram Path
    • ₹30–80
  • Satvik thali

    Satvik Bhojanalaya Thali

    Simple onion-garlic-free thalis of dal, sabzi, puri and kheer, in keeping with the temple town.

    • Near Ram Janmabhoomi
    • ₹150–300

Shopping

What to Buy in Ayodhya

Souvenirs worth the suitcase space — and where to find them.

  • Ram Path

    Ram Path Bazaar

    Puja items, idols, tulsi malas and souvenirs along the redeveloped temple road.

    • Best time: Mornings
  • Hanuman Garhi

    Temple Lane Sweets

    Pedas, laddus and prasad boxes to carry home.

    • Best time: After darshan

Getting there

Kanpur to Ayodhya

About 220 km — here's how to make the journey.

  • By Train

    Ayodhya Dham Junction (AYC) is served by trains from Kanpur, many via Lucknow — about 4–5 hours.

  • By Road

    Roughly 220 km via Lucknow on NH-27 — around 4 hours. Combine with Lucknow for the 'Ram Path' circuit.

  • By Air

    Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ) opened in 2023 with domestic flights to major cities.

Itinerary

Suggested Itinerary

A one-day dash or a relaxed two-day stay — both starting from Kanpur.

1 day

  1. Morning

    Hanuman Garhi

    Leave Kanpur by 5 am; climb the 76 steps first.
  2. Late morning

    Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir

    Allow 2–3 hours for security and darshan.
  3. Afternoon

    Kanak Bhawan

    Then a simple thali lunch near the temple.
  4. Evening

    Saryu Ghat Aarti

    Lamps on the river before the drive back.

2 days

  1. Day 1 · Morning

    Hanuman Garhi

    Arrive early to beat queues.
  2. Day 1 · Midday

    Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir

    Carry minimal belongings.
  3. Day 1 · Evening

    Saryu Ghat Aarti

    Followed by a stroll along Ram ki Paidi.
  4. Day 2 · Morning

    Guptar Ghat

    Peaceful riverside temples.
  5. Day 2 · Afternoon

    Kanak Bhawan & temple lanes

    Peda and kachori for the road.
  6. Day 2 · Evening

    Ram ki Paidi

    Light show, then head home via Lucknow.

Live weather

Ayodhya Right Now

Best time to visit: October – March (Deepotsav at Diwali).

Map

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