In the Footsteps of Lord Ram: Itinerary to explore Ayodhya Nagri!

Tracing the footsteps of Shri Ram, Ayodhya Nagri is believed to be the land where Divinity Unveils! Echoes in the lanes of Raghukul, let's hear what it says.

According to mythology, Ayodhya is the land where the mightiest King, Shri Ram, was born. This place is regarded as a holistic heritage of the nation. The Treta Yug is considered the era of Shri Ram Chandra. Nestled on the banks of the Saryu River, the place holds significance in history, culture, and religion. Due to its rich spiritual connection to the roots of Raghukul, the place is renowned as one of the sacred lands in India, attracting numerous pilgrims throughout the year.

After the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22nd, 2024, devotees flocked to this holy place in large numbers. Eventually, Ayodhya became one of the main attractions nationally and internationally. Keep scrolling for the new travel story.

Day 1:

1.Hanuman Garhi:

Start your day early by visiting Hanuman Garhi. 'Garhi' or 'Garh' means a place atop a hill. Located near Shri Ram Janmbhoomi, this temple is usually crowded. Situated at the top of the hill, as per the beliefs, it was where Hanuman Ji was given residence after the exile of Shri Ram, and he has resided here since then for the protection of Ayodhya Dham. The complex is 1 km away from Ayodhya station, situated on a hill accessible by a 76-step stairway. Inside the cave, there are idols of Shri Hanuman and Mata Anjani, worshipped by devotees. Annually, thousands of people gather here to celebrate the birth of Shri Ram and Shri Hanuman.

2. Ram Janmbhoomi Temple: 

After visiting Hanuman Garhi, you can head towards Ram Janmsthal or Janmbhoomi. Since the inauguration of the temple, this place has become the prime attraction of the year 2024. The site was in dispute for decades until the Supreme Court of India ordered the land to be returned to the trust. On January 22nd, 2024, Ram Mandir opened its doors to all devotees, with more than 5 lakh people visiting the shrine. The main sanctum houses a 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, and the temple premises include mandapas and gardens, creating a blissful atmosphere for tourists. Visiting hours are from 7 am to 11 am and from 2 pm to 6 pm, as the deity is considered a child, hence it is termed as rest time for the child.

 3. Dashrath Mahal:

The Dashrath Mahal, situated in the middle of Ayodhya, is believed to have been constructed in the Treta Yug, where the King resided. The palace is regarded as the home of Raja Dashrath, where Prince Ram spent his childhood with his father. The architecture is a blend of Mughal and Hindu styles, featuring carvings and intricate designs. Although this place is undergoing refurbishment due to the dispute, the government has taken various steps to beautify it. Visiting hours are usually from 8 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm. You can also visit Ram Darbar nearby.

4. Kanak Bhavan:

Kanak Bhavan is said to be the place where Mata Sita and Shri Ram resided after their marriage. The palace was gifted by Mata Kaikei, the stepmother of Ram, to Sita to commemorate their union. Kanak Bhavan, also known as Sone ka ghar (House of Gold), is adorned with gold and silver walls carved with intricate designs and magnificent architecture. Idols of Ram and Sita are placed here, and a lot of devotees come to seek the blessings of Shri Ram and Mata Sita. Temple timings are from 8.30 am to 11.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm. You can also visit Janki Mahal and Ratnasimhasan, situated just near Kanak Bhavan.

5. Saryu Ghat:

The holy river Saryu is one of the sacred rivers in the Hindu religion. Taking a bath in the Saryu Nadi and beginning the pilgrimage towards Ayodhya is considered auspicious. It is believed that Shri Ram took a holy bath in the Saryu River before his coronation ceremony and also before performing the Ashwamedh Yagya (a Vedic horse sacrifice ritual). Several Ghats can be visited, including Naya Ghat, Guptar Ghat, Ram Ghat, and Laxman Ghat. Visitors can experience the mesmerizing morning and evening Aartis performed by the Pandits and Purohits of Ayodhya.

6. Ram ki Paidi:

Located on the banks of the Shipra River, this place is a prime attraction spot during evenings, offering visitors the opportunity to witness the Laser light show amidst the beauty of moonlight. Ram ki Paidi bustles with crowds during Diwali and Dev Deepavali, as thousands of diyas are lit here on the premises. Experiencing the serene beauty of the surroundings makes Ram ki Paidi a prominent spot in Ayodhya. You can also visit the Nageshwarnath Temple on Ram ki Paidi, according to folk tales was established by Kush, the son of Shri Ram and Mata Sita, for Nag Kanya, who fell in love with him.

Day 2:

1. Sita Ki Rasoi:

Start your day by visiting Sita ki Rasoi around 8 am so that you can explore other places on time. This place has religious significance as it is associated with Sita Ji's kitchen. Idols of Ram, Sita, Laxman, Bharat, Shatrughan, Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutkirti are placed here. It is believed that Mata Sita fed 5 sages here and after that, she was regarded as Annapurna Mata. This place is prominent in Hindu Mythology and people visit this place to seek blessings from Mata Sita in large numbers. It symbolizes devotion and reflects the enduring cultural heritage of Ayodhya.

2. Valmiki Bhavan:

Next, you can head towards Valmiki Bhavan, also known as Choti Chawni, dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana. This site holds immense significance as it is believed that Valmiki wrote the epic at this location. People visit this place to pay tribute to the great sage and to immerse themselves in its spiritual atmosphere.

3. Tulsi Smarak:

It is a memorial dedicated to the great sage Goswami Tulsidas, known for his poetic composition Ramcharitramanas, an epic poem narrating the life of Lord Ram. The memorial honors his contribution to literature and spirituality, serving as a pilgrimage site for his followers.

4. Bharat Mandir:

Next, you can visit Bharat Mandir, one of the oldest temples in Ayodhya. As per the mythological stories, this is the place where Bharat, the younger brother of Shri Ram, stayed for 14 years during Shri Ram's exile. It was the first place where Ram met Bharat while returning to Ayodhya after killing Ravan. Bharat Mandir is a symbol of love, brotherhood, and devotion towards Shri Ram.

5. Ram Katha Sangrahlaya:

You can take a walk towards the Ram Katha Sangrahlaya or the Art Gallery located at Saryu Ghat. This place is a blend of spirituality and art dedicated to the Ramayan, Ram Darbar, and the Treta Yug. It showcases the artistic traditions of Ayodhya, including sculptures, paintings, and handicrafts, reflecting the religious and mythological themes of the region.

6. Treta ke Thakur:

The temple enshrined in Ayodhya is a revered deity representing Lord Ram as the deity of the Treta Yug, situated at Naya Ghat. Alongside the idol of Lord Ram, several idols of Laxman, Bharat, Shatrughan, Sugreev, and Hanuman are present here. 'Treta Yug' refers to the era of Lord Ram, and 'Thakur' signifies the king, hence this place is dedicated solely to him. It is also believed that Shri Ram performed the Ashwamedh Yagna at this location for the peace and prosperity of Ayodhya.

Note: Visitors can explore this place from October to March when the weather is favorable, offering a light and cool atmosphere. Leather articles are strictly prohibited in the temple premises. It is advisable to use lockers provided to keep your valuables safe. Additionally, mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices are not allowed in the temple premises. Plan your trips accordingly as most temples are closed during the afternoon, providing an opportunity for dining and shopping. Be cautious of monkeys and ensure to keep your valuables and eatables in a safe place.