Best Time to Visit Ayodhya – A Complete Guide

In this guide, we discuss the best time to visit Ayodhya, the best places to see in Ayodhya, and how to reach Ayodhya. 

Ayodhya is one of India's most sacred cities and a popular pilgrimage destination. The birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya, has many well-known temples, sacred ghats, and other religious sites that are considered holy. Devotees go to Ayodhya all year to seek this almighty's blessings. But, if you are a first-time visitor, visiting between October and December is best advised. During this time, the weather is best, and you can enjoy a range of festivities. 

Recently, this sacred city in Uttar Pradesh featured prominently in the news as the Ram Mandir consecration was held. Due to its profound association with mythology, the city holds an important place in the hearts and minds of people belonging to 

the Hindu religion. If you plan to visit this beautiful and holy city, this guide is just for you. 

Visiting Ayodhya in summer (March to June)

Ayodhya mostly has a pleasant climate throughout the year. But the city also occasionally experiences excruciating heat waves, especially during summer. During this period, the temperature in the city hovers around 28 to 45 degrees Celsius.

The mercury levels start to rise gradually from mid-March, and generally, it gets extremely hot in May. The high temperature and extreme heat can be unbearable, and if you go out during this time, you may sweat a lot and feel severely dehydrated and irritated. Hence, Summer is not the right time to go to Ayodhya. 

Visiting Ayodhya in Monsoon (July to September)

Unlike the coastal areas of India, which start in June, as Ayodhya is a heartland, the rains here start much later than in July. Like most parts of UP, this sacred town too receives decent rainfall, with occasional bouts of heavy rain, especially in August and early September. 

During this time of the year, the weather in Ayodhya is much more pleasant, and the arrival of showers gives the locals much-needed respite from the scorching summer. The temperature ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. The temperature may further dip during rainy nights. 

Whether the rainy season is the best time to go to Ayodhya or not is your personal choice. Not many devotees visit the temples during this season compared to other times. At the same time, the heavy showers can spoil your plan to explore the city, and you may have to stay indoors. 

If you only want to visit the temples, monsoon is a good time to visit Ayodhya. But, if you want to explore other attractions and indulge in outdoor activities, June to September may not be the best months to go to Ayodhya. 

Visiting Ayodhya during Winter (October to February)

The winter months, i.e., October to February, are undoubtedly the best time to visit Ayodhya. After the rains recede, the winter chills slowly start to set in from mid to late October and from November to January, the weather remains pleasant. 

The temperature ranges from 5 to 25 degrees Celsius during these months, and sometimes, the mercury levels drop even below at night. Also, the city may experience a cold wave. During this time of the year, you can enjoy a cool breeze blowing across almost all day, creating an ambient condition to explore the city. 

Also, between September and December, many important festivals, like Diwali and Dussehra, are celebrated in Ayodhya with great fanfare and pomp. These festival celebrations reflect the local culture and India's rich heritage and traditions. 

You must visit Ayodhya during the winter to witness grand festivities and get an insight into the local culture and traditions. You would surely have a great time, we bet!

Best places to visit in Ayodhya

Now that you know the best time to visit Ayodhya, you must also know the best places to see in this beautiful city. 

• Ayodhya Ram Mandir
• Hanumangarhi
• Kanak Bhavan
• Nageshwarnath Temple
• Treta Ke Thakur
• Sita Ki Rasoi
• Mani Parbat
• Dashrath Bhavan
• Sarayu Ghat
• Sugriva Temple

All these places are popular tourist spots in the city. But what makes them really special, apart from their incredible beauty, is the fascinating story or mythological link with them. For example, the locals and the ardent devotees consider Sita Ki Rasoi a sacred place. 

Legend has it that it was at this exact spot where Goddess Sita had her kitchen, and she used to cook for Lord Ram and his family members during her brief stay in Ayodhya after her marriage. Here in Ayodhya, she is revered as the Goddess of Food and goes by Goddess Annapurna. The temple built in her honour continues to feed the devotees and provide them free meals. 

Similarly, Mani Parbat has an interesting story. According to Hindu legends, when Lord Hanuman was carrying the mountain with Sanjeevni Booti to Sri Lanka, a part of the mountain fell in Ayodhya, which is now called the Mani Parbat. Also, some myths suggest that this hill was where Lord Ram stood and delivered his grand speech on Dharma. 

Thus, as you explore these places, try to discover more about the history and legends associated with the place. Some of these stories are truly fascinating and will only improve your experience.

How to reach Ayodhya?

Travelling to Ayodhya is easy as it is connected to all parts of India by rail, road and air.

• Travelling to Ayodhya by Air

Even though Ayodhya is a small town, it has an airport, which makes it easier for several tourists and devotees to travel to Ayodhya. The airport in the city is called Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham. Named after the great sage Maharishi Valmiki, the airport is located about 8 km from the Ram Temple on the Gorakhpur-Lucknow National Highway. 

Many airlines operate regular flights from different parts of India to Ayodhya daily. If you are from Mumbai, Delhi, or Jaipur, you may find a direct flight to Ayodhya from your city. If you travel from abroad, you can travel to Delhi or Mumbai and then take another flight to Ayodhya. 

• Travelling to Ayodhya by Train

The train is perhaps the best mode of transport that you can depend on to go to Ayodhya. The tickets are quite affordable, and you can be assured that the journey from your city to the Abode of Lord Ram is comfortable and pleasant. 

No matter where you live in India, you may easily find a direct train to Ayodhya or Faizabad, which are important railway junctions in Uttar Pradesh. Many intra and inter-state trains pass through these stations, connecting the city to the rest of the state and country. 

Once you get off the station, you can easily find many public transport sources, like rickshaws and taxis, from outside the station. You can take these options to reach your destination in the city.  

• Travelling to Ayodhya by Road

If you want to travel to Ayodhya by road, you can surely have a wonderful experience. The city is easily accessible from all corners of India, and the roads leading to the city are excellent and well-maintained. If you don't have your own vehicle, you can travel to Ayodhya by bus. 

The Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation operates buses from all over UP and nearby cities to Ayodhya. There are different types of buses, ranging from luxury to semi-luxury, and you can choose one based on your comfort needs and budget. 

Ayodhya, popularly referred to as Ram Janmabhoomi or the birthplace of Lord Ram, is a beautiful city that will fascinate you with its colours, culture, festivals, and spiritual vibe. You must visit this stunning city with your family once; it is an experience you will cherish forever!