Ayodhya is located on the banks of river Sarayu in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the seven holy cities for Hindus and also the birthplace of four of Jainism's 24 Tirthankaras (religious teachers).
Ayodhya has many temples, monuments, and ghats that reflect its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Some of the top places to visit in Ayodhya are:
Ram Janmabhoomi
This is the most revered site in Ayodhya, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A grand temple is being constructed here.
Hanuman Garhi
This is a 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the loyal devotee of Lord Rama. It is located on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the city. It is customary to visit this temple before visiting the Ram Temple
Kanak Bhawan
This is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, his wife. It is also known as Sone-ka-Ghar (House of Gold), as it is adorned with gold ornaments and statues. It is said that this temple was gifted to Sita by her mother-in-law, Queen Kaushalya.
Shree Nageshwarnath Temple
This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil. It is believed to have been established by Kush, the son of Lord Rama. It is one of the oldest surviving temples in Ayodhya and attracts many devotees during the festival of Shivaratri.
Gulab Bari
This is a mausoleum of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, the third Nawab of Awadh. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden of roses, hence the name Gulab Bari (Rose Garden). It is an example of the Mughal architecture and has a dome and minarets⁵.
Treta Ke Thakur
This is a temple that marks the spot where Lord Rama performed the Ashvamedha Yajna, a horse sacrifice ritual, after his return from exile. The temple has idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman, which are said to be carved out of a single piece of black sandstone.
These are some of the best tourist things to do in Ayodhya. You can also explore other attractions such as Ayodhya Hills, Sita Kund, Marble Lake, Bamni Falls, Turga Dam, Khairabera Dam, Charida Village, and Lahoria Shiva Temple.
I hope this helps you plan your Ayodhya tour. Have a wonderful time! 🙏.
