
Planning a trip to the sacred city of Ayodhya but only have one day? You’ve come to the right place! While exploring everything Ayodhya has to offer could take weeks, a single, well-planned day is enough to experience its spiritual heart. This guide is designed to take you on a whirlwind tour of the most essential and divine places to visit, ensuring you make the most of every moment.
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Top Places to Visit in Ayodhya in One Day
Ayodhya, also known as Saket, is a city of immense spiritual and historical importance, especially revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It sits on the banks of the sacred Saryu River in Uttar Pradesh, India. This city holds a very high position among the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism.
If you have just one day to explore this divine city, here’s a plan to experience its most significant sites:
Morning: Start with Blessings and Divinity In Ayodhya
Your Ayodhya journey traditionally begins by visiting Sri Hanuman Garhi.

- This is a temple located right at the centre of Ayodhya.
- You will need to climb 76 steps to reach it.
- Hanuman, a beloved devotee of Lord Rama, stayed here to guard the birthplace (Janmabhoomi) after Lord Rama returned from exile.
- Inside, you can see a beautiful 6-inch deity of Hanuman Ji sitting on his mother Anjana’s lap.
- The Vijaya Stambha (victory pillar), which Hanuman brought from Lanka, is also here, celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
- The atmosphere is very devotional, and you will often hear chants of “Jai Ram Sri Ram, Jai Jai Ram”.
Next, proceed to the most paramount site, the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi.

- This is the transcendental birthplace of Lord Rama.
- Ancient scriptures like the Skanda Purana confirm this as the palace of Mother Kaushalya, where Lord Rama was born.
- You can have a glimpse of the exquisitely beautiful deities of baby Lord Rama (Sri Rama Lala) & Ram Darbar and his brothers Bharata, Lakshmana, and Satrughna .
- A magnificent new temple is being constructed here. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2020, fulfilling a long-held aspiration of devotees.
Mid-day: Explore Royal Residences In Ayodhya
After the Janmabhoomi, visit Dashrath Mahal.

- This was the royal palace where Maharaja Dasaratha resided and where Lord Rama’s childhood activities took place.
- You can see beautiful deities of Maharaja Dasaratha along with Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Satrughna.
Close by is Kanak Bhawan, meaning “palace of gold”.

- This was a wedding gift from Queen Kaikeyi to Sita.
- Lord Rama and Sita lived here after their marriage.
- The main altar features three sets of gorgeous deities of Lord Rama and Sita, with one set reportedly installed by Lord Krishna himself.
- You can also see the footprints of Lord Rama and Sita on the first floor.
Afternoon: Serenity by the Saryu River Ayodhya
Head towards the Saryu River and Ram ki Paidi.

- The Saryu River is integral to Ayodhya’s spiritual landscape, described as a “golden bracelet of Ayodhya Dhama”.
- It is believed to have been purifying everyone since the Treta Yuga, the age of Lord Rama.
- Ram ki Paidi is a long stretch of ghats (bathing steps) and gardens along the Saryu.
- It’s a popular spot for holy dips, especially during festivals like Rama Navami and Diwali.
- In the evening, a beautiful Arati ceremony takes place on its banks.
Finally, visit Sri Guptar Ghat.

- This sacred ghat is about 10 km from Ayodhya city on the banks of the Saryu River.
- It is the place where Lord Rama, along with his brothers Bharata and Satrughna and the citizens of Ayodhya, took ‘Jal Samadhi’ (entering water to leave the earthly body) to return to his eternal abode.
- The Skanda Purana describes its glories and the legend of Lord Rama’s return to Vaikuntha from here.
- King Darshan Singh renovated the Guptar Ghat in the early 19th century.
Even in one day, these key sites will provide a deep spiritual and historical experience of Ayodhya, the abode of Lord Rama.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the absolute must-visit places in Ayodhya if I only have one day?
A well-planned day trip should focus on the most essential sites. We recommend visiting Sri Hanuman Garhi, the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi (birthplace of Lord Rama), Kanak Bhawan, the serene Ram ki Paidi on the Saryu River, and the historic Guptar Ghat.
Is it difficult to visit the Hanuman Garhi temple?
The main temple is located at the top and requires climbing 76 steps to reach it. It’s the traditional starting point for a tour, as it is believed Hanuman guards the city from this vantage point.
What can I expect to see at the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi site?
This is the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama. You can have a darshan of the beautiful deities of baby Lord Rama (Sri Rama Lala) and his brothers. A magnificent new temple is also under construction on this historic site.
What is the significance of Kanak Bhawan?
Kanak Bhawan, meaning “palace of gold,” was a wedding gift from Queen Kaikeyi to Sita. It is the beautiful palace where Lord Rama and Sita lived after their marriage, and it houses gorgeous deities of the divine couple.
Why is the Saryu River important?
The sacred Saryu River is considered the spiritual lifeline of Ayodhya.