Apart from being one of the most sacred places in India, Ayodhya is also a major tourist attraction. Known to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, this ancient city is one of the most visited pilgrim spots in India.
Situated in Uttar Pradesh, along the banks of the river Sarayu, Ayodhya is also considered to be the place where Lord Ram led most of his life. Every year, people from all over the country visit Ayodhya as it is home to some of the most amazing temples and beautiful ghats.
So, here are some of the most famous and popular places to visit in Ayodhya.
Ram Janmabhoomi
The construction for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya recently began with a grand ceremony. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Ram was born and is therefore considered to be one of the most holy places.
While the construction may take a few years to complete, many people still visit this temple to pay their respects to Lord Ram. So, the Ram Mandir is one of the most religious and holy places to see in Ayodhya.
Hanuman Garhi
When people talk of Lord Ram, they always talk about the devotion and love that Lord Hanuman had towards him. So, it comes as no surprise that a temple of Hanuman is present at the birthplace of Lord Ram.
The Hanuman Garhi, dedicated to Lord hanuman, is one of the most famous temples in India. Built by the Nawab of Awadh, one has to climb around 75 steps in order to reach the temple.
Also, it is believed that one must visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The temple is considered to be very important and has a unique architecture as well.
Speaking of architecture, one of the most beautiful places to see in Ayodhya is…
Kanak Bhavan
Your Ayodhya trip might feel a little incomplete if you are not able to visit the Kanak Bhavan. This temple holds a very important place in Hindu religion as it is dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita.
Also known as Sone ka Ghar or House of Gold, you will find various idols of Lord Ram and Sita decorated with gold crowns and other gold jewellery. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Ayodhya.
Moti Mahal
Another great example of unique architecture in Ayodhya is the Moti Mahal. Constructed in 1743 AD, this palace was known to be the residence of the wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-daula.
The palace is located in Faizabad, just a few kilometers away from Ayodhya. Moti Mahal is visited by thousands of tourists every year and has become a special part of a tourist’s Ayodhya tour.
Sita ki Rasoi
Widely believed to have been used by Goddess Sita herself, Sita ki Rasoi is an ancient royal kitchen. Located near Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred place is now one of the most important places to visit in Ayodhya.
The temple contains a model version of the ancient kitchen and includes various kitchen utensils used in Sita ki Rasoi. As Goddess Sita is also known as Goddess Annapurna or the Goddess of Food, this temple holds a very special place among Hindu tradition.
Mani Parbat
Most of us have heard about the story of how Lord Hanuman uprooted an entire mountain when searching for the Sanjeevani Booti. It is believed that when he was taking it back for Lakshman, a part of that mountain fell down and is now known as the Mani Parbat.
This tiny hillock has a height of around 65 ft and is considered to be one of the best places to see in Ayodhya. It is a sacred spot as it houses a stupa built by Emperor Ashoka and a Buddhist monastery as well.
Nageshwarnath Temple
Built by Kush, the son of Lord Ram, the Nageshwarnath temple is visited by devotees during Shivratri. It is an ideal Ayodhya tourist place as devotees of Lord Shiva also visit this temple every year.
The story goes that Kush was once bathing in the river Sarayu when he lost his armlet. This armlet was later found by a Nag-Kanya who fell in love with Kush. So, Kush built the Nageshwarnath temple in order to acknowledge her love and devotion.
Tulsi Udyan
Located on the national highway of Faizabad, the Tulsi Udyan is a very famous and beautiful garden. One of the best places to visit in Ayodhya, the Tulsi Udyan is ideal for children and senior citizens as well.
It has a calm and serene ambience which helps a person relax and have a peaceful time. Tourists often take a walk in Tulsi Udyan as it has become an integral part of sightseeing in Ayodhya.
Guptar Ghat
Situated on the banks of the river Sarayu, the Guptar Ghar is believed to be the spot where Lord Ram would meditate. It is also believed that he took Jal Samadhi in the water of this river.
Many devotees regularly visit the Guptar Ghat as a part of their Ayodhya trip and pilgrimage. It also has a temple dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita along with the Chakrahari shrine.
Gulab Bari
Known as the Garden of Roses, Gulab Bari is listed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. Located around 4 km from the centre of the city, Gulab Bari is the tomb of the third Nawab of Awadh, Nawab Shuja-ud-daula.
It has been preserved as part of India’s national heritage and is also one of the most popular places to see in Ayodhya. It was built in the 18th century and includes a wide variety of roses along with beautiful fountains and total greenery.
So, these were some of the most popular and famous places to visit in Ayodhya. Although it is considered to be a very holy and sacred place among Hindus, but people from all over the world visit Ayodhya for its historical significance and amazing architecture as well.
