Visiting Ram Mandir in Ayodhya would seldom end up being confined to the temple alone.

Post your visit to the temple and darshans, there is a possibility that you would like to see Ayodhya a little bit further. Ayodhya offers ancient temples, serene ghats, Ramayana-related sites and several places from where you can just sit by the river Sarayu and soak in the ambiance.

Fortunately for you, most of these sites can be visited on a single Ayodhya trip without requiring a detailed itinerary for visiting the religious sites of Ayodhya. 

For planning your tour, Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan has made a list of some of the key sites which one can visit around Ram Mandir and some other useful tips.

Ram Mandir Is Only the Beginning

The newly built Ram Mandir has emerged as the pilgrimage site in Ayodhya, attracting tourists from various regions of India.

However, Ayodhya is a very ancient town and holds many other religious significance.

Ayodhya is a town that has its connection with Lord Rama and its ghats and temples have a great relation with the Ramayana.

Therefore, instead of going to Ram Mandir and then departing from it, you should keep a little more time to explore the other places around it.

Here are some places that you must see in your visit to Ayodhya.

1. Hanuman Garhi

If you are visiting Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi is one place that you may want to include in your list.

This is because Hanuman Garhi is a temple which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is one of the famous religious places in Ayodhya. This temple can be accessed via the stairs and the surroundings of this shrine are very active.

Visiting Hanuman Garhi while visiting Ram Mandir is considered to be a normal thing for many pilgrims.

Why visit Hanuman Garhi?

• Dedicated to Lord Hanuman

• One of Ayodhya's important temples

• Strong connection with the city's Ramayana tradition

• Can be included easily in a Ram Mandir sightseeing plan

If you're travelling with elderly family members, keep the steps in mind while planning your visit.

2. Kanak Bhawan

Kanak Bhawan, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita, is located close to the pilgrim location.

This temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture and decoration of interiors of the temple. It provides a more tranquil environment as compared to some of the other pilgrim locations.

Kanak Bhawan is quite an intriguing destination for pilgrims who would like to witness another significant temple dedicated to the traditions of Lord Rama.

The legendary connection of this temple with Sita and Queen Kaikeyi is what makes it so religiously relevant.

3. Dashrath Mahal

In itself the name suggests the connection between the Ramayana.

According to the belief, Dashrath Mahal is the residence of King Dashrath who was the father of Lord Rama.

Decorations at the entrance gate of this temple make it the favorite destination for pilgrims visiting the old temples of Ayodhya.

If you wish to learn about the legendry family of Lord Rama and ancient history of Ayodhya, then this place is worth visiting.

4. Ram Ki Paidi

Many people regard Ram Ki Paidi as among the best spots in Ayodhya that people visit.

These steps located on the banks of the river Saryu provide a peaceful place where people can take a rest and walk through.

This place looks really beautiful during the evenings when the ghats are decorated by lights and religious practices.

People should allocate some time after visiting the temples to stay in this place.

Best experience

It will be a good idea to visit the place in the evening and to stay at the ghats. It will be especially interesting during the practice of Saryu Aarti.

5. Nageshwarnath Temple

Ayodhya is not only a pilgrimage destination for followers of Lord Rama. There are a number of Shiva temples located in Ayodhya.

One of such renowned temples is the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya.

It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is related to the son of Lord Rama, Kusha. As far as Shiva temples or other holy destinations in Ayodhya are concerned, then it must be visited by you.

In addition, its geographical location will give you an opportunity to visit some other places too.

6. Treta Ke Thakur

Another famous religious place that has some connection with Lord Rama is Treta Ke Thakur.

This temple has been traditionally linked to the times of the return journey of Lord Rama from his exile and his Ashwamedha Yajna.

This place will be particularly fascinating for people who wish to see more places than the famous Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

If you like visiting old temples and learning about the tales associated with them, this place should definitely not be missed out.

7. Guptar Ghat

For those looking for a quieter spot than the most hectic parts of the temples, one must go to Guptar Ghat.

This is a ghat that is located on the banks of the Saryu River and is considered an essential site from the religious history of Ayodhya. It is believed to have some association with Lord Rama leaving behind his human life.

The proximity of the river makes it a nice location to spend some peaceful time.

It is relatively less hectic than other pilgrim sites and can be enjoyable when one chooses to visit it during a less crowded time.

When should one visit?

One may enjoy visiting it in winters when the weather is cool; however, one can visit Ayodhya all year long.

8. Mani Parvat

Mani Parvat is another interesting point of interest for tourists who like visiting religious places in Ayodhya.

This place is situated on a small hill and is famous for legends related to Ramayana. As per the legends associated with this place, this is a place which is somehow related to the mountain of Sanjeevani brought by Lord Hanuman.

One can see the area around from an elevated position at this place.

So if you have already visited all major temples of Ayodhya and are looking for some other sightseeing, you may consider visiting this place.

9. Tulsi Smarak Bhavan

The Tulsi Smarak Bhavan is a place for literature enthusiasts as well as people interested in religion that is not like the temples or ghats in the city.

It is linked to Goswami Tulsidas who is said to be the author of the Ramcharitmanas.

This place is linked with cultural and literary activities pertaining to Tulsidas and Ramayana.

There can be devotional and cultural activities going on at the place according to the time of your visit.

How to Plan Ram Mandir and Ayodhya Sightseeing

You don't need to visit every place in a single day.

In fact, trying to do that can make the trip unnecessarily tiring.

A more comfortable plan is to group nearby attractions together.

If you have only a few hours

Prioritise:

Ram Mandir → Hanuman Garhi → Kanak Bhawan → Dashrath Mahal

These give you a good introduction to Ayodhya's main religious attractions.

If you have one full day

You can add:

Ram Ki Paidi → Nageshwarnath Temple → Treta Ke Thakur

Try to keep the evening for the Saryu riverside.

If you have more time

Add:

Guptar Ghat → Mani Parvat → Tulsi Smarak Bhavan

This gives you a broader view of Ayodhya beyond the main temple area.

Ram Mandir to Nearby Places: What Should You Know?

One of the frequently asked questions by travelers is whether these locations can be realistically covered within the same trip.

The response to this is typically yes, although the time spent in travel actually depends on traffic, crowds, road conditions, and time of the day.

Even short distances could become long during festivals or the pilgrimage seasons.

Therefore, instead of scheduling minute by minute in your day, plan accordingly for the visits to temples.

Best Time to Visit Places Near Ram Mandir

Ayodhya remains a pilgrimage destination throughout the year, but your experience can vary depending on the season and religious calendar.

October to March

The cooler weather can make temple visits and outdoor sightseeing more comfortable.

This is particularly helpful if you plan to spend time around the ghats.

Festival Periods

Ram Navami, Diwali and other important religious occasions can bring a very different atmosphere to Ayodhya.

The city can become much busier during these periods, so accommodation and transport should ideally be planned ahead.

Summer

Daytime temperatures can be uncomfortable, especially if you plan to walk between several places.

If travelling during warmer months, keep temple visits and outdoor sightseeing around the cooler parts of the day where possible.

Where Should You Stay in Ayodhya?

If your main purpose is Ram Mandir darshan, choosing accommodation based on location can save you a considerable amount of time.

You can look for hotels, dharamshalas and guest houses around areas that provide convenient access to the main pilgrimage attractions.

Before booking, check:

• Distance from Ram Mandir

• Distance from other places on your itinerary

• Room facilities

• Parking availability

• Check-in and check-out timings

• Cancellation policy

• Current availability

If you're travelling with parents, children or a large family, convenience is usually more important than simply choosing the cheapest room.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind During Your Ayodhya Visit

Start early.
Popular religious places can become busy, particularly on weekends and festival days.

Wear comfortable footwear.
You may walk considerably more than expected.

Carry water.
Temple and sightseeing visits can take several hours.

Respect temple rules.
Different temples may have their own guidelines regarding photography, clothing and entry.

Keep your itinerary flexible.
Crowds and traffic can change your travel time.

Don't rush the ghats.
The Saryu riverside is one of the experiences that makes an Ayodhya visit different from a simple temple tour.

Can You Cover These Places in One Day?

Yes, of course, you will be able to visit several important landmarks in one day if you begin your day early and plan your journey efficiently.

But it is likely that attempting to see all those sites in one day will exhaust you.

For an easier visit, two days in Ayodhya would suffice to allow you sufficient time to visit Ram Mandir and other temples along with Saryu River.

This is a pilgrimage and no marathon, after all!

Why Ayodhya Is More Than Ram Mandir

However, while Ram Mandir may represent the crown jewel of Ayodhya’s pilgrimage, it has taken many centuries for the city’s spiritual image to evolve.

Hanuman Garhi is the tale of devotion to Hanuman.

 Kanak Bhawan is where Rama and Sita come to prominence.

 Nageshwarnath represents Ayodhya’s connection to Shiva.

 Ram Ki Paidi and Saryu River make the pilgrimage site connected to the river.

 Guptar Ghat is the place that gives another face of Ayodhya.

 Tulsi Smarak Bhavan and other places bring literary and spiritual tradition of India to Ayodhya.

This is why you should consider all the places of interest during your trip to Ayodhya.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit near Ram Mandir Ayodhya?

Some of the most popular places include Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal, Ram Ki Paidi, Nageshwarnath Temple, Treta Ke Thakur, Guptar Ghat, Mani Parvat and Tulsi Smarak Bhavan.

How far is Hanuman Garhi from Ram Mandir?

Hanuman Garhi is relatively close to the main Ram Mandir area and can be included in the same sightseeing plan. Travel time can vary depending on crowds and local traffic.

What is special about Kanak Bhawan?

Kanak Bhawan is an important temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. It is known for its traditional religious significance, colourful architecture and beautifully decorated idols.

Is Ram Ki Paidi worth visiting?

Yes. Ram Ki Paidi is located along the Saryu River and is especially worth visiting in the evening when the riverside atmosphere becomes particularly vibrant.

What is special about Guptar Ghat?

Guptar Ghat is associated with traditional accounts of Lord Rama's departure from his earthly life. It is also a peaceful riverside location for visitors looking for a quieter part of Ayodhya.

How many days are enough for Ayodhya?

One day can cover several major attractions, but two days is more comfortable if you want to visit Ram Mandir along with other temples, ghats and historical places without rushing.

What is the best time to visit Ayodhya?

The cooler months, particularly October to March, are generally comfortable for sightseeing. Festival periods can offer a special experience but may also bring larger crowds.

Can I visit Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi on the same day?

Yes. Both can be included in the same Ayodhya pilgrimage itinerary. Leave enough time for temple visits, local travel and possible crowds.

Explore Ayodhya Beyond Ram Mandir

A visit to Ram Mandir can be the starting point of your Ayodhya journey rather than the end of it.

Take some time to explore the city's temples, walk along the Saryu, experience the evening atmosphere at the ghats and discover the places that have kept Ayodhya's religious traditions alive for generations.

With a little planning, you can turn a short temple visit into a much more meaningful Ayodhya pilgrimage and sightseeing experience.

Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan brings you practical guides to India's important religious destinations so that you can plan your journey with better information and fewer last-minute hassles.