Where to stay in Ayodhya: the short guide
Ayodhya has grown fast since the Ram Mandir opened, and new hotels, homestays and guesthouses keep appearing. Staying near the temple and Ram Path lets you walk for darshan and the evening aarti on the Saryu, which is the easiest way to avoid traffic and parking.
Ayodhya Cantt, the old Faizabad side, has more established hotels and is about 7 to 10 km from the temple. Many registered homestays run by local families are also available across the town.
Planning the trip as well? Read our Ayodhya travel guide for darshan timings, passes, entry rules and an itinerary.
Best areas to stay in Ayodhya
Near Ram Mandir and Ram Path
Walking distance to the temple, Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan. Mostly smaller hotels and guesthouses.
Naya Ghat and Ram ki Paidi
By the Saryu river, close to the ghats and evening aarti.
Near Ayodhya Dham Junction
Convenient for train travellers, a short ride to the temple.
Ayodhya Cantt (Faizabad)
More established hotels and restaurants, about 7 to 10 km from the temple. Quieter on festival days.
Lucknow and Gorakhpur highway
Newer, larger hotels on the highways, best for travellers with a car.
Homestays across Ayodhya
Registered family homestays offer simple, often vegetarian, stays close to the temples.
Hotels near Ayodhya Dham station and the airport
Ayodhya Dham Junction is the main station for the temple town, with direct trains from Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and beyond. Ayodhya Cantt (Faizabad) is the second station, on the Faizabad side.
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport has flights to several major cities. Many visitors also fly into Lucknow, about 135 km away, and continue by road.
Vehicle access close to the temple can be restricted at busy times. Check with your hotel where cars can drop you, and expect to walk the last stretch.
Find the right kind of hotel in Ayodhya
Hotels near Ram Mandir
Small hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the temple. Rooms are limited, so book early.
Hotels near Ayodhya Dham station
Practical stays close to the station, a short e-rickshaw ride from the temple.
Homestays in Ayodhya
Family-run homestays, often vegetarian, across the temple town.
Family hotels in Ayodhya
Larger hotels in Ayodhya Cantt and on the highways, with parking and family rooms.
Budget hotels and dharamshalas in Ayodhya
Simple rooms near the temples and the station, popular with pilgrim groups.
Hotels near Ayodhya airport
Highway hotels on the airport side for early flights.
Hotels for every budget in Ayodhya
Budget hotels, dharamshalas and homestays
Near Ram Path, the station and the ghats. Rooms are simple; check reviews and photos.
Mid-range hotels
Ayodhya Cantt and the newer roads have the widest choice.
Upscale hotels
A growing number of larger hotels on the highways and in Ayodhya Cantt.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
Temples and places to visit in Ayodhya
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir: phones and bags are not allowed inside; use the official locker facility.
- Hanuman Garhi: the hilltop Hanuman temple, traditionally visited before Ram Mandir.
- Kanak Bhawan: the temple dedicated to Sita and Ram, known for its gold-crowned idols.
- Saryu aarti at Ram ki Paidi and Naya Ghat: the evening aarti and lamps on the river.
- Dashrath Mahal: the palace temple in the old town.
- Guptar Ghat: a quieter ghat on the Saryu, good for a peaceful evening.
- Deepotsav: the night before Diwali, when the ghats are lit with lakhs of lamps.
When to visit Ayodhya
| October to March | Pleasant weather and the main pilgrimage season. Deepotsav before Diwali brings the largest crowds. |
|---|---|
| April to June | Hot days. Visit the temples early morning and late evening. |
| July to September | Monsoon showers. Ram Navami falls in spring and also brings very large crowds. |
Good to know before you book
- Book well ahead for Deepotsav, Ram Navami, New Year and long weekends.
- Phones are not allowed inside Ram Mandir, so plan meeting points with your group.
- Many hotels near the temple are small; check room photos and recent reviews.
- Ask your hotel how close cars can get, especially on festival days.
See live prices for Ayodhya
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in AyodhyaFrequently asked questions
Which is the best area to stay in Ayodhya?
Near Ram Mandir and Ram Path to walk to the temples, or Ayodhya Cantt (Faizabad) for more established hotels and quieter nights.
Are there hotels near Ram Mandir?
Yes, there are smaller hotels, guesthouses and homestays within walking distance. Book early, as they fill fast.
How far is Ayodhya from Lucknow airport?
About 135 km, usually around 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
Are homestays available in Ayodhya?
Yes, many registered family homestays operate across the temple town.
How many days are enough in Ayodhya?
One night covers Ram Mandir and the main temples; two nights allow a relaxed visit and the evening aarti.
When is Ayodhya most crowded?
During Deepotsav before Diwali, Ram Navami, New Year and long weekends.