Ayodhya Tourism and Travel Guide
Ayodhya is the ancient city of India, revered as the birth-place of Lord Ram.
History of Ayodhya -
Ayodhya, mentioned in the Indian epic Ramayana is revered from ancient times as the birthplace of Lord Rama, ruled by King Dasarath his father. Ayodhya in modern times has brought in a political, historical and socio-religious imbroglio for India.
The Ayodhya dispute involves a controversial land plot in Ayodhya city. It is the site of demolished Babri Masjid, some Hindus consider it to be the birth spot of Lord Rama and the site of an ancient Hindu temple which was modified or demolished to build Babri Masjid. They strive to get access to it for the purpose of building a temple of Lord Rama. The site is presently sub-judice.
Location of Ayodhya -
Ayodhya is a North Indian town in the state of south-central Uttar Pradesh. It has 101 meters above sea level elevation and at latitude 26.80 degrees, longitude 82.20 degrees. Awadhi or Oudh are the other two names of it. It is just east of Faizabad and situated on the bank of river Ghaghara. It follows same time zone as Kanpur i.e. operates on BURT time zone.
Fairs and Festivals in Ayodhya -
The year-round Ayodhya remains engrossed in different festivals & fairs. Shravan Jhula, Parikrama Mela, Ramnavami, Jan., snan, Bharat Kund Mela, Guptar Ghat Mela,, Balark Tirth Mela (Bharat Kund), Suker Skshetra Mela, Makhaura Mela etc. are some to be mentioned specially.
Special Local Ram Festival in Ayodhya -
In the month of April is held the fair called ‘Ram Navmi Mela’ on the occasion of the birthday celebration of Lord Ram.
Culture of Ayodhya -
Hinduism is the dominant religion in this town. But Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam also have followers in Ayodhya. The languages spoken are Hindi, English and the local Avadhi.
Did You Know -
There are prohibitions on alcohol and non- vegetarian food in Ayodhya.
Cuisines of Ayodhya -
Food options are a bit limited here as vegetarian food is only available. There is a lack of fancy eateries or restaurants in Ayodhya. A few local eateries and Dhabas provide basically North Indian, Punjabi cuisines. The town is known for various Chaats like Papri Chaat, Aloo Tikki, Pani Puri, Kachori, Samosa and others.
Tourist Attractions in Ayodhya-
Hindus consider Ayodhya to be an important pilgrimage. Other than in Ramayana, Ayodhya gets mentioned in Brahmanada Purana, Garuda Purana etc. Tourism evolves around these. Some places to visit here are Hanuman Garhi Fort, Chakravarti Maharaj Dashrath, Ramkot, Nageshwarnath Temple, Angad Tila, Darbarji Durgakali temple, Kalhareshwar Mahadev Temple, Rishabhadeo Jain Temple, Gurudwara Brahma Kund, and many others.
How to Reach -
Trains and buses are regularly available to Ayodhya from all over the country. Ayodhya lacks an airport. Lucknow airport is the nearest airport to it.
Best Time To Visit-
Winters are cold and summers hot in Ayodhya. Temperatures hover between 28 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius. So the best time to visit is September to March.
