Introduction
For families in Saurashtra, a trip to Ayodhya is more than just a holiday. Instead, it is a long-awaited promise, a dream cherished by parents, or a deep emotional connection to the birthplace of Lord Ram. Since the grand Ram Mandir opened its doors, the number of pilgrims travelling from Gujarat has steadily increased. As a result, Rajkot has also become an important starting point for devotees planning this spiritual journey.
The good news is that travelling from Rajkot to Ayodhya has become much easier than before. For example, Ayodhya now has its own airport, while a direct weekly train connects Rajkot with Ayodhya. Additionally, well-maintained highways connect Gujarat with Uttar Pradesh, making road travel another option. However, the journey still covers more than a thousand kilometres. Therefore, proper planning can help you enjoy a comfortable, safe, and peaceful pilgrimage.
You will learn how far Ayodhya is from Rajkot, the ways to reach it, the best time of year to go to the temples you must not miss and a simple itinerary that works for families and senior citizens alike. Whether you are travelling alone with friends or with three generations of your family, choosing suitable Family Tour Packages can make your journey more comfortable and easier to manage..
Why Ayodhya Holds a Special Place in Every Devotee's Heart
Ayodhya remains peacefully resting on the banks of River Saryu in the state of Uttar Pradesh. As per legend, this was the place that was home to the Kingdom of Kosala and the birthplace, growing place, and reign of Lord Ram – the perfect king as per Ramayana. Each and every alley of this city tells an epic tale to crores of Hindus.
Ayodhya now ranks amongst some of the most revered pilgrim centers in India along with places like Varanasi, Mathura, and Haridwar. The opening of the new temple in January 2024 has also made a big contribution towards promoting religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh. Wider roads, restoration of ghats, and construction of hotels and dharamshalas have prepared the ground for receiving tourists from all over the nation.
Despite all the changes around, this city still retains its soul. Bells and bhajans start the day early morning, sadhus are seen sitting near the riverbanks, and evening aarti at the ghats keeps their faith alive. It is this perfect blend of both the old and new that makes Ayodhya a fascinating destination to visit.
Rajkot to Ayodhya Distance and How to Reach
The approximate distance between Rajkot to Ayodhya is 1,440 km via roadways and above 1,250 km through aerial routes. By railways, the distance is approximately 1,650 km due to the course the tracks run through. There are three ways you can choose from to make this trip, namely: train, flight or roadways.
By Train
Traveling by train is the most economical option and also comfortable if you book early enough. The Okha-Guwahati Express (15635) is a weekly train that starts from Rajkot and takes around 30 to 31 hours to reach Ayodhya Cantt (previously Faizabad). This weekly train leaves Rajkot on Fridays at present, but rail timings vary. Hence, always make sure you check out the latest time on the IRCTC website or app.
If you don’t prefer the weekly train schedule, then you can consider taking a train to either Ahmedabad or Delhi from Rajkot and further catch any of the available trains to Ayodhya Dham Junction or Lucknow. You can reach Ayodhya Dham Junction, which is nearer to the Ram Mandir temple, or Ayodhya Cantt, which is about 7-8 kilometers away. There will be auto rickshaws and taxis waiting for passengers outside both stations.
Tip: Book your tickets as soon as the reservation window opens, which is usually 60 days, in advance. Seats fill up fast during festivals and school holidays.
By Air
In case of lack of time or if you are travelling along with your parents, flight is the most convenient choice for you. At present, there is no regular flight to Ayodhya from Rajkot International Airport, Hirasar; however, there are flights with one stopover in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad or any other hub city. The total time of journey would be four to six hours depending on the stopover.
Flights land in Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham that is not very far from the main temples. Another alternative is that you may take a flight to Lucknow and then cover a distance of two and a half to three hours by road to reach Ayodhya. Lucknow is a better choice for you in terms of number of flight options in case of expensive air tickets to Ayodhya.
By Road
A road trip is ideal for those who like traveling by road or wish to explore other places en route. The travel will take around 20 to 22 hours of actual traveling time, so almost all the travelers will divide their trip into two days with a stopover for one night. Travelers pass through the cities of Ahmedabad, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and finally reach Ayodhya through Lucknow.
There are sleeper buses available that ply from Gujarat to Ayodhya but they are tiring for such long distances. If a road trip is planned, hiring a professional driver through a reliable Cabs & Transport Service can make the long journey more comfortable, especially when travelling with family or senior citizens.
Which Option Suits You Best?
Tight budget: Train would be a good choice and you should make the booking early.
Senior citizens or short leave: Flying with one stop is most comfortable.
Group of friends or large family: Road travel via tempo traveller is fun and convenient.
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya Ram Mandir
The best time to visit Ayodhya Ram Mandir is between October and March. The weather in these months is pleasant during the day and cool in the evenings, which makes walking between temples much easier. December and January can get quite cold and foggy, so pack warm clothes and keep some buffer time in case trains or flights are delayed.
The months of April to June are very hot with afternoons touching 40°C. Hence if visiting during summer months then plan your darshan early mornings and late evenings. Monsoon period, that is from July to September, sees rainfall and is humid. Though the entire town becomes lush green and Sawan Jhula Mela makes your trip exciting.
There are few days when large number of people visit the place and offer a unique experience:
Ram Navami (March–April): Commemorates the birthday of Lord Ram. The whole town becomes festive.
Deepotsav (the day before Diwali): Thousands of diya light up the ghats of River Saryu and this sight can never be forgotten by anyone.
Kartik Purnima and the Parikrama: Devotees walk the traditional circuits around the town and take a holy dip in the river.
In case you want some darshan peace, stay away from the above times as well as the weekends. Weekdays are usually less busy, with Tuesdays through Thursdays being the best.
Timing note: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust modifies the darshan and aarti timing during summer and winter periods. There was a new winter time schedule effective from 1 November 2026 onwards.
Best Places to Visit in Ayodhya
Being a small town, most of the significant temples are situated within a few kilometres from one another. You can also arrange convenient local Sightseeing and Excursion Services to explore the important attractions.
Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is the focal point of any Ayodhya pilgrimage trip. Built in the traditional Nagara architectural style using pink sandstone, the temple showcases beautiful carvings of gods, goddesses, and important events from the Ramayana. Moreover, this magnificent three-storeyed temple houses the idol of Ram Lalla, depicting Lord Ram as a five-year-old child, which was installed on 22 January 2024.
The good news is that free darshan is available for all visitors. However, mobile phones, cameras, luggage, and leather products are not allowed inside the temple premises. Therefore, visitors can use the free locker facilities available near the entry point. Additionally, every devotee must pass through a security check before entering. Since the darshan process involves considerable walking, wear comfortable footwear that is easy to remove. Finally, arrive early to enjoy a more peaceful darshan experience.
Hanuman Garhi Ayodhya
Tradition says that devotees should visit Hanuman ji before going for Ram Lalla's darshan and that is why Hanuman Garhi Ayodhya is usually the stop. The temple sits on a hill and can be reached by climbing around 76 steps. Inside you will find an idol of Hanuman ji as a child sitting on the lap of Mata Anjani. I feel a breeze as I approach the steps.
The temple is crowded all throughout the day, particularly on Tuesday and Saturday. Offering laddoos in this temple is a common practice, and many shops can be found in the vicinity offering laddoos.
Kanak Bhawan
Kanak Bhawan is the most beautiful temple in the town. People believe that Mata Kaikeyi offered this palace to Sita ji after her marriage to Lord Ram. There are idols of Ram and Sita wearing golden crowns and bhajans are played all throughout the day in the courtyard. This is one of the most peaceful spots after visiting the main temple.
Dashrath Mahal
Dashrath Mahal is known to be the palace of King Dashrath, Lord Ram's father. The brightly coloured entryway and classic charm make this place very popular with families. There are regular kirtan and bhajan sessions here, and there is a festive atmosphere during any festival.
Ram Ki Paidi and the Saryu Ghats
Ram Ki Paidi is a ghat complex built along the banks of Saryu River, and this is where the Deepotsav festivities take place. During the evenings, the steps are all lit up, and people sit by the river. It makes for a nice conclusion of the day with the Saryu aarti. A holy dip in the river is also an experience that cannot be missed.
Nageshwarnath Temple
The Shiva temple located near Ram Ki Paidi is said to have been set up by Kush, son of Lord Ram. There is a huge gathering of devotees during the festival of Mahashivratri and Shravan.
Treta Ke Thakur
The Treta Ke Thakur Temple is believed to be the spot where Lord Ram had done his Ashwamedha Yagna. The temple has idols that are claimed to be crafted from a single piece of black stone and is open to visitors only on certain special days in a year. If you happen to visit Ayodhya on any of these days, don’t miss out.
Guptar Ghat
Situated at a drive-away distance from the town center, Guptar Ghat is associated with the belief that Lord Ram took the Jal Samadhi at this place. Unlike Ram Ki Paidi Ghat, Guptar Ghat is comparatively less crowded and charming in the evening.
Other Ayodhya Tourist Attractions
Apart from these main temples, there are some other Ayodhya tourist places that you can visit during your stay. Tulsi Smarak Bhawan is dedicated to poet-saint Tulsidas, who had composed his great epic Ramcharitmanas starting from Ayodhya, and Ram Katha recital also takes place here. Sita Ki Rasoi is a tiny shrine believed to be the kitchen of Sita ji. These are the main Ayodhya religious sites that pilgrims visit in two or three days time.
Planning Your Rajkot to Ayodhya Trip: A Simple 3-Day Itinerary
A 3-day visit to Ayodhya is sufficient enough to explore all the prominent temples here without being in a hurry. Below is a basic itinerary for your reference that will suit you well in case of any Ayodhya temple tour that you are planning with your grandparents.
Day 1: Arrival and Evening Aarti
Arrive in Ayodhya and check into your hotel. Rest for a few hours after the long journey. In the evening go to Ram Ki Paidi to watch the Saryu aarti and walk along the ghats. Eat dinner and sleep well because the next day will be busy.
Day 2: Ram Lalla Darshan
Visit Hanuman Garhi first thing in the morning and then proceed towards Ram Janmabhoomi Temple for darshan. Leave some time in the morning in order to queue up for security checks, if necessary. Then take a rest after having lunch and visit Kanak Bhawan and Dashrath Mahal in the afternoon.
Day 3: Local Temples and Ghats
Spend the final day sightseeing in Ayodhya in a leisurely fashion at Nageshwarnath Temple, Sita Ki Rasoi, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, and Guptar Ghat. Buy prasad and local souvenirs while at it.
Places to Visit in Ayodhya with Family
When travelling with kids or grandparents, choosing suitable Family Tour Packages can help make the journey more comfortable with suitable accommodation, transportation, and a relaxed sightseeing schedule. Saryu Ghats is one such place where they enjoy the space as well as the lighting in the evening. For walking around easily and never feeling overpowered, Dashrath Mahal and Kanak Bhawan are two such places. Most of the temples in Ayodhya have either ramp or e-rickshaw facilities nearby, which make things convenient for the elders.
Also, with some extra time at hand, you could plan a one-day trip to Prayagraj or Varanasi, both of which are a few hours away by road and go well with Ayodhya.
Choosing an Ayodhya Tour Package
For most families from Rajkot making a trip to Ayodhya, choosing Customized Travel Experiences can reduce the pressure of planning the journey and help organize accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing according to their needs. An ideal package will cover travel tickets, accommodation, local transport, and a tour guide familiar with the workings of the temple. It will be especially beneficial for first-time visitors and senior citizens who don't want to deal with logistical problems.
Before you book, check a few things:
What is included: Confirm whether travel tickets, meals, and local sightseeing are part of the price.
Hotel location: A stay close to the temple area saves a lot of time and walking.
Group size: Smaller groups move faster and offer more flexibility.
Reviews and track record: Ensure that the packages are genuine with positive reviews of previous customers.
Add-ons: Some packages even include Ayodhya along with visits to Varanasi and Prayagraj if you have enough days to spend in India.
If you are going solo to Ayodhya, it is quite easy to travel alone as well. You can find hotels/dharamshalas/homestays as per your budget and travel on e-rickshaw from one temple to another.
Rajkot to Ayodhya Travel Tips for a Smooth Darshan
With some basic things in mind, you can make your travel to the city of Ayodhya easy and comfortable:
Take a valid photo identification for each traveler.
Keep your mobiles and other bags either in your hotel room or in the lockers provided at the Ram Mandir as they are strictly prohibited inside the temple.
Be dressed in modest and comfortable clothes. You can wear traditional attire too. Also, prefer wearing slipper shoes that save you time.
Leave early. Morning time is cooler and there will be fewer people in the line.
Hydrate yourself. Take some drinking water and snacks with you.
Prepare your meal plan before visiting the city. There are lots of pure vegetarian restaurants in Ayodhya. Some of them serve thalis like in Gujarat.
Seek help if elders have any difficulty in moving. There are wheelchairs available in the main temple..
Conclusion
A journey from Rajkot to Ayodhya takes time; however, every kilometer becomes worthwhile once you stand in front of Ram Lalla. Since a weekly direct train, one-stop flights, and good highways have made the process of traveling to this sacred city easier than ever before, it only depends on you to decide which mode of transportation you want to opt for and which period you will prefer to make this pilgrimage during, which should be from October to March. You should allocate at least three days to spend here in peace.
Whether it is the magnificent Ram Mandir or the steps of Hanuman Garhi, you can take part in any activity that attracts you in this sacred place. Jai Shri Ram!
FAQs
1. How far is Ayodhya from Rajkot?
Ayodhya is about 1,440 km from Rajkot by road and roughly 1,250 km by air.
2. Is there a direct train from Rajkot to Ayodhya?
Yes, the weekly Okha–Guwahati Express (15635) runs from Rajkot to Ayodhya Cantt and takes about 30–31 hours. Check IRCTC for the current schedule.
3. How many days are enough for an Ayodhya trip?
Two to three days are enough to cover the Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and the Saryu ghats comfortably.
4. Is there any fee for darshan at the Ram Mandir?
No, general darshan at the Ram Mandir is free for all devotees.
5. Which is the nearest airport to Ayodhya?
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham, is the nearest airport, with Lucknow airport as a good alternative.
