Beyond Ram Mandir — 7 Sacred Sites You Must Visit in Ayodhya
Ayodhya is one of the Sapta Puri — the seven sacred cities of Hindu dharma, said to grant moksha (liberation) to those who die within its boundaries. While the grand Ram Mandir is undeniably the crown jewel of devotion, the ancient city holds dozens more places of deep spiritual significance, each connected to a specific episode in the Ramayana.
Many pilgrims make the mistake of visiting only Ram Mandir and leaving the same day. That is a profound loss — because Ayodhya’s true spiritual depth reveals itself only when you walk its older streets, bathe in its river, and sit quietly in its ancient temples. Here are the seven most important sacred sites every pilgrim should include in their itinerary, with timings and how to reach each.
1. Hanuman Garhi
No visit to Ayodhya is complete without stopping at Hanuman Garhi — the great fortress-temple dedicated to Sankat Mochan Hanuman, perched on a hillock with 76 steps leading up to the sanctum. This 10th-century temple is believed to be the place where Hanumanji kept vigilant watch over Ayodhya after Lord Ram’s return.
The main deity is a golden idol of Mata Anjani holding baby Hanuman in her lap. Most pilgrims visit here before Ram Mandir, seeking Hanumanji’s blessings to facilitate a smooth darshan of Ram Lalla — a tradition rooted in the belief that Hanuman is the gatekeeper to Ram.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (summer timings shift slightly later) Distance from Ram Mandir: ~1 km Read more: Our complete Hanuman Garhi Temple guide
2. Kanak Bhawan
One of the most beloved temples in Ayodhya, Kanak Bhawan houses stunning golden-crowned (kanak means gold) idols of Sita-Ram. According to tradition, this palace was gifted to Mata Sita by her mother-in-law Kaikeyi as a personal space for the divine couple shortly after their marriage.
The inner sanctum is beautifully decorated with silver doors and intricate artwork, and the atmosphere is profoundly devotional. Of all the temples in Ayodhya, this is the one devotees describe as feeling most like a homecoming.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM Distance from Ram Mandir: ~750 m (an easy walk)
3. Saryu Ghat (Ram Ki Paidi)
The Saryu River is the life-breath of Ayodhya. According to the Ramcharitmanas, it is the river Lord Ram revered and on whose banks he performed his morning rituals. An evening aarti at the ghats — particularly at Ram Ki Paidi — is among the most breathtaking spectacles in all of India.
The sight of hundreds of lamps floating on the sacred river at dusk, with Ram Aarti and Hanuman Chalisa echoing across the water, is something every devotee should witness at least once. An early-morning snan (holy bath) in the Saryu is considered deeply purifying, believed to wash away the accumulated karma of lifetimes.
Aarti timings: Typically 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (shifts with sunset seasonally) Distance from Ram Mandir: ~2 km Read more: Our complete Saryu River ghats guide
4. Nageshwarnath Mandir
This ancient Shiva temple is said to have been established by Kush, the son of Lord Ram, and is dedicated to Lord Nageshwarnath (the lord of serpents). It is one of the oldest continuously worshipped temples in the city — a remarkable fact given Ayodhya’s long and turbulent history.
According to legend, the temple survived because of Kush’s devotion, and it served as a landmark that helped later generations rediscover the location of Ayodhya’s sacred sites. The Mahashivratri celebration here draws enormous devotion, with devotees travelling from across Uttar Pradesh.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Distance from Ram Mandir: ~1.5 km, near the Saryu ghats
5. Mani Parbat & Sugriv Parbat
These ancient hillocks are associated with episodes from the Valmiki Ramayana. Mani Parbat is believed to have been formed when a fragment of the mountain carrying the sanjeevani booti fell to earth during Hanuman’s flight to Lanka. A small Buddhist stupa and temple at the summit offer panoramic views of the entire city.
Sugriv Parbat, nearby, is associated with Sugriva, the monkey-king who became Lord Ram’s ally. The climb is gentle and the sunset views from the top are exceptional.
Distance from Ram Mandir: ~3 km Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon — the climb is exposed to the sun.
6. Treta Ke Thakur
This temple stands on the site where Lord Ram performed the Ashwamedha Yagna after returning victorious from Lanka. The black-stone idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Hanuman here are said to date back to the Treta Yuga — making this one of the most ancient sacred spots in all of Ayodhya.
The temple is opened to the public only on specific occasions and during the annual celebration, which draws thousands of devotees. Even outside those times, paying respects at the outer compound is considered highly meritorious.
Distance from Ram Mandir: ~3 km, on the banks of the Saryu
7. Dashrath Mahal
The palace complex said to stand on the site of King Dasharatha’s royal residence, where Lord Ram spent his childhood. The main temple here houses the idols of all four sons of Dasharatha — Ram, Lakshman, Bharata, and Shatrughna — together with King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya, in a deeply moving family tableau.
Devotees come here to pay respects to the entire Raghu dynasty. The temple’s intimate scale and family-centric imagery make it one of the most emotionally resonant sites in Ayodhya.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Distance from Ram Mandir: ~600 m (walking distance)
A Suggested Two-Day Pilgrimage Itinerary
To visit all seven sites without rushing, plan a two-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Morning Mangala Aarti at Ram Mandir → Hanuman Garhi → Kanak Bhawan → Dashrath Mahal → afternoon rest → evening Saryu Ghat aarti
- Day 2: Nageshwarnath → Treta Ke Thakur → Mani Parbat & Sugriv Parbat → return to Ram Mandir for a second, more peaceful darshan
This pace lets you absorb each site rather than ticking off a list. For a detailed family-friendly version, see our 3-day Ayodhya itinerary.
Planning Your Stay
With so much to experience, we strongly recommend staying at least 2–3 nights in Ayodhya. A rushed pilgrimage is a missed pilgrimage — the most common regret we hear from departing devotees is “I wish I had stayed one more day.”
Birla Dharmashala is centrally located on Civil Lines, putting most of these sacred sites within a short auto-rickshaw or walking distance. Our rooms give you a peaceful base to return to between visits, rest, and head back out — the ideal rhythm for a pilgrimage. Contact us at +91 87963 59334 to check availability and plan your stay.
Ayodhya awaits — with blessings at every step. Jai Shri Ram 🙏