This Dussehra, why not experience the grand festival at its very own hometown—Ayodhya—and witness the newly built charm and spiritual aura of Ram Mandir? This guide provides everything you need to know about traveling from Jaipur to Ayodhya.
Already excited? Let’s begin!
Nestled on the shores of the River Saryu, Ayodhya’s grandeur is beautifully depicted in the epics Ramayan and Shri Ramcharitmanas. With its rich history, the city feels like a chapter from the Ramayana come to life. After the construction of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya has become a must-visit destination for tourists, pilgrims, historians, and archaeologists alike.
A journey to Ayodhya offers an immersive experience that intertwines history, culture, and faith.
How to Travel from Jaipur to Ayodhya
The distance between Jaipur and Ayodhya is approximately 718 km. Travelers from Jaipur have several options to make their way to Ayodhya via airways, roadways, and railways. Below is a detailed guide on how to plan your visit.
Trains from Jaipur to Ayodhya
There are two weekly trains that connect Jaipur to Ayodhya: the Marudhar Express and Garib Nawaz Express. Here are the details:
Marudhar Express (via Ayodhya Cantt)
- Train Number: 14854
- Travel Time: ~15 hours
- Runs on: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
- Departs from: Jaipur Station, Platform 1
- Timings:
- Departs Jaipur at 1:40 PM
- Arrives in Ayodhya at 4:43 AM
Ajmer Kishanganj Garib Nawaz Express
- Train Number: 15716
- Travel Time: ~17 hours
- Runs on: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
- Departs from: Jaipur Station, Platform 1
- Timings:
- Departs Jaipur at 2:10 PM
- Arrives in Ayodhya at 7:53 AM
Bus from Jaipur to Ayodhya
There is a Rajasthan Roadways bus that operates from Jaipur to Ayodhya, continuing till Sonauli. The bus route is as follows:
Jaipur → Sonauli
(Via Dausa, Mehandipur Balaji, Mahwa, Bharatpur, Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Basti, Gorakhpur)
- Departure Point: Sindhi Camp Bus Stand, Platform 1
- Timings:
- Departs Jaipur at 6:20 PM
- Arrives in Ayodhya at 8:00 AM the next day
- Return Trip: Departs Ayodhya at 4:30 PM, arrives in Jaipur at 7:00 AM
Bus Fares:
- Regular Fare: ₹1643
- Women’s Fare: ₹1477
- Sleeper Charge: Additional ₹60
The bus is equipped with AC, and both sleeper and seating options are available.
Tickets can be booked on the official Rajasthan Roadways website:
RSRTC Online Booking
Alternatively, regular buses from Lucknow, Delhi, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur are available to reach Ayodhya.
Online Reservation Facility
- Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) has introduced an online reservation system for buses traveling to Ayodhya. Passengers can make bookings through the official website:
RSRTC Online Reservation - The Corporation has also provided toll-free numbers for the Central Control Room to assist passengers with bus information. You can contact Jaipur headquarters via the following:
- Mobile: 9549456745
- Phone: 0141-2373044
- Complaints Toll-Free Number: 1800-2000-103
Jaipur to Ayodhya by Flight
- Air India Express Flight IX 765 operates between Jaipur International Airport and Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya.
- Departure from Jaipur: 12:25 PM
- Arrival in Ayodhya Dham: 2:00 PM
- For the return journey:
- Departure from Ayodhya: 9:00 AM
- Arrival in Jaipur: 10:35 AM
- This service is available four days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
- Fare: ₹5000 to ₹7000
Alternatively, travelers can opt to reach Ayodhya via New Delhi. For this, flights are available from IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. However, this route takes about 5 hours 30 minutes with a fare ranging from ₹8000 to ₹10,000.
You can also consider flying to nearby cities like Lucknow or Prayagraj, from where Ayodhya can be conveniently reached.
Once in Ayodhya, local transport such as autos and rickshaws provide easy access to the Ram Mandir, ensuring smooth travel for all visitors.
Entry to Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Visiting the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi complex is free, but be prepared for long wait times, especially during peak seasons and festivals. Due to ongoing construction and limited space, it is common for devotees to experience extended queues for darshan.
To avoid long waits, you can book a “Seva” ticket online through the official website for quicker darshan access.
Darshan Arrangements at Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Though the main temple is still under construction, visitors can offer their prayers at a temporary structure on the grounds. The darshan timings are as follows:
- Morning Darshan: 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM
- Afternoon Darshan: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Throughout the day, special pujas (worship rituals) and aartis (devotional lamp offerings) are performed, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
Special Aarti Ceremonies
Devotees have the opportunity to witness three special aarti ceremonies. Each aarti offers a unique and profound spiritual experience. Here’s the schedule:
- Shringar Aarti: 6:30 AM
- Bhog Aarti: 12:00 PM
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:30 PM
Note: Only pass holders are permitted to attend these aartis, and for security reasons, a maximum of 30 people are allowed per aarti session.
How to Book Aarti Passes?
To attend an aarti, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official website of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra:
www.srjbtkshetra.org - Enter your mobile number and verify it with the OTP.
- Go to the “Aarti” section and select the ceremony you’d like to attend.
- Choose your preferred date and aarti.
- Fill in the required details (name, address, photo, and mobile number).
- Collect your passes at the temple counter on the day of your visit.
By following these steps, you’ll have a seamless experience participating in these spiritual ceremonies.
Fascinating Facts About Ayodhya Ram Mandir
- Expansive Area & Design:
Spread over 2.77 acres, the Ram Mandir is a magnificent structure made from pink sandstone. The temple is set within a vast courtyard filled with shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. - Shaligram Stone:
A giant Shaligram stone, black in color and representing Lord Vishnu, serves as the temple’s centerpiece. This sacred stone was transported from the Gandaki River in Nepal. - Three Floors of Devotion:
The temple rises to a height of 161 feet across three levels:- Ground Floor: Dedicated to the worship of Lord Ram
- Second Floor: Honors the devoted Hanuman
- Third Floor: Houses a museum showcasing Ayodhya’s rich history and culture
- Yagyashala & More:
The temple complex extends beyond worship with a Yagyashala for fire rituals, a medical facility for devotees, and a community kitchen that fosters warmth and nourishment. - Modern Amenities:
Equipped with modern facilities, the temple offers:- Solar panels
- Ramps for elderly devotees
- Medical aid
- Bank/ATM services
- Public utilities
- Food shelter for devotees
- Annakshetra (Mata Sita Rasoi):
The Mata Sita Rasoi, located within the temple complex, serves nourishing meals to devotees. The kitchen is fully equipped with ample food storage, well-organized cutlery, and hygienic hand-washing facilities. - 2100 kg Bell:
A monumental 2,100 kg bell, crafted from the auspicious Ashtadhatu alloy, is one of the temple’s highlights. This masterpiece was developed by artisans from Jalesar over two years. - Gifts from Janakpur:
Over 3,000 gifts from Janakpur, Nepal—believed to be Goddess Sita’s birthplace—were sent to the Ram Mandir. These gifts include silver shoes, ornaments, and clothing, delivered in a convoy of 30 vehicles from Ram Janaki Temple in Nepal. - Time Capsule:
A time capsule has been buried 2,000 feet deep beneath the Ram Mandir. This archive contains detailed facts about the Janmabhoomi’s history to permanently settle any future disputes regarding the site. - Shree Ram Bricks:
The foundation of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is constructed using special “Ram Shilas”—bricks named after Lord Ram. These bricks feature a unique fortified composition for durability, etched with “Shri Ram 2023,” marking the temple’s construction year.
Other Major Places to Visit in Ayodhya
- Ram Ki Paidi Ghat:
Situated along the holy waters of the Sarayu River, this is one of the most iconic sites in Ayodhya. The ghat witnesses daily aarti ceremonies, drawing thousands of devotees in a spiritual ambiance. - Hanuman Garhi:
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the devoted monkey god, this temple sits atop a hillock accessible by a climb of 70 steps. Climb the stairs and soak in the panoramic views of Ayodhya. - Kanak Bhawan:
This ornate temple, believed to have been a gift from Queen Kaikeyi to Sita, features intricate carvings and idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. - Mani Parvat:
For those who enjoy scenic vistas, a climb of 300 steps will take you to the top of this hillock, offering breathtaking views of Ayodhya and its surrounding landscape.
Places to Stay in Ayodhya
Ayodhya offers a range of accommodation options, including:
- Luxury hotels
- Tents
- Boutique hotels
- Dharamshalas
- Budget hotels
- Dormitories
These accommodations provide a variety of amenities. Prices may fluctuate based on demand, particularly during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to book your stay in advance to avoid missing out.
Places to Eat in Ayodhya
Ayodhya is home to several community kitchens, which serve ‘langar’ food to devotees. These kitchens are operational across the city, offering fresh, hot meals to visitors, ensuring no one goes hungry while exploring this holy destination.
