A Soulful Sojourn to Ayodhya

The RamLalla Temple at night

There’s something timeless about Ayodhya — a city where every stone seems to whisper stories of faith, sacrifice, and divinity. Our recent journey from Delhi to this sacred town was nothing short of extraordinary, weaving together vibrant culture, spiritual experiences, and delightful flavours.

The artwork at Ayodhya Dham station

Our adventure kicked off aboard the sleek Vande Bharat Express from Delhi. The train journey was smooth, lively, and filled with anticipation. As we approached Ayodhya, the weather greeted us dramatically — it was pouring cats and dogs, as if the heavens themselves were blessing the pilgrimage.

The Hanumangarhi Temple

Upon arrival and a quick check-in, we head straight to Hanuman Garhi, the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Local lore says one must visit this shrine before any other temple in Ayodhya — it’s believed Lord Hanuman guards the city, and paying respects here ensures a smooth darshan ahead. The climb to the temple was short but spiritually energising, with chants and bells echoing around us.

The centrepiece of the visit was undoubtedly the Ram Lalla Temple, a newly reconstructed marvel that merges devotion with awe-inspiring architecture. The aarti was an ethereal experience, with the lamps flickering in unison and devotees chanting in harmony. We then walked to the Ram Darbar, a recently created space depicting Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman in all their glory — a sight to behold. This has been a recent addition.

The Dashrath Mahal

Next on the trail were two of Ayodhya’s most significant landmarks — Dashrath Mahal, the palace believed to be the residence of Lord Ram’s father, and Kanak Bhawan, gifted to Sita by Queen Kaikeyi. Both structures are vibrant with murals, mirror work, and divine idols, offering a glimpse into the opulent spiritual history of royal Ayodhya.

Awesome food in Ayodhya

A warm, filling dinner awaited us at Bharat Ram Restaurant, located conveniently close to our hotel. After a long, divine day, rest came easily.

The Lata Mangeshkar Chowk

Refreshed, we set out the next morning to the banks of the Saryu River. The gentle breeze and rhythmic chants made it a perfect start to the day. A quick stroll took us to the elegant Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, a tribute to the melody queen and her connection to Ram bhakti through music. New ghats have been developed in the vicinity and imposing arches of sandstone add to the beauty of the place

We stopped by Chatori Restaurant for breakfast — a spicy, crisp spread of pakoras and the local favourite, aaloo paatha (a stuffed flatbread). Energised and curious, we wandered through the local markets, full of earthy delights like kand-mool, forest incense, and unique handicrafts. Every corner was brimming with the scent of devotion and tradition.

The afternoon was dedicated to Ayodhya’s lesser-known but deeply spiritual sites:

A bird's eye view of Ayodhya from atop Mani Parbat

• Mani Parvat: Said to be a part of the Sanjeevani mountain dropped by Hanuman. According to another legend, the gifts of rare gems that Sita received from Lord Janak were so numerous that the place earned this name. A small temple perched atop the hill offers a majestic bird's-eye view of the place

  

  Bharat Hanuman Milap Mandir

• Bharat Kund & Bharat Milap Spot: Places symbolising Bharat's devotion and his emotional reunion with Hanuman, who was felled by Bharat when on his way to Lanka with Sanjavni to revive Lakshaman, who was unconscious is a prominent places. Nerby is a huge pond called the Bharat Kund

• Nandigram & Bodhi Tree: Where Bharat ruled in Lord Ram’s absence, living as an ascetic in sandals placed on the throne. There is also a cave where Bharat lived during his years in exile

• Panch Mukhi Temple: A unique temple that has a five-faced Shivlinga is very
  

  
  

  

  Ram temple at Guptar Ghat

• Guptar Ghat: Where it is believed Lord Ram took jal samadhi along with his siblings. A huge temple has been constructed here that overlooks the Saryu

  

  The Dashrath Samadhi in Ayodhya

• Dashrath Samadhi and Surajkund: Sites commemorating King Dashrath and where he was cremated. Suraj Kund is dedicated to Surya worship and every evening a Sound and Light show is performed here.

Every stop whispered ancient tales of faith and sacrifice — a spiritual geography you walk through.

Dinner that evening was a flavorful detour to the South at the Udipi Express  Restaurant — dosa, rasam, and filter coffee, sealing the day with satisfaction.

Our final day was all about soaking in the remaining flavours of Ayodhya — quite literally. We explored bustling markets, tasted local gems like khurchan peda and lassi at the famed Chandra Sweets, and indulged in classic puri-sabzi, jalebi, and kachori at Maurya Sweets.

The modern Ayodhaya Dham station

The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a nostalgic walk through the cobbled bylanes and a visit to the stunning new Ayodhya Dham Railway Station. With its modern air-conditioned foyers, escalators, and sleek design, it stands as a symbol of Ayodhya’s graceful march into the future.

Ayodhya isn’t just a destination — it’s a living legend. With every step, you travel through epics, with every bite, you taste tradition, and with every sight, you witness a city evolving while holding onto its soul.

Whether you're a devotee, a history lover, or just a curious traveller, Ayodhya is an experience that humbles, heals, and stays with you.

PS- All pics are mine