Ayodhya Ram Mandir Travel Tips from South India
Planning from Chennai, Bangalore, or Hyderabad? This guide will help you save time, money, and frustration.
Why Ayodhya Matters – It’s Not Just a Temple, It’s a Feeling
Let me be honest. Ayodhya is not like other tourist places. It is a city of bhakti, where emotions run deep. People go there not just for darshan, but to feel connected to Lord Ram, who was born in this very city.
After the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir on 22 January 2024, the city has changed completely. Pilgrims from across India are visiting daily. According to Statista, more than 1.5 lakh people visit the temple every day. That number is only increasing during festivals.
For South Indian families, the journey is long. And frankly, tiring too. But with proper planning, this once-in-a-lifetime trip becomes unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Ram Mandir Ayodhya
If you go during the wrong time, you may regret it. Summers are too hot, and during festivals, the crowd becomes unmanageable.
Best months to go:
- October to March – Pleasant weather. Ideal for families and elderly.
- Ram Navami (March-April) – Most spiritual time but expect long queues.
- Diwali – Beautiful lighting across the city, but heavy crowd.
You should avoid May to June. The heat is intense, and darshan becomes difficult.
Use Google Trends to check peak dates. Searches for Ayodhya spike before Ram Navami, Diwali, and January 22 anniversary.
How to Reach Ayodhya from South India
I’ll explain this part clearly. You can go by train, air, or road — depending on your budget, time, and comfort.
Train Routes from South India
| City | Route & Details | Duration |
| Chennai | Chennai → Lucknow → Ayodhya (by taxi/bus) | ~36–40 hrs |
| Bangalore | Yesvantpur → Ayodhya Express (only few days) | ~38 hrs |
| Hyderabad | Secunderabad → Faizabad/Gorakhpur → Ayodhya | ~32–36 hrs |
Book on IRCTC. Don’t wait till the last minute. Tatkal tickets may not work during festive rush.
Air Travel Options
- Ayodhya Airport (Maharishi Valmiki Airport) is open now. Some flights are operating from Hyderabad and Chennai, but very limited.
- The nearest big airport is Lucknow. From there, Ayodhya is a 4-hour taxi ride.
- Varanasi is another option, but travel time is longer — around 5.5 hours by road.
Flight tickets from South India usually cost ₹6,000–₹12,000 round-trip. Book at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
Road Travel
Only attempt this if you’re adventurous or on a group tour.
- From Chennai or Bangalore, road trip takes more than 30 hours.
- From Lucknow or Varanasi, take state buses or shared taxis.
- For self-driving: Stop at Nagpur or Prayagraj to break the journey.
Private cabs during festive seasons often overcharge. Be careful.
Where to Stay in Ayodhya
Hotels in Ayodhya are limited and get booked very fast. You must plan early.
Budget Options:
- UP Tourism Guest Houses – Reliable and affordable.
- Yatri Niwas (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust) – For pilgrims only.
- Private dharamshalas – Like ISKCON or Arya Samaj lodges.
Room rates range between ₹600 to ₹3,000 per night.
Book through UP Tourism or trusted portals like MakeMyTrip or Goibibo.
Festival Tip:
If you plan to visit during Ram Navami, Diwali, or Jan 22, book your stay at least 60 days early.
Food Tips – What South Indians Can Eat in Ayodhya
Honestly, finding good South Indian food in Ayodhya is not easy.
But I won’t lie. You’ll miss idli-dosa-sambhar. Most local restaurants serve North Indian vegetarian food.
Some helpful options:
- Arya Bhawan – Serves simple vegetarian food and sometimes South Indian dishes.
- ISKCON kitchen – Clean, satvik food.
- Local dharamshalas – Offer curd rice, tamarind rice on special request.
Carry your own snacks or ready-mix food packets if you have strict food preferences.
Ram Mandir Darshan Details
Now comes the most important part — the darshan. It’s a different kind of feeling to stand in front of the Ram Lalla idol.
Temple Timings:
- Morning Aarti: 6:30 AM
- Darshan Hours: 7 AM – 11:30 AM and 2 PM – 6 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7 PM onwards
Entry is free, but on weekends or festivals, you may wait 2 to 3 hours in line.
Check Ram Mandir official website before you go, in case there are changes in timings or entry procedure.
What You Must Carry:
- Identity proof (Aadhar card, PAN card)
- Water bottle, light snacks
- No leather items or bags
- Wear simple Indian clothes (no shorts or sleeveless tops)
Budget Planning – How Much Will It Cost?
Let me share a real story. Mr. S. Rao, a 54-year-old from Hyderabad, did a solo trip to Ayodhya in March 2024. Here’s what he spent:
| Item | Cost (₹) |
| Train Ticket (AC) | ₹2,500 |
| Hotel (3 nights) | ₹3,000 |
| Food | ₹1,200 |
| Local Travel | ₹800 |
| Puja & Others | ₹500 |
| Total | ₹8,000 |
If you take a flight, your total may go up to ₹15,000–₹18,000. Group packages often include hotel, food, and darshan — helpful for families.
Group Tours & Language Support
You may face problems with Hindi, especially if you’re from Tamil Nadu, Andhra, or Kerala.
Travel Packages:
- IRCTC Yatra Packages – Includes train, hotel, and guided darshan.
- Tirupati-based travel agents – Offer group tours with Tamil/Telugu guides.
- ISKCON and Chinmaya Mission – Organise yatras with proper arrangements.
Language Tips:
- Use Google Translate App.
- Most locals understand basic English.
- Smile and say “Jai Shri Ram” — you’ll get help easily.
Safety Tips for South Indian Devotees
Ayodhya is now a safe and organised place. But still, take care of some basics:
- Avoid going out alone after 8 PM.
- Keep your mobile and money in a waist pouch.
- Only use government-authorised taxis.
- Women travellers should prefer group tours or family trips.
- Save emergency helpline: 112 (UP Police).
Since 2024, Ayodhya has improved a lot in security and cleanliness. Still, be alert like you would in any new place.
Final Tips Before You Leave
- Carry essential medicines, power bank, and cotton clothes.
- Keep your ID card and booking printouts handy.
- Talk to family before leaving – mobile network may be weak in temple area.
- Travel with a calm heart and prepared mind. That’s the real way to enjoy this trip.
FAQs (Voice Snippet Friendly)
Q: What is the best way to reach Ayodhya from Bangalore?
A: You can take the Ayodhya Express from Yesvantpur or fly to Lucknow and go by road. Flights are faster, trains are cheaper.
Q: Is there a direct train to Ayodhya from Hyderabad?
A: No. But you can take a train to Faizabad or Varanasi, then travel by bus or taxi.
Q: What are the darshan timings of Ram Mandir?
A: Morning darshan is from 7 to 11:30 AM and afternoon from 2 to 6 PM. Aarti happens at 6:30 AM and 7 PM.
Q: Can I find South Indian food in Ayodhya?
A: Some dharamshalas and restaurants like Arya Bhawan offer South Indian food. Still, carry your own snacks as backup.
Q: Is Ayodhya safe for solo travellers?
A: Yes. It is safe, especially after recent development. Just follow basic safety rules.
Sources and Data Used:
- Statista – Ram Mandir Daily Visitors
- IRCTC Official – Train and Tour Booking
- UP Tourism Department – Official Stay and Travel Info
Ram Mandir Official Website – Latest Updates on Temple
