Ayodhya (अयोध्या Ayodhyā) is an ancient city in the Awadh region of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya is one of the major holy cities of Hinduism. It has a central role in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, whose protagonist Lord Rama believed to be Lord Vishnu incarnated on Earth as the prince of Ayodhya. The best time to visit is during Diwali This article also covers Faizabad (फ़ैज़ाबाद Faizābād), the twin city of Ayodhya.
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The name Ayodhyā literally means "invincible" in Sanskrit, which is derived from the root yudh ("to fight, to wage war"). Historically, Ayodhya was also known as Saketa, which was widespread by Buddhist travellers and faraway traders. The Ramayana epic describes Lord Rama's 14-year exile, his victory over evil and his grand return with his wife Sita to Ayodhya to become king. This return to Ayodhya is celebrated as Diwali, the leading festival of hundreds of millions of Hindus world-wide.
1 Ram Mandir (In the western part of the city). The colossal temple in Ayodhya, built on the supposed birthplace of Rama. Although visited by pilgrims throughout the year, this sacred place attracts devotees from all over India and abroad on Ram Navami, the day of Lord's birth, which is celebrated with great pomp and show, in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). (updated Jan 2024) 2 Bahu Begum ka Maqbara. Tomb and still one of the highest buildings in Faizabad. (updated Jun 2021) 3 Gulab Bari. Gulab Bari translates to "garden of roses" and this tomb of the 16th century ruler of the Kingdom of Oudh, Shuja-ud-Daula, has both a magnificent mausoleum and a rose garden.
1 Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar International Sports Stadium. A multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 30,000. (updated Dec 2023) Ayodhya being a sacred religious place, has lots to offer to a spiritual mind. Some of the fairs and festivals Ayodhya is famous for are Chaturdashkoshi Parikrama. Constitutes a circular journey of 28 miles made once a year on the occasion of Akshainaumi, which is completed within 24 hours. Ram Lila. The enactment of the story of Lord Rama is believed to have been started by great Saint Tulsidas. The Ramcharitmanas, written by him till today forms the basis of Ram Lila performances.
Meat sales are banned within the 15 km (9.3 mi) of Ram Mandir since February 2026, making Ayodhya one of the few Indian cities to effectively ban selling meat. So, eating options are limited to local vegetarian shops and restaurants. Gokul Restaurant (On National Highway No.28), Near Deokali Bypass Crossing (On Lucknow-Gorakhpur Road), vermadhananjay@rediffmail.com. An open air restaurant, serving vegetarian, non-vegetarian and continental food. Kapoor Restaurant (Tirupati Hotel). Mezaban Restaurant, Hote Shane Awadh, ☏ +91 578223586. Good meals and accommodation Trimurti Restaurant, Lucknow-Gorakhpur Rd (4 km from Faizabad), ☏ +91 9455384515, vipinsingh_007@yahoo.com.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Oct, Ayodhya typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 9 rainy days.
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