Ayodhya district
A sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, where temples and ghats along the Sarayu River draw massive crowds of devotees.
Ayodhya district is located in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India, with the district headquarters situated on the banks of the sacred Sarayu River. It is one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism and the capital in the epic Ramayana. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, opened in 2024, is the current center of pilgrimage, while nearby Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and Nageshwarnath Temple are also major holy sites. Ram ki Paidi and Naya Ghat host beautiful evening aarti ceremonies, which are particularly grand during Diwali. The old town of Faizabad features Awadh-era architecture such as Gulab Bari and the Tomb of Bahu Begum. October to March is the best time to visit. The district has its own airport and railway station, and can also be reached via Lucknow.