A great way to spend time with family is by going on a holiday. Ayodhya is an amazing place to take your family, with lots of spirituality, culture, history and friendly atmosphere.
Ayodhya offers lots of different things to do. You can visit beautiful temples or enjoy the peaceful Saryu River. If you plan your itinerary and have somewhere to stay that is comfortable then you will have a relaxing and meaningful holiday.
1. Plan Your Family Itinerary in Advance
You may want to decide how many days you want to spend in Ayodhya. Two days is a great amount of time to see some of the main sites however if you have more time you can relax!
Plan your itinerary around some of the main sites. Ensure you have enough time to eat, relax and travel.
Some main sites to visit would be:
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir
- Hanuman Garhi
- Kanak Bhawan
- Dashrath Mahal
- Ram Ki Paidi
- Saryu River Ghats
Find out the timings for the temples, any issues with the temples and local transport.
2. Visit Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir
Often this will be the main highlight for your family. The temple is very religious and your family can pray. If you are visiting with children or older family members then allow extra time for the queues and security checks. Check if there are any rules with regards to your phone, bags and personal items.
3. Explore Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan
These are great places to visit.
Hanuman Garhi is a popular temple to visit for Lord Hanuman. Kanak Bhawan is also a popular site to visit as it is connected to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita.
Wear comfortable shoes as some places may have steps or busy areas. Consider older family members.
Saryu River
A great way to create some wonderful memories is by spending time by the Saryu River. This is a very religious place where many come to pray.
Visit Ram Ki Paidi in the evening. If there is an Saryu Aarti then try to attend.
Keep your children with the adults by the river. Follow any local safety rules and stay within the designated areas.
Understanding The Culture
A great way to understand the culture of the area is to go on a holiday with your family. There are plenty of meaningful souvenirs to buy.
Visit local markets and buy some religious books, souvenirs, traditional handicrafts and prasad. You can learn more about the connections Ayodhya has with the Ramayana and its long history of culture. Ensure you have some spare time.
Finding A Comfortable Place To Stay
Finding a good place to stay can make a big difference. Ensuring you have somewhere comfortable to stay will help everyone to relax. When choosing a hotel in Ayodhya ensure:
Rooms are comfortable for your family.
Close to temples you want to visit.
Offer the correct food.
Have all the essentials (Aircon, Wi-Fi, Parking etc).
Have family friendly facilities (Extra beds, child policies, accessibility).
Check pricing, cancellation and check in.
The Ramayana Hotel, Ayodhya could be a good place to stay. Call the hotel to find out what rooms they have available and what facilities they offer. Ensure the price is correct and how long it will take to get to the sites.
Best Time To Visit
Ayodhya can be visited anytime of the year however consider the weather:
October-March – Usually comfortable.
April-June – Summer can be very hot. Try to visit outside in the early mornings/late evenings.
July-September – Monsoon can cause rain and humidity. Check the forecast.
Ayodhya can be a very special place to visit during festivals such as Ram Navami and Diwali however there will be more people. This means there will be higher demand for hotels and road closures. Book in advance.
Ensuring Children/Elderly Family Members Have A Comfortable Journey
A successful family holiday should be comfortable for all. Plan realistic travel times and don’t overfill your itinerary.
Ensure you have:
- Water, snacks and essential medication.
- Comfortable clothes.
- Breaks between temples.
- Consider how much walking you will be doing and if it is accessible.
- Essential numbers and bookings.
- ID and any rules at the religious sites.
- Having a flexible itinerary will help your family to enjoy their holiday.
- Eating Local Food
Food is an important part of any holiday with family. Visit local restaurants and eateries which offer the correct vegetarian food. Ensure you visit clean and reliable places. Try to have flexible mealtimes especially if you have young children. If you have any dietary requirements then ensure you check what is available.
Ensure you allow your family time to relax, take pictures in the designated areas and have some down time.
2 Day Example Itinerary
Day 1 – Temples
Morning – Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir (Depending on current darshan timings).
Late Morning – Hanuman Garhi.
Afternoon – Lunch and relax.
Evening – Kanak Bhawan. Depending on opening times spend some time at Ram Ki Paidi.
Day 2 – Culture
Morning – Saryu River Ghats.
Late Morning – Dashrath Mahal or local religious site.
Afternoon – Lunch and local markets.
Evening – Relax and get ready to leave.
Depending on the timings of the temples, queues, weather and your families needs you can adjust your itinerary.
Conclusion
Visiting Ayodhya as a family is a great way to bond. Ayodhya is one of the most spiritually significant cities in India. From the magical atmosphere of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir to the relaxing areas along the Saryu River you will create some amazing memories.
Plan your itinerary, find somewhere with the correct facilities and allow ample time to relax.
The Ramayana Hotel, Ayodhya could be a good option. Call them to find out what facilities they have and how you can get there.