First-time Ayodhya checklist — quick answer
Bring photo ID and modest dress; leave phones, bags, and cameras outside Ram Mandir — use free lockers at the gate and reach by 6:30 AM on weekdays for shorter queues.
| Must do | Must avoid inside Ram Mandir |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Mobile phones |
| Modest dress | Bags / backpacks |
| Reach by 6:30 AM (weekday) | Cameras |
| Book VIP aarti if needed | Outside food |
| Use locker at gate | Leather items (tradition) |
Full plan: 2-day itinerary · Timings: darshan · Stay: hotels · Reach: how to get there
Before you leave home
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar / passport / voter ID | Required for VIP pass & sometimes entry |
| 2 sets modest clothes | Temple + evening ghat |
| Closed-toe slip-on shoes | Temples are barefoot |
| Power bank (outside only) | Phones not allowed inside mandir |
| Small towel | After Saryu snan |
| Cash (₹2,000–5,000) | Many stalls autos cash-only |
| Refillable bottle | Hydration; filtered water at hotels |
| Basic meds | ORS, paracetamol, band-aids |
Book train to Ayodhya Dham or flight to AYJ — details on how to reach.
Day 1 — typical first-timer flow
| Time | Activity | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Hanuman Garhi → Ram Mandir darshan | 76 steps first |
| Midday | Kanak Bhawan | 8 AM–12 PM window |
| Evening | Ram Ki Paidi aarti | Optional light show |
Ram Mandir rules (don't learn at the gate)
Read full darshan guide. Summary:
- No phones in sanctum — deposit in locker; take meeting point with family outside
- VIP / aarti passes only via official srjbtkshetra.org (ignore WhatsApp "agents")
- Darshan free — beware paid queue scams
- Prasad available after exit
Dress code
| OK | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Kurta, saree, salwar | Shorts, sleeveless |
| Dupatta / shawl | Revealing western party wear |
| Clean socks (carry) | Leather belt in inner areas (tradition) |
Stay & transport checklist
- Hotel within 1.5 km of mandir if walking (Treebo guide / all hotels)
- Auto fare agreed or use app — ₹20–50 short hops
- Download offline map — Ram Path is walkable but crowded
Money & budget
| Expense | Typical (per person/day) |
|---|---|
| Stay (budget) | ₹500–1,500 |
| Food (veg) | ₹200–500 |
| Autos | ₹100–300 |
| Darshan | Free |
Use trip cost calculator · budget under ₹5000
Safety & health
- Drink bottled/filtered water only
- Street food: busy stalls with turnover
- Crowds: pick pocket risk — front pocket wallet, no phone in mandir anyway
- Emergency: note hotel address; nearest major hospital Faizabad/Ayodhya city
Common first-timer mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Bringing phone to queue | Leave at hotel or locker before line |
| Ram Mandir first (skip Hanuman Garhi) | Traditional order: Hanuman Garhi first |
| One day only | Add second day for ghats + museums |
| Festival weekend unplanned | Check best time to visit |
FAQ
Is Ayodhya safe for solo women?
Generally yes in temple areas daytime; modest dress, avoid isolated ghats late night.
Kids first visit?
See Ayodhya with kids — strollers hard on ghats; baby carrier better.
Photography?
Not inside Ram Mandir sanctum. Outside complex & ghats: see photography guide.
Checklist updated June 2026 — verify VIP rules on official temple portal before travel.