UPAyodhya

Pilgrimage Essentials

Everything you need to pack and prepare for your Ayodhya yatra

Before You Travel

Proper preparation ensures a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage to Ayodhya. This checklist covers essential items, dress code guidelines, and important tips for Ram Mandir darshan and temple visits.

Must-Pack Items

Documents & Essentials

  • Photo ID: Aadhar card, PAN card, or driver's license (mandatory for hotels and some temple entry)
  • Booking confirmations: Hotel, train/flight tickets (printed or digital)
  • Cash: ₹5,000-10,000 in small denominations (many places don't accept cards)
  • Medicines: Personal medications, first-aid kit, pain relievers, antacids
  • Phone & charger: Power bank recommended (long darshan queues)

Clothing & Personal Care

  • Traditional attire: Kurta-pajama for men, salwar-kameez or saree for women (preferred for temple entry)
  • Comfortable footwear: Easy-to-remove sandals (shoes removed at temples)
  • Dupatta/shawl: For women to cover head (mandatory at some temples)
  • Extra clothes: 2-3 sets (temple visits can take whole day)
  • Hand sanitizer: Wet wipes, tissues, soap

Spiritual Items

  • Pooja items: Small bag for flowers, incense (available locally)
  • Prasad container: Small box or cloth to carry temple prasad
  • Prayer book: Personal spiritual texts (optional)
  • Donation: Keep small notes for temple donations

Weather-Based (Oct-Mar)

  • Winter (Dec-Jan): Sweater, shawl (mornings/evenings 10-15°C)
  • Summer (Apr-Jun): Light cotton, cap, sunscreen, water bottle
  • Monsoon (Jul-Sep): Umbrella, raincoat, extra pair of clothes
Prohibited Items

These items are NOT allowed inside Ram Mandir and most temples:

  • Mobile phones & cameras: Deposit at cloakroom (free service)
  • Leather items: Belts, wallets, bags, shoes (use cloth/synthetic)
  • Food & water: Cannot carry inside temple (water fountains available)
  • Sharp objects: Knives, scissors, nail cutters
  • Large bags: Only small cloth bags allowed
  • Electronic items: Laptops, tablets, smartwatches
  • Tobacco & alcohol: Strictly prohibited in Ayodhya
  • Prasad from outside: Only temple-authorized prasad allowed

Tip: Leave valuables at hotel. Use temple cloakrooms for phones/bags. Security checks are strict — cooperate for everyone's safety.

Dress Code Guidelines

For Men

✓ Recommended:

  • • Kurta-pajama or dhoti-kurta
  • • Full pants with shirt (tucked in)
  • • Traditional Indian attire preferred

✗ Avoid:

  • • Shorts, bermudas, three-fourths
  • • Sleeveless shirts
  • • Torn or ripped clothing

For Women

✓ Recommended:

  • • Salwar-kameez with dupatta
  • • Saree with blouse
  • • Long kurti with leggings/palazzo
  • • Modest, covered attire

✗ Avoid:

  • • Shorts, skirts above knee
  • • Sleeveless or low-cut tops
  • • Tight or revealing clothing
  • • Western dresses (not preferred)

Note: While these are strong recommendations, Ram Mandir generally allows modest Western clothing. However, traditional attire helps you blend in with pilgrims and shows cultural respect. Some smaller temples may have stricter rules.

Health & Safety Tips
  • Hydration: Drink bottled water only. Carry water bottle (can't take inside temple, but drink before/after).
  • Food safety: Eat at reputable restaurants. Avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
  • Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A recommended for India travel.
  • Sun protection: Use sunscreen, cap, and sunglasses during summer (March-June).
  • Crowd management: Stay alert in large crowds. Keep children close. Know emergency exits.
  • Emergency contacts: Save local police (100), ambulance (108), hotel, and tourism helpline numbers.
Final Checklist Before Leaving Hotel
  • Photo ID in pocket/purse
  • Cash in small denominations
  • Phone fully charged (for emergencies only)
  • No leather items on person
  • Dupatta/shawl for women
  • Small cloth bag (not leather)
  • Medicines if needed
  • Hotel room key card