Shri Ram Mandir Darshan Trip || Day-1
Planning an Ayodhya trip from Lucknow? Complete travel guide via Purvanchal Expressway with Shri Ram Mandir darshan tips, route, budget & stay options.
There are journeys you plan… and there are journeys that feel destined. Our long-awaited trip to Ayodhya finally happened after years of anticipation. From watching the construction updates while we were in Canada to witnessing the dhwaja flying proudly above the temple — this visit felt deeply personal.
We started from Lucknow with devotion in our hearts and excitement in our little car, choosing the smooth and modern Purvanchal Expressway route.
In this detailed guide, I’ll share the exact route, toll cost, travel time, temple experience, local insights, and practical tips — everything you need to plan your Ayodhya trip confidently.
Quick Facts
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Detail |
Information |
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Location |
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh |
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Distance from Lucknow |
~135 km |
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Best Time to Visit |
October to March |
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Ideal Duration |
2–3 Days |
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Budget Range |
₹4,000 – ₹15,000 (depending on stay) |
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Suitable For |
Family, Spiritual Seekers, Couples, Solo Travelers |
How to Reach Ayodhya from Lucknow
There are two major routes from Lucknow:
1. Via Barabanki (Old NH Route)
Traditional highway route through Barabanki. Slightly slower with town traffic.
2. Via Purvanchal Expressway (Recommended)
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Take Kisan Path
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Exit toward Sultanpur Road
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Join Purvanchal Expressway
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Exit near Ayodhya
Distance Covered on Kisan Path: ~19 km
Total Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Toll Cost: Approx ₹175
Road Condition: Excellent, pothole-free, smooth driving
This expressway, operational since 2021 and managed by Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority, connects eastern UP districts and significantly reduces travel time.
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya
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October–March: Pleasant weather (Best Season)
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Ram Navami & Festivals: Heavy crowd but divine atmosphere
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Summer (April–June): Very hot
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Monsoon: Manageable but humid
If you prefer peaceful darshan, avoid peak festival dates.
Our Day-1 in Ayodhya
1. Evening Visit to Ram Mandir – Entry, Security & Spiritual Atmosphere
In the evening, we proceeded towards Ram Mandir and entered through Gate Number 1. The entire area is extremely well-organized, reflecting the large-scale planning behind the temple complex. Even before reaching the main structure, the atmosphere becomes noticeably calm and devotional.
Entry Through Gate No. 1
Gate No. 1 serves as one of the primary entry points for devotees from Ram Path. The movement of visitors is well-managed with proper barricading and directional guidance. Despite the crowd, the process felt systematic and disciplined. Volunteers and security personnel were actively guiding devotees, ensuring smooth entry.
Waiting Hall Experience
After entering, we saw the waiting hall area. The space is designed to accommodate large numbers of devotees comfortably. Seating arrangements are organized, and there is a clear flow of movement toward the main darshan path. The design reflects both functionality and spiritual aesthetics.
The structure, lighting, and open corridors create a sense of grandeur while maintaining simplicity. Even during waiting time, the devotional chants and overall environment keep the spiritual energy intact.
Passing Through the Evening Corridor
As it was evening time, the corridor looked especially beautiful. The lighting enhanced the sandstone architecture, and the symmetry of the pillars created a majestic visual. Walking through the corridor felt peaceful and emotionally uplifting. The temple complex is designed in a way that gradually builds anticipation as you move closer to the sanctum area.
Security Check & Locker Building
Security checks were thorough but efficiently handled. The screening process included standard security procedures to ensure safety for all visitors. The system was smooth, and despite the large footfall, the wait time was reasonable.
We also explored the locker building area, where visitors can deposit personal belongings before proceeding further. The locker facility is well-structured and clearly marked, making it convenient for devotees who need to store items securely.
Overall Impression
Our evening visit was not just about seeing the temple but about experiencing the scale, organization, and spiritual ambiance of the entire complex. From Gate No. 1 to the corridor and security system, everything reflects careful planning and devotion-driven execution.
After completing the visit and exploring the facilities, we returned with a deep sense of peace and satisfaction. The experience felt structured, safe, and spiritually fulfilling—an essential part of our Ayodhya journey.
2. Evening Walk on Ram Path – Café Break & Street Food in Ayodhya
After checking in and settling down, we stepped out in the evening to explore Ram Path. The transformation of Ayodhya is clearly visible here. The road is wide, beautifully lit, and thoughtfully developed, yet it still carries a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Walking along Ram Path feels like witnessing a city that is preserving its heritage while embracing modern infrastructure.
We spent some time exploring the small shops along the stretch. Many stores offer religious souvenirs, devotional items, local handicrafts, and snacks. The overall environment felt safe, organized, and welcoming. The crowd was vibrant but not overwhelming, and the devotional energy of the city was present in every corner.
Coffee & South Indian Dinner at Bangalore Cafe
After walking for a while, we decided to take a short break at Bangalore Cafe. We ordered:
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Freshly brewed coffee
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Soft idli
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Hot sambar
The coffee had a balanced flavor—smooth and comforting after a long day of travel. The idlis were soft and well-steamed, and the sambar had a proper South Indian taste with a good blend of spices. It was honestly a pleasant surprise to find such satisfying South Indian food in Ayodhya. The café offered a comfortable seating space, making it a good stop for families as well.
Street-Style Golgappa Experience
No Indian evening is complete without street food. As we continued walking, we spotted a golgappa stall and decided to indulge. The golgappas were crispy, and the tangy-spicy water added that perfect burst of flavor. It felt refreshing and added a local touch to the evening.
Overall Experience
The evening on Ram Path was a perfect blend of:
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Spiritual surroundings
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Casual shopping
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Café relaxation
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Authentic street food
It turned out to be a fulfilling and relaxed end to our first day in Ayodhya. If you are visiting the city, make sure to spend at least one evening walking along Ram Path. It beautifully captures the essence of modern Ayodhya while keeping its spiritual roots intact.
Food & Local Experiences
Ayodhya is largely vegetarian and you will get food mostly without onion and garlic.
Must-Try:
Budget Food
Small dhabas near Ram Path serve affordable meals.
You will even get small but too much tasty stalls of South Indian delicacies
Hygiene Tip
Carry your own water bottle. For long travel days, I recommend keeping:
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Insulated water bottle Click Here
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Light travel backpack Click Here
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Portable phone tripod (great for temple vlogging shots) Click Here
Where to Stay in Ayodhya – Budget to Premium Options Near Ram Mandir
Finding the right accommodation in Ayodhya requires a practical, on-ground approach—especially near the temple area. Based on our personal experience, staying close to Ram Mandir on Ram Path is the most convenient option, particularly if you plan early morning darshan.
Here is a realistic breakdown of stay options:
Budget Stays (₹1,000–₹2,500)
One of the most sought-after budget accommodations is Birla Dharmshala, located directly in front of Gate No. 1 of Ram Mandir on Ram Path. Its biggest advantage is proximity—you can literally walk to the temple within minutes.
Important points to note:
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There is no online booking system available.
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You must physically visit the reception counter (preferably in the morning) to check room availability.
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Rooms are simple but practical for pilgrims.
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Demand is very high during weekends and festivals.
Just behind Birla Dharmshala, you will find multiple budget-friendly homestays and guest houses. However, exercise caution:
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Avoid dealing with touts who approach you outside the temple or on Ram Path.
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Always confirm room price and amenities directly with the owner.
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Inspect the room before making payment.
Our Experience:
We stayed in a homestay just behind Birla Dharmshala. A tout promised several amenities. However, after payment, the tout disappeared and the owner denied the promised facilities. Later, we discovered we had been charged more than the standard rate. This was the only unpleasant experience of our trip.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹3,000–₹6,000)
Several clean and family-friendly hotels are available along Ram Path. Many offer:
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Proper bedding and hygiene
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Air-conditioned rooms
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Parking facilities
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Lift access in multi-storey buildings
Our recommendation is to visit in person and inspect rooms before booking. In many cases, online rates for mid-range hotels are significantly higher compared to direct walk-in pricing.
Premium Hotels (₹7,000+)
Ayodhya now has newly developed premium hotels offering:
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Modern interiors
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Spacious rooms
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Better washroom facilities
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In-house dining
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Professional hospitality services
These properties are suitable for families seeking comfort and convenience, especially during longer stays.
Family Tip for Staying Near Ram Mandir
If you are travelling with family, especially with children or elderly members, always prioritize properties that offer dedicated parking facilities. Roads around Ram Path and the temple area can become heavily crowded, particularly in the evening and during peak darshan hours. Having assured parking will save you both time and stress.
Important Booking Advice (Based on Our Personal Experience)
From what we observed during our stay in Ayodhya, online booking for budget and mid-range hotels is not always the most economical option. In several cases, online platforms display inflated rates for basic accommodations. Walk-in bookings, on the other hand, often allow room inspection, price negotiation, and better clarity regarding amenities.
We found that directly visiting the property provides greater transparency and better value for money compared to advance online reservations.
A Smart & Practical Strategy We Recommend
The most efficient approach is to first park your vehicle in government-approved parking areas, which are easily available at the ends of Ram Path and across Ayodhya Dham. These parking zones are regulated and relatively safer for longer durations.
From there, you can hire a Nagar Nigam authorized e-rickshaw to comfortably shift your family and luggage toward Ram Path or near Gate No. 1 of Ram Mandir. This makes movement smoother, especially during peak traffic hours when private vehicles may face restrictions.
If you plan to personally explore hotel options:
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You may keep your family members and belongings in the designated waiting hall near Gate No. 1.
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The waiting area is organized and allows you to conduct your hotel search without hassle.
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Spend around 30–60 minutes visiting nearby hotels.
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Compare at least two or three properties before making a decision.
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Inspect the room condition, cleanliness, washroom facilities, and confirm amenities before making payment.
With this method, you can usually secure a reasonably priced, value-for-money stay without much difficulty. A little patience and on-ground verification can significantly improve your overall accommodation experience in Ayodhya.
Final Words – Day 1 in Ayodhya
With that peaceful evening walk on Ram Path, a structured visit to Ram Mandir, local food experiences, and practical hotel hunting, we wrapped up our Day-1 in Ayodhya on a deeply satisfying note. The day was a perfect blend of devotion, exploration, learning, and real on-ground travel experiences—exactly the kind of journeys that stay with you for a long time.
Ayodhya is not just about darshan; it is about understanding the scale of development, the spiritual atmosphere, and the discipline in the way everything is being managed. Despite one minor setback with accommodation, the overall experience of the first day felt smooth, organized, and spiritually uplifting.
We rested with excitement for what Day-2 would bring — more exploration, deeper spiritual moments, and discovering hidden layers of Ayodhya Dham.
If you enjoy real travel stories and honest city explorations, do watch the full vlog.
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