Being one of the most popular things to do in India is Diwali celebration, it is celebrated in all over country with high zeal and different style. This festival has great spiritual importance in Ayodhya as it is the city where Lord Ram was born. Ayodhya Tour during Diwali is a memorable event, from the stunning Deepotsav to the brilliant Ram Leela performances and devotional rituals near the banks of the Saryu River. Diwali Celebration in Ayodhya is a blend of spirituality, culture, and fun festivities for both interested tourists and devoted pilgrim. The Ramayana indicates that Diwali, a festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, began when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya completing his 14-year exile. Ayodhya is one of the most beautiful places to spend Diwali, which comes alive every year with a wonderful heaven of diyas, lights and traditional events.
Main Diwali Celebrations in Ayodhya
As Diwali celebrations truly originated in Ayodhya, this location is the most spiritually significant spot to celebrate the festival of lights. Ayodhya is the only city that celebrates Diwali like no other with millions of lamps lighting up the entire city and creating a mesmerizing aura of joy and devotion.
1. Deepotsav: The lighting of millions of diyas along the Saryu River and throughout the city is the main attraction of Diwali celebration in Ayodhya which has set several world records in recent years for the most diyas lit at once.
2. Saryu Aarti: Held at Ram Ki Paidi ghat on the banks of the Saryu River, this lovely aarti is a deeply spiritual event. Priests offer prayers and burn flames in honor of the river, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere as thousands of devotees join in, chanting songs and mantras.
3. Ram Leela Performances: In Ayodhya Diwali would not be the same without the traditional Ram Leela performances. Colorful costumes, lively music and captivating narration bring the epic to life in these Ramayana dramatizations. Seeing these plays in the Ram’s homeland of Ayodhya provides a special spiritual connection with the old story.
4. Fireworks and Cultural Programs: As night draws closer, breathtaking fireworks displays light up the skies over Ayodhya. Cultural events celebrating the region’s rich legacy include traditional dances, classical music and other performances that take place in addition to the fireworks.
5. Temple Visits: Ayodhya is home to many major temples such as Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi and Ram Janmabhoomi. These temples are decorated during Diwali with lights. It is magical to visit these beautiful places and Temples in Ayodhya during the festival.
What is special about Ayodhya Diwali Celebration This Year?
The grand inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was a momentous event. People are eagerly waiting for the Deepotsav this year that must be a promising and unforgettable occasion. The city will light up with LED lights, more than 25 lakh diyas decorated across various ghats as Ram ki Paidi and Naya Ghat. Special Diwali Celebration in Ayodhya can be seen through VR and social media channels. This grand festivity has surge up the demand of hotel bookings in Ayodhya and other services. If you are planning to visit Ayodhya in Diwali or nearby dates, make hotel bookings in advance as prices are also getting high with limited availability. Do not miss the chance to be part of elaborate celebrations, vibrant cultural programs and glimpses of Diwali in Ayodhya.
Food to Try During Diwali in Ayodhya
Sweets: Diwali would not be the same without eating in sweets. Ayodhya Diwali celebration includes a wide selection of regional desserts including gulab jamun, barfi and laddoos.
Ayurvedic Cuisine: In keeping with the spiritual atmosphere the city provides Ayurvedic inspired cuisine made with natural ingredients for the health conscious people.
Traditional Feasts: Delights like puri, kachori, sabzi and halwa are served at a typical Diwali feast.
Street Food Vibes: Ayodhya’s flourishing street food culture which serves everything from chaat to samosas complements the Diwali celebration.
Special Prasad: Offerings of prasad made during the Ayodhya Diwali celebration can be purchased for eating at temples providing both spiritual fulfillment and a delicious meal.
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya
While the most important celebration in Ayodhya is Diwali, October to March is a great time to visit this holy city. The weather is nice during the winter, which makes it perfect for exploring taking part in religious ceremonies. If you plan on visiting the city during Diwali, it is advised that you book lodging in advance due to the huge number of people that the city comes across during the celebration. Whatever the time you are planning to visit, do not miss to explore beautiful places in Ayodhya. Get a overwhelming experience by booking Ayodhya Holiday Packages.
How to Reach Ayodhya
Due to its excellent road, rail, and air travel connections, Ayodhya is easily reachable from all around India. This is the route that gets you to this holy city.
By Road
Road travel to Ayodhya is a great choice for anyone who like flexible travel dates and beautiful road journey. The city is easily accessible from a number of neighboring cities and has good highway connectivity. These routes are serviced by a number of state and private buses in along with taxis. Here is how to get by road from major surrounding cities to Ayodhya.
1. Delhi to Ayodhya
Delhi to Ayodhya distance is 706 km. The NH19 route which passes through Agra, Lucknow and Faizabad takes about 10 to 11 hours to reach its destination. From Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate you can take a bus, rent a private taxi or drive yourself. There are numerous rest areas and dhabas along the way and the roads are in good shape. Renting a car or booking a taxi reservation might be the best option, if comfort and flexibility are your top priorities. You can easily plan a visit with family or group with Tempo Traveller on Rent without any worry.
2. Lucknow to Ayodhya
Travelling by car or bus via NH27 takes two to three hours covering a distance roughly 135 miles. Between these two cities buses are frequently operated by both public and private companies. You can travel more comfortably and individually from Lucknow to Ayodhya by renting a car.
3. Varanasi to Ayodhya
Ayodhya is approximately 218 kilometers away from Varanasi. Traveling via NH31 and NH27 takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The route offers beautiful views of the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh as it passes through them.
4. Gorakhpur to Ayodhya
The travel time by automobile or bus from Gorakhpur to Ayodhya is approximately 3 hours, covering a distance of approximately 134.7 miles. These two cities are connected by a number of busses, and you can also book a Car on Rent with Driver for a more convenient travel.
By Train
Due to its well-connected railway station, Ayodhya hosts multiple trains that travel from all across the nation. Traveling by train to Ayodhya is not only affordable but also provides stunning views of rural India. These are four well-known trains from large cities.
| Train From | Train Name | Train Number | Departure Time & Station | Arrival Time & Station | Average Per/Person Tickets Price |
| Delhi to Ayodhya | VANDE BHARAT EXP | 22426 | 06:10 Anand Vihar Terminal | Ayodhya Cantt at 14:30 | ₹1630 |
| AYODHYA EXPRESS | 14206 | New Delhi Railway Station at 18:20 | Ayodhya Cantt at 07:15am the next day | ₹320 (Sleeper), ₹950 (3AC), ₹1355 (2AC), ₹2255 (1Ac) | |
| AMRIT BHARAT EXP | 15558 | 15:10 ANVT | 01:10 AY | ₹ 420 for sleeper Class |
By Air
If you prefer to fly, Ayodhya is conveniently located near a number of airports. Even though Ayodhya does not yet have a functional airport, you can fly to one of the surrounding cities and then take the road to get to Ayodhya. About 140 miles away in Lucknow is the closest airport to Ayodhya.
- Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO): The nearest major airport to Ayodhya is Lucknow. When you arrive in Lucknow you have two options for reaching Ayodhya is taxis or buses. It takes two to three hours to drive there. From the airport taxi fares to Ayodhya range from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.
Here is how to get to Lucknow via air from major Indian cities.
| BY AIR | DEPARTURE AIRPORT | TRAVEL DURATION | AVERAGE COST |
| Delhi to Lucknow | Indira Gandhi International Airport | 1 hour 10 minutes | ₹3,000-₹4,500 per person. |
| Mumbai to Lucknow | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport | 2 hours 15 minutes | ₹4,500-₹6,000 |
| Kolkata to Lucknow | Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport | 1 hour 45 minutes | ₹3,500-₹5,000 |
| Chennai to Lucknow | Chennai’s International Airport | 2 hours 45 minutes | ₹5,000-₹7,000 |
It will shortly become more reachable to fly to Ayodhya because of the ongoing developing of the Ayodhya Airport.
Also Read: How to Plan Mathura Vrindavan Tour from Delhi
Dharamshala in Ayodhya
There are several affordable guest houses and Dharamshalas in Ayodhya that provide suitable lodging for both tourists and pilgrims. Staying in a Dharamshala during Diwali offers a genuine experience with easy access to temples and the main joy sites. Here are some popular and reasonably priced Best Dharamshala in Ayodhya.
| Dharamashala | Location | Facilities | Average Price | Specialty |
| Ram Bhavan Dharamshala | Near Ram Janmabhoomi Temple | Clean rooms and basic amenities | ₹500-₹800 per night | Peaceful ambiance and proximity to key attractions |
| Hanuman Garhi Dharamshala | Near Hanuman Garhi Temple | Spacious rooms, vegetarian meals and ample parking space. | ₹300-₹600 per night | Ideal for pilgrims seeking a simple, spiritual stay. |
| Karsevakpuram Dharamshala | Close to Ram Janmabhoomi | Dormitory-style rooms, shared bathrooms, and basic amenities | ₹250-₹400 per night | Cheapest dharamshala in ayodhya, Popular among large groups |
| Nirmohi Akhara Dharamshala | Near Saryu River | Simple rooms, vegetarian meals and a spiritual atmosphere | ₹400-₹700 per night | Known for its historical and religious significance. |
Conclusion
In addition to being a festival, Ayodhya’s Diwali is a deeply spiritual and cultural occasion that provides a glimpse into India’s tradition. Visit Ayodhya during Deepotsav for a tour that will leave a lasting impact, full with moments of awe and spiritual meditation, for those wishing to experience the true essence of Diwali. So don’t wait much and start to plan out your tour this Diwali.
