As Ayodhya prepares itself to cater to spiritual travellers with more comfort and luxury, the holy city is becoming a more dynamic and cost-effective option for business travellers and wedding groups, offering diverse, serene, and less-explored alternatives around the city.
Located on the banks of the Sarayu River, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is widely known as the birthplace of Lord Ram and has been a place of worship for centuries, attracting pilgrims and spiritual travellers from across the country. However, over time, the holy city has moved beyond its traditional sacred image into a modern town that keeps pace with the new generation. From a laid-back place to a fast-paced, destination, the city now has so much to offer, right from picturesque, clean lanes alongside wall murals depicting famous kaands from the Ramayana to the aesthetically designed restaurants and upgraded hotels. Now, Ayodhya is no longer just a junction where people come only for spiritual awakening, but also a destination for corporate travellers, destination weddings, and influencers.
While the Ram Mandir remains the centre of attraction, the nagri of Ram is paving the way for a richer experience, catering to every traveller seeking a valuable, meaningful, and unforgettable vacation. The city hums with the buzz of growing number of restaurants, with each eatery opening a doorway to a different cuisine. Whether you crave the rich flavours of Indian thalis, the comfort of continental fare, or the delicacy of Asian cuisine, Ayodhya answers with a chorus of options.
Rise Of Luxury Hotels
As Ayodhya is advancing towards making itself more accessible to travellers, the State government and the city’s administration are welcoming big brands to introduce accommodations that not only bring comfort but also offer luxury.
While the city already has a diverse range of properties, from modest lodgings to dharmshalas, upcoming five-star abodes by ITC and IHCL SeleQtions will add another dimension to the city’s inventory. Properties such as Ayodhyam, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions, along with upscale four-star options like Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya and The Ramayana Hotel, are not just broadening the city’s appeal beyond spiritual travellers but also cementing it as a promising destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), and wedding groups.
New Gem For Corporate Travellers
Corporates looking for retreats for medium-sized groups can add ram nagri to their list of potential destinations. One of the biggest reasons to consider this city for business travel is its cost-effectiveness. In addition, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched various initiatives and schemes to support MICE and wedding planners and has given them access to numerous subsidies, making the city an even more attractive choice for organising events.
Within Ayodhya, there are several scenic parks and cultural gardens such as Ramkatha Park, Tulsi Udyan, and Queen Hu Memorial (Korea Park) that attract business travellers. However, MICE planners can also include tourist attractions beyond Ayodhya in their itineraries, such as The Tikri Reserved Forest near Mankapur, Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Chhapaiya, and Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary near Gonda district.
Places To Visit Within Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi
Among Ayodhya’s most venerated temples is Hanuman Garhi, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and traditionally regarded as the place from which he protected the city. Devotees often begin their pilgrimage here, offering prayers to Lord Hanuman before proceeding to the Ram Mandir.
Kanak Bhawan
Kanak Bhawan is dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. Admired for its splendid architecture, it is traditionally believed to have been gifted to Goddess Sita by Queen Kaikeyi (Mother-in-law) as a token of affection following her marriage to Lord Ram.
Nageshwarnath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Nageshwarnath Temple is revered as one of Ayodhya’s oldest sanctuaries. According to legend, it was established by Kush, the son of Lord Ram, and continues to attract devotees throughout the year.
Treta Ke Thakur
Treta Ke Thakur, an ancient temple associated with the Ashwamedha Yajna performed by Lord Ram, houses within its sanctum striking black sandstone idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughna.
Tulsi Bhawan
Tulsi Bhawan, closely associated with Goswami Tulsidas, who composed Ramcharitmanas, stands as a vibrant center of cultural and spiritual life. It regularly hosts Ramayana recitations, devotional assemblies, and diverse religious programmes that continue to honour and sustain Tulsidas’s enduring legacy.
Ramkatha Park
Set along the serene banks of the Saryu River, Ramkatha Park is a prominent cultural landmark in Ayodhya. It regularly hosts artistic performances that celebrate and preserve the timeless legacy of Lord Ram.
Unlimited Local Delicacies
Any trip to Ayodhya is incomplete without tasting the local flavours around the temple and Kanak Bhawan. Start your day with fresh dahi jalebi and matar ki tikki (crispy pea patties) as a starter, then move towards breakfast with perennial favourites such as piping hot bedmi puri paired with aloo ki sabzi (spiced potato curry) and golden dal kachori. Traditional sweets like khurchan malai peda, rich rabri, delicate laung lata, and the city’s renowned besan laddoo leave an unforgettable taste of Ayodhya on your palate and create lasting memories, making you to come back again and again.
