Ayodhya nagri, Ram ki nagri, a place where faith dances on temple bells and rivers whisper ancient tales. When you think of such a place, you cannot just think of a city — you will that feel that this place is just like stories. This sacred land, birthplace of Lord Rama, pulls pilgrims and curious travellers alike into its timeless embrace. That’s why for many people, a road trip to Ayodhya is not just a road trip, it’s a drive into storytelling, belief, and festive happiness. The question, of course, is when would you want to best experience Ayodhya?
Delhi to Ayodhya Road trip: Ways to reach and distance
To plan a Delhi to Ayodhya Road trip here are certain things to know:
Delhi to Ayodhya Distance
The Distance between Delhi to Ayodhya is 714 km by road. The distance may vary slightly depending on your chosen route, but most travellers cover it within 10 to 12 hours by car. The roads are mostly smooth highways, with good pit stops along the way for food and fuel.
Reaching Ayodhya from Delhi by Road
There are mainly two comfortable ways to reach Ayodhya from Delhi by road — by bus or by car.
By Bus
Several government and private buses run daily to cover Delhi to Ayodhya distance. Most buses depart from Anand Vihar or ISBT terminals. You can choose from ordinary, sleeper or luxury AC coaches. The journey usually takes about 12 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and halts. Delhi to Ayodhya bus ticket price usually ranges from Rs 787 and goes up to Rs 4999. Booking online is recommended as it can sometimes provide offers, especially during festivals like Ram Navami and Deepotsav.
By Car
Driving to Ayodhya by car is a popular choice for families and groups. The journey through expressways is easy as they are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth and safe ride. Start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Ayodhya by evening. Most of the people hire an Innova Crysta on rent in Delhi due to its extra added comfort for this long journey.
Best Driving Routes from Delhi to Ayodhya
Here are two popular and safe routes you can choose for your road trip from Delhi to Ayodhya-
Route 1: Via Agra and Lucknow Expressway
Delhi → Agra → Lucknow → Ayodhya
Travel Time: 10–12 hours
This is the fastest as well as smoothest route. Yamuna Expressway from Delhi to Agra, then the Agra-Lucknow Expressway to reach Lucknow, and finally drive about 155 km further to Ayodhya.
Route 2: Via Kanpur and Faizabad
Delhi → Kanpur → Faizabad → Ayodhya
Distance by this route: 700 km
Travel Time: 12–13 hours
This route takes you from NH19 via Kanpur and then to Faizabad. The journey is bit longer yet some travellers prefer it for exploring local towns along the way. Roads are decent but expect more city traffic near Kanpur so just plan your trip wisely.
Major Festivals to Plan Your Ayodhya Road Trip Around
By the time of festivals, the whole city just brightens up, showing an extremely different side of Ayodhya. Now, there are normal festivals that are followed all across the country, but there are some festivals that can be best experienced in Ayodhya. Let’s see why each is worth a road trip –
Ram Navami- March/April
Ram Navami in Ayodhya is the biggest and most sacred festival, marking the birth of Lord Rama. On this day, thousands of devotees gather at Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, and Ram Janmabhoomi Temple to offer their prayers as well as to take holy dips in the Sarayu River. All across the town, you can hear kirtans with people gathering and celebrating together, air filled with devotion. If you want to experience the essence of Ayodhya, it is best to visit on Ram Navami.
Hanuman Jayanti – April
Another major festival celebrated in April is the birth of Lord Hanuman, one of the most beloved deities in Hindu mythology. Hanuman Garhi here becomes the main focus, special prayers and offerings take place. Compared to Ram Navami, it is slightly less crowded but the enthusiasm and joy among people is pretty much the same.
Tip: Parking can be tricky near temples — pre-book slots or take help from local guides.
Shravan Jhula Mela: July- August
Held in the monsoon month of Shravan, this unique festival sees the idols of Rama and Sita placed on decorated swings. Shravan Jhula Mela in Ayodhya usually begins on the third day of Shukl Paksh of Shravan Maas of the Hindu Panchang. Religious songs are enchanted and a number of cultural programs are organised at the fair. Beautiful processions, folk songs, and greenery everywhere make Ayodhya extra scenic during this time. This is one of the best times to enjoy the street food in Mela, which is utterly delicious.
Ganga Dussehra and Pran Pratishtha in Ram Mandir
On the day of Ganga Dussehra, people gather for a dip in the Sarayu river that is believed to cleanse sins. Although Ganga Aarti is held is everyday twice, yet on that day, there is some other spiritedness which is why it is a must-visit day.
Not exactly a festival, but nothing less than that – Pran Prathishta in Ram Mandir is a sacred ceremony, meaning giving life to the idol of Lord Rama in the temple. On this day, priests do special prayers and rituals to make the idol holy. After this, people believe Lord Rama lives in the temple. Many devotees come to see this special event, pray, and feel blessed and this is the time when Delhi to Ram Mandir trip is planned the most.
Deepotsav and Diwali: October/November
This is arguably Ayodhya’s most visually stunning festival. Deepotsav is a grand celebration before Diwali, where you can witness millions of diyas lit on the ghats as well as streets, breaking world records year after year. Locals and tourists gather at Ram Ki Paidi to watch the river glow under countless lamps, cultural performances and fireworks. It is truly a magical experience.
Tips Before Travelling to Ayodhya by Road
Here are some easy tips to follow before you start your road trip from Delhi to Ayodhya so that you have less things to do in last minute –
Book Early: Ayodhya is very popular especially during the times of big festivals like Ram Navami and Deepotsav. Hotels get booked quickly, so always be sure to book your stay a good few weeks before your trip so that you have a nice and comfortable stay.
Book Your Car in Advance: If you are not taking your own car, make sure to book a car on rent in Delhi well in advance. The earlier you book a vehicle the more choices you have also its saves you costs.
Check Roads and Weather: Always check the latest weather report and road conditions. This is very important if you are driving yourself during rainy days or festival time when roads can get busy or slippery.
Note Your Stops: On your trip, make a note of good places on your route to refuel, eat, and toilet breaks. This way, you won’t have to fuss at the last minute to find a good place when you are driving.
Carry Cash and your “go-pack”: Carry some cash with you because small shops or toll booths may not accept cards. Be sure to have enough water, snacks, phone charger, and a small kit with basic medicines.
By taking these simple steps, your travel to Ayodhya will be safe and smooth, and comfortable for you and your family. A little planning before you leave can help you with the whole travelling experience to ease your worries and stress on your trip.
Final Words
Planning a Trip to Ram Nagri is not a very big task, it is just all about visiting at right time. But now that you have most of the information and know the best route, you can simply plan your Delhi to Ayodhya trip now. This Ramnagri is more than just any place — it is like a timeless story that welcomes you with open arms, chants, and flickering diyas. To see its true soul, plan your road trip around one of its grand festivals.
