Imagine watching Ravan Dahan in the same city where Lord Ram was born. That is what a Dussehra trip to Ayodhya feels like. Since the Ram Mandir opened, Ayodhya has become one of the most loved pilgrim cities in India. And from Delhi, it is an easy trip by car, train or flight.
In this guide, we cover everything in simple words: the Delhi to Ayodhya distance, the best route, travel options, where to stay, and how to enjoy Dussehra 2026 in Ayodhya without stress.
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October. It comes right after the nine nights of Sharad Navratri. The Vijay Muhurat in Delhi is roughly 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, as per published panchang timings. Timings can shift a few minutes by city, so check a local panchang.
Since Dussehra is on a Tuesday, the smartest plan is to take Monday 19 October off. That gives you a four-day break from Saturday 17 to Tuesday 20 October.
What is the Delhi to Ayodhya distance?
The Delhi to Ayodhya distance is about 630 to 690 km by road, depending on the route you take. By air, the straight-line distance is roughly 550 km.
| Mode | Distance (approx.) | Travel time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Car via Yamuna + Agra–Lucknow Expressway | 680 km | 9 to 11 hours |
| Car via Moradabad–Bareilly–Lucknow | 640 km | 11 to 12 hours |
| Train (Vande Bharat) | about 630 km of track | 8 to 8.5 hours |
| Overnight trains | about 630 km of track | 10 to 14 hours |
| Flight | about 550 km by air | 1 hour 15 min to 1 hour 30 min |
| Bus (UPSRTC/private Volvo) | 650 km | 12 to 14 hours |
These numbers are approximate. Traffic, stops and festival rush can add time.
What is the best route from Delhi to Ayodhya by road?
The most popular and comfortable route is the expressway route:
- Delhi → Noida → Yamuna Expressway → Agra (about 200 km)
- Agra → Agra–Lucknow Expressway → Lucknow (about 300 km)
- Lucknow → NH-27 → Ayodhya (about 135 km)
This route is smooth, wide and well-maintained. You will find food courts, washrooms and fuel stations along the expressways. Most people finish the drive in one long day. You can also make this trip luxurious and extra comfortable with booking luxury tempo traveller on rent from Delhi.
Toll tip: Expect total tolls of roughly ₹1,300 to ₹1,600 one way for a car. Keep your FASTag recharged, because festival queues at cash lanes can be long.
Alternative route: Delhi → Ghaziabad → Moradabad → Bareilly → Shahjahanpur → Lucknow → Ayodhya. It is slightly shorter in km but has more towns and traffic, so it usually takes longer.
Where should I stop on the Delhi to Ayodhya road trip?
If you do not want a 10-hour drive in one go, break the trip:
- Agra: See the Taj Mahal early morning, then continue.
- Lucknow: Stay overnight, eat Tunday kebabs or Awadhi biryani, and drive 2.5 to 3 hours to Ayodhya the next morning.
A two-day drive is more relaxed, especially with kids or elderly parents.
How to go from Delhi to Ayodhya by train?
Train is the most budget-friendly way for most families.
- Vande Bharat Express runs between Anand Vihar Terminal and Ayodhya Dham Junction. It is the fastest train, at around 8 to 8.5 hours.
- Several overnight trains run from New Delhi, Old Delhi and Anand Vihar to Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt (earlier called Faizabad Junction).
Booking tip: Dussehra and Diwali are peak season. Book on IRCTC as soon as booking opens, which is 60 days before travel under current rules. For 20 October travel, that window is already open, so do not wait. Also look for Navratri and festival special trains.
Is there a direct flight from Delhi to Ayodhya?
Yes. Ayodhya has its own airport, Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham. Direct flights from Delhi take about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Check IndiGo and Air India Express for current schedules.
The airport is roughly 10 km from Ram Mandir, so you can reach your hotel within 30 minutes. Fares jump during festival weeks, so book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
How to celebrate Dussehra in Ayodhya?
Dussehra in Ayodhya is special because this is Lord Ram’s own city. Here is what you can enjoy:
- Ramlila shows: During Navratri, many stages across the city perform Ramlila every evening. The final days show Ram’s victory over Ravan.
- Ravan Dahan: On Dussehra evening, giant Ravan effigies are burnt at open grounds. Ask your hotel for the main venue that year, as it can change.
- Saryu Aarti: The evening aarti at the Saryu river ghats is peaceful and beautiful. Reach 30 minutes early for a good spot.
- Ram Ki Paidi: A long line of ghats on the Saryu, lit up at night. Great for photos and a calm walk.
- Shobha Yatras: Colourful processions with tableaux of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman move through the old city.
What are the Ram Mandir darshan timings?
Ram Mandir is usually open from early morning (around 6:30 AM) till night (around 9:30 PM), with a short break in the afternoon. Ram Mandir Darshan Timings and aarti passes can change during festivals, so always check the official Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra website before you go.
Simple tips for a smooth darshan:
- Darshan is free. Aarti passes, when available, are booked online.
- Mobile phones, bags, belts and electronics are not allowed inside. Use the free locker facility near the entry.
- Go early in the morning on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Wear comfortable footwear. There is a fair amount of walking.
What are the best places to visit in Ayodhya?
Apart from Ram Mandir, do not miss these:
- Hanuman Garhi: A hilltop Hanuman temple. Tradition says you visit Hanuman ji first before Ram Lalla.
- Kanak Bhawan: A beautiful temple said to be gifted to Sita ji by Kaikeyi.
- Dashrath Mahal: The royal palace of King Dashrath, full of bhajans and devotion.
- Ram Ki Paidi and Naya Ghat: Best for evening aarti and boat rides.
- Guptar Ghat: A quieter ghat, believed to be where Lord Ram took jal samadhi.
- Nageshwarnath Temple: An old Shiva temple near Ram Ki Paidi.
- Lata Mangeshkar Chowk: A giant veena statue, popular for evening photos.
Two full days are enough to cover these places comfortably. If you have spare time in hand, you can extend your trip to Varanasi, Prayagraj and Chitrakoot from Ayodhya.
Where to stay in Ayodhya during Dussehra?
Ayodhya now has many new hotels, homestays and dharamshalas. Your options:
- Budget (₹800 to ₹2,000 a night): Dharamshalas and simple guest houses near Ram Path.
- Mid-range (₹2,500 to ₹6,000 a night): New hotels on the Faizabad side and near the highway.
- Tent city and homestays: Often set up for big festivals. Good for a local feel.
Book early. Rooms near the temple fill up quickly around Dussehra, and even faster around Deepotsav on Diwali eve.
How much does a Delhi to Ayodhya trip cost?
Here is a rough budget per person for a 3-day trip:
| Expense | Budget trip | Comfortable trip |
|---|---|---|
| Travel (return) | ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 (train sleeper/3AC) | ₹8,000 to ₹14,000 (flight) |
| Stay (2 nights) | ₹1,600 to ₹4,000 | ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 |
| Food | ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 |
| Local travel | ₹500 to ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 |
| Total | ₹4,600 to ₹9,500 | ₹18,000 to ₹33,000 |
Prices are estimates and rise in festival weeks.
What is the weather in Ayodhya in October?
October is one of the best months to visit. Days are warm (about 30 to 32°C) and nights are pleasant (about 18 to 20°C). Carry light cotton clothes and a thin shawl for evenings by the river.
Suggested Read: Dev Deepawali Celebration in Varanasi
A simple 3-day Delhi to Ayodhya itinerary for Dussehra
Day 1 (Sunday 18 Oct): Leave Delhi early morning by car or take the Vande Bharat. Reach by evening. Attend Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi.
Day 2 (Monday 19 Oct): Early Ram Mandir darshan. Visit Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and Dashrath Mahal. Watch Ramlila at night.
Day 3 (Tuesday 20 Oct, Dussehra): Visit Guptar Ghat in the morning. Join the Shobha Yatra and watch Ravan Dahan in the evening. Return the next day.
Useful tips for Dussehra in Ayodhya
- Carry a valid ID. It may be checked at hotels and security points.
- Keep some cash. Small shops and e-rickshaws may not always take UPI when networks are busy.
- E-rickshaws are the easiest way to move around the old city.
- Eat at small local dhabas for kachori, jalebi and peda.
- Respect the rules at religious places and dress modestly.
Bonus: If you love lights, come back for Ayodhya Deepotsav on Choti Diwali (7 November 2026), when lakhs of diyas light up the Saryu ghats.
FAQs
Is tempo traveller suitable for Delhi to Ayodhya road trip?
The Delhi to Ayodhya distance by road is about 630 to 690 km. The expressway route via Agra and Lucknow is the most popular and takes 9 to 11 hours. You can leave Delhi NCR early morning to avoid peak hours traffic and cover the trip in defined hours. Tempo Travellers seating is very comfortable and good to do the road trip.
Which is the fastest way to reach Ayodhya from Delhi?
A direct flight is the fastest, at about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. The Vande Bharat Express is the fastest train option at around 8 hours.
Is Ayodhya crowded on Dussehra?
Yes, it is busy, especially near Ram Mandir and the ghats. Go early in the morning for darshan and book your hotel in advance.
How many days are enough for Ayodhya?
Two to three days are enough to see the main temples, ghats and Dussehra celebrations.
Can I carry my phone inside Ram Mandir?
No. Phones and electronics are not allowed inside. Use the locker facility outside.
Ayodhya on Dussehra is more than a trip. It is a feeling. Plan early, travel light, and let the city of Ram give you a festival you will remember for years.