Ayodhya Will Welcome 5 Lakh Visitors: Hotels and Lodges Fully Booked, Daily Rates Soar to Rs.35,000!

On December 6, 1992, the atmosphere in Ayodhya was charged with the spirit of Ram. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad had declared the Karseva. Thousands of people immersed in the fervor of Karseva had gathered in the Ram Katha Park. The crowd of Karsevaks turned aggressive, breaking the controversial structure. This event marked the most significant incident in the country at that time, covered by journalists from across the nation and beyond. At a distance of 6 kilometers from the Ram Janmabhoomi, a makeshift base was set up at the Shan-e-Avadh hotel.

Shan-e-Avadh Hotel: Witness to Decades of Change

Built in 1986, Shan-e-Avadh Hotel is the oldest in Ayodhya. After 31 years, it underwent renovations to meet modern standards. On January 22, the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla took place in Ayodhya. Due to this, hotels and dharamshalas in Ayodhya saw a surge in bookings, including those situated near the Ram Janmabhoomi.

Ayodhya Guide Series: Exploring the Essence of Ayodhya

This is the third story in the Ayodhya Guide series, focusing on the significance and uniqueness of Ayodhya. It delves into the details of how devotees can reach Ayodhya for the darshan of Ram Lalla and the arrangements made for their stay. The story also provides insights into places to visit beyond the Ram temple and affordable options for accommodation and food.

Anticipated Influx of Devotees: Booking Frenzy in Ayodhya

With an estimated five lakh people expected to arrive, the Temple Trust speculates that around two lakh devotees can visit the Ram Janmabhoomi daily. Hotels are booked, and plans are underway to open 500 homestays before January 22. Ayodhya boasts 15 luxury hotels, with room rates ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹35,000 in prominent establishments like Shan-e-Avadh, Park Inn, Ramayana, Radison, Panchsheel, Kohinoor, Royal Heritage, Trimurti, and Avadh Sun Shine.

Budget Worries? Affordable Accommodation Starting at Rs.100

For devotees coming from different parts of the country and abroad, arrangements have been made for their stay in Ayodhya. Regional Tourism Officer A.P. Yadav states, “For Ayodhya-bound devotees, there are arrangements for 175 hotels and dharamshalas. Travelers can stay here for days, whether in luxury or on a budget.”

Growing Business: 51 New Hotels in Two Years

According to the Ayodhya Tourism Department, in one year, more than 500 homestays have been developed in Ramnagari. One condition is that any homeowner can convert up to five rooms into a homestay. The increase in homestays is expected to ease the pressure on hotels and dharamshalas in Ayodhya.

Shan-e-Avadh Hotel Witnessing 80% Booking

The hotel Shan-e-Avadh, operational since 1986, has witnessed the Ram Mandir movement. The owner, Sharad Kapoor, reveals, “Here, 80% of the rooms have already been booked. Ayodhya’s hotel sector is bustling with activity, with bookings happening almost every day.”

Free Meals in Ram Path, Bhakti Path, and Janmabhoomi Path Dharamshalas

Devotees arriving in Ayodhya have numerous places across the city offering free meals and breakfast arrangements. Dharamshalas on Ram Path, Bhakti Path, and Janmabhoomi Path will provide free meals to arriving devotees. For this, devotees will be required to show their Aadhar cards, indicating their hometown.

Culinary Delights and Spiritual Journeys in Ayodhya

In the city, chains of restaurants such as Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Ora Food, Evergreen Restaurant, and Ramprastha have opened around the Ram Lalla Temple. Due to the high influx of devotees, liquor shops are closed here.

Helicopter Service from Varanasi to Ayodhya Starting February

Cruise boats and helicopter services are being prepared in Ayodhya, starting from Varanasi. Regional Tourism Officer Rajendra Pratap Yadav states, “Connectivity with helicopters between Varanasi and Ayodhya is actively being discussed with many companies.”

According to Rajendra Pratap Yadav, the project to operate cruise boats on the Sarayu River is currently on hold. Repair and beautification work is ongoing at Guptaar Ghat, and soon, the Guptaar Ghat cruise will also be launched along with the Alaknanda cruise on the Sarayu River.

Explore Ayodhya at These 10 Must-Visit Places

Ayodhya is adorned everywhere, from homes to shops, in a single color. Streets leading to the Ram Lalla Temple are decorated with images of deities. While Ayodhya is rich in tales associated with Lord Rama, these 10 places hold distinct significance.

The Golden Palace – Kanak Bhavan

Kanak Bhavan, known as the golden home, is considered Lord Rama and Sita’s residence after their wedding. Lord Rama spent six months here with Sita. The courtyard of Kanak Bhavan is filled with continuous devotional songs. Idols inside depict Rama and Sita seated together, all made of golden material.

Hanuman Garhi Temple – Ayodhya’s Tallest Temple

Hanuman Garhi Temple is the tallest temple in Ayodhya. Climbing 76 stairs is required to reach here. Along with the idol of Lord Rama, Hanumanji and his mother Anjani’s statues are also installed here.

Unique Aspects of Hanuman Garhi Temple and Its Devotees

Priest Ashish Das of Hanuman Garhi Temple mentions that people come here first. Anyone receiving Hanumanji’s permission can then proceed to see Lord Rama’s darshan. On Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti, over 5 million people come here for darshan.

The Path of Devotion and Birthplace Path to Reach the Ram Lalla Temple

To reach the Ram Lalla Temple, the paths of devotion and birthplace are being constructed. These roads cover the entire area, with Dashrath Mahal at the end. Dashrath Mahal showcases the childhood of Lord Rama, who spent his early years in this palace.

Nageshwarnath Temple – Built by Lord Rama’s Son Kusha

The construction of the Nageshwarnath Temple on the banks of the Sarayu River is attributed to Lord Rama’s son Kusha. Legend has it that Kusha bathed in the Sarayu and found a serpent bracelet. He fell in love with a Nagakanya, and the temple was built in her honor.

Kalaram Temple – A Symbol of Lord Rama’s Veneration

Also known as Kaleram Temple, it is recognized as a place where Lord Rama performed the Ashwamedha Yajna. It was constructed by the king of Kulu during the reign of King Vikramaditya. The carvings in black stone here belong to the era of King Vikramaditya.

Birla Mandir – A Blend of Ayodhya and Faizabad

Birla Mandir is located on the Ayodhya-Faizabad road. The main route to the Ram Lalla Temple passes in front of this temple. Birla Mandir is built in red and yellow Nagar style. It houses idols of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. The Birla Dharmashala, built in 1965, is adjacent to the temple.

Tulsi Memorial Building – Dedicated to Saint Tulsidas

This building is dedicated to Saint Goswami Tulsidas. Conferences and religious lectures are held here daily. The Ayodhya Research Institute, where Tulsidas’s compositions are present, is also located here. Daily Ram Lila and recitations of Ramayana occur at this location.