Planning a visit to Ram Mandir in Ayodhya? This guide explains how Sugam Darshan, VIP Darshan and Aarti Passes work, what documents you may need, the best time for a peaceful darshan, and other important places to visit in Ayodhya. It also covers nearby cities you can explore during your trip, especially around Diwali.

Ayodhya draws crowds mainly for the Ram Mandir and its ties to the Ramayana, and that is reason enough to visit. But it also turns out to be a decent base for exploring a handful of nearby cities, each pulling you in for a different reason. Here are eight best places to visit near Ayodhya.