8 Best Places to Visit near Ayodhya
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.
1. Mathura
Mathura is where Krishna was born, and it is one of the better side trips from Ayodhya. Between the temples, the ghats along the Yamuna, and the general atmosphere of the place, it feels different from the moment you arrive. The distance is a bit much, though, so a lot of people just book an Ayodhya to Mathura taxi and let someone else handle the driving.
2. Lucknow
Lucknow still carries its old Nawabi charm, and between the food, the markets, and places like Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza, a single day here goes by fast. Hazratganj is worth wandering through too if you are not in a rush. It also happens to work well as a stop if you are headed further into the state anyway.
3. Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot comes up a lot in the Ramayana, since Rama, Sita, and Lakshman are believed to have spent part of their exile here. The Mandakini River, Kamadgiri Hill, and Hanuman Dhara are what most visitors come for. It is green and calm, which makes for a nice change if you have just come from somewhere more crowded.
4. Prayagraj
Prayagraj used to be called Allahabad, and it sits where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the somewhat mythical Saraswati are said to meet. The Kumbh Mela grounds are here, along with Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhavan, so there is enough to fill a day. If you are only staying a night, an Ayodhya to Prayagraj cab saves you the hassle of figuring out buses or train connections.
5. Naimisharanya
Naimisharanya is less known because it is believed that it was at this place that many ancient texts were first recited. It has a more peaceful atmosphere compared to other cities from this list. Chakra Tirtha and Vyas Gaddi are two sites that most people visit during a brief stay here.
6. Varanasi
Varanasi is genuinely one of the oldest cities still standing anywhere, and it is one of the most visited places near Ayodhya. Walking along the ghats, catching the Ganga Aarti in the evening, or getting lost in the old city lanes gives an experience you will not find elsewhere. Since it is a longer drive, families or groups often go with an Ayodhya to Varanasi taxi service instead of switching vehicles partway through.
7. Shravasti
Shravasti relates to the history of Buddhism since Lord Buddha is believed to have spent a significant amount of time at this place. This town has remnants of old monasteries and stupas, making it a place worth visiting for those interested in the historical period. Shravasti is relatively quiet compared to the other towns mentioned here.
8. Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur is more famous for its Gorakhnath Temple, which has immense importance for the devotees of the Nath sect. Other than that, the town is quite small and can be covered up in a single day easily. It also serves as a good place if you are travelling further to the Nepal border area.
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