North India is steeped in heritage and offers spiritual experiences like no other place. Among its most famous destinations are Varanasi and Ayodhya, two cities that hold a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees. Varanasi is famous for its ghats and the river Ganges and is a world-famous hub of ancient rituals and learning. As we all know, Ayodhya is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama. From the ages, he has been a symbol of ethical and moral values. A Varanasi to Ayodhya Road Trip will not only give you a taste of their cultural richness but also take you through the different landscapes and towns of Uttar Pradesh to make your trip full of surprises. Here in this guide, find detailed information on Varanasi to Ayodhya distance, route and travel time.
Varanasi to Ayodhya Distance
The Varanasi to Ayodhya distance by road ranges between 219 and 232 kilometers but of course it mostly depends on the route and breaks you take. This journey typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. Out of the three routes the most preferred route is via NH 731 and NH 330. The reason is its well-maintained roads and direct connectivity. Another option is Purvanchal Expressway which is longer but smoother. You will see rural landscapes and a few towns on the way. Whether you are driving yourself or renting a Tempo Traveller in Varanasi for group tours, it’s always recommended to check live traffic updates to make your journey smooth.
What is the Best Time to Visit Ayodhya?
The best time to visit Ayodhya is from October to March because this time you can find weather pretty mild and pleasant. Daytime temperatures are comfortable between 10°C to 25°C which is perfect for outdoor activities. Summers from April to June can be very hot with temperatures rising above 40°C which makes sightseeing difficult. Monsoons from July to September bring moderate to heavy rainfall which can cause roadblocks or disruptions because of floods in some areas. Winter also coincides with festivals like Ram Navami and Diwali which are celebrated with great fervour in Ayodhya so you get to see the city at its cultural best.
How to Reach Ayodhya from Varanasi?
The first stage of road trip planning involves choosing the right mode of transport. Let’s see the options to reach Ayodhya from Varanasi:
By Road
Travelling from Varanasi to Ayodhya by car, bus, taxi, tempo traveller or bike gives you the freedom to enjoy the scenic route at your own pace. There are three popular routes from Varanasi to Ayodhya:
Route 1 (Via NH 731 and NH 330)
This is the shortest and most popular route which is 219 km that can be covered in 4-5 hours. It’s well-maintained and passes through Jaunpur and Sultanpur. Either you can drive your own vehicle, if not then you can Rent an SUV. This route is best for you as you can enjoy the mix of straight highways and scenic diversions. There are many roadside dhabas to take a quick break.
Route 2 (Via NH 31 and Purvanchal Expressway)
Purvanchal Expressway ensures smooth and fast travel for 232 km in 5 hours. This route is best for group travellers especially those who like the expressway with good infrastructure, roads and facilities. But some connecting roads need extra care on the way.
Route 3 (Via NH 135A)
This route is the less frequently travelled with a distance of 230 km that can be covered in 5 hours. It passes through rural areas and has scenic views of fields. It is a good option for you if you want to travel on quiet roads, but please check the condition of this route before you start.
By Train
If you want to travel without stucking into the traffic then taking the train from Varanasi to Ayodhya is a good option. Several trains connect the two cities and offer comfort and affordability. (13151) Jammu Tawi Express takes 3 hours 30 minutes and is punctual. (13307) Ganga Sutlej Express takes 4 hours and is a slow option (13009) Doon Express takes 3 hours 30 minutes and has comfortable seating.
By Air
There is an airport in Ayodhya, but till date there is no direct flights between Ayodhya and Varanasi. You can fly from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi to Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport which takes 1 hour. The road journey from Lucknow to Ayodhya takes 2 hours so this is a good option if you are on very tight schedules.
By Bus
You can find both government and private operator buses with regular AC and non-AC buses. The journey takes 5-6 hours depending on traffic. If you are looking for some extra comfort then you can choose luxury buses with reclining seats in which onboard entertainment is also available. One more option is to choose a Bus Rental Service which can be both a convenient and budget-friendly choice for groups.
Some Famous Places to Visit on the Route
Jaunpur
Jaunpur is famous for its unique bridges and mosques which are a reflection of the medieval heritage of the region. The Shahi Bridge built by Munim Khan in the 16th century is a wonder of Indo-Islamic architecture. Do you know what makes this bridge special? The small temple which is built at one end symbolizes communal harmony in its construction.
Badlapur
Known for its local fairs and handicrafts, Badlapur is a window to rural Uttar Pradesh’s culture. One special thing about this town is its traditional pottery workshops where artisans create beautiful terracotta items. If you are a craft lover then you can visit these workshops.
Sultanpur
The town hosts the Victoria Manzil which is a colonial-era building with intricate architecture. Sultanpur is also famous for its agricultural research stations which focus on organic farming. This can be the perfect destination for eco-tourists.
Dostpur Wildlife Sanctuary
A hidden treasure for nature lovers, this sanctuary is not so well known but full of biodiversity. Visitors can spot rare birds, especially during the migratory season. It has a small natural lake along with diverse flora and fauna which makes this place perfect for wildlife photography.
Kurebhar Dam
It’s not just a picnic spot, it’s a lifeline for local farmers who depend on its water for irrigation. Also, an unofficial bird-watching site, cranes and herons flock here. Travellers can relax and learn about its agricultural importance.
Popular Places to Eat on the Route
- Tadka Restaurant & Banquet, Jaunpur
- Red Chilli Restaurant, Jaunpur
- Raj Ratan Restaurant, Faizabad
- Sundae Restaurant, Sultanpur
Where to Stay in Ayodhya?
From budget-friendly hotels to traditional Dharamshala in Ayodhya, visitors can find comfortable stays that cater to all needs while maintaining the city’s sacred charm. Here is the curated list of places to stay in Ayodhya.
Hotel Sahu Inn
Address – Rajarshi Dashrath Medical College, Darshan Nagar Kushmaha, Road, near CMO Office, Darshan Nagar, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Contact – 070529 35132
Taraji Resort Hotel
Address – National Highway-27, bypass, near Deokali, chauraha, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh 224001
Contact – 073111 60000
AP Palace Hotel
Address – Fatehganj Devkali Rd, near Indian Bank, Badi, Adarsh Puram, Ayodhya, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh
Contact – 094506 58871
The Ramayana Hotel
Address – Booth No 4, Shahnewazpur Manjha, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh 224135
Contact – 063869 01835
3 Days Itinerary from Varanasi to Ayodhya
A Varanasi to Ayodhya tour package is a spiritual and cultural experience of India. With one day in Varanasi and two days in Ayodhya, this itinerary gives you the best of both the destinations.
Day 1: Varanasi
You can start your day with Sunrise boat ride over the Ganges followed by visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Enjoy local food and shopping at famous markets of Varanasi. After lunch take a short trip to Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. After 3 hours trip, return to the city and witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Day 2: Varanasi to Ayodhya by Road
Depart from Varanasi early and take a drive by road for 4-5 hours on NH 731. On arrival, start your day with visit to Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Then visit Hanuman Garhi and all other famous places to visit in Ayodhya. Spend the evening by the Sarayu River at Guptar Ghat and relax and enjoy the Aarti ceremony and diya lighting. Overnight in Ayodhya.
Day 3: Ayodhya
Start your day with Kanak Bhawan a beautiful temple with a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Then visit Nageshwarnath Temple a sacred place for devotees. Spend some time in the local market and shop for souvenirs and traditional items. By late afternoon, trip will return to Varanasi.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Ayodhya
While you are planning a trip to Ayodhya for 1 or 2 days, do not miss to explore these famous places.
- Ram Mandir
- Hanuman Garhi
- Kanak Bhawan
- Nageshwarnath Temple
- Guptar Ghat
- Ram Ki Paidi
- Moti Mahal
Concluding Thoughts
Whatever is your travel mode between Ayodhya and Varanasi, you will get memorable experience on this trip. A road trip is best to plan instant trips for same day tour, business trip or festive tour. Pack your bag and get on a wonderful road trip from Varanasi to the famous religious places easily with our detailed travel guide.
