Where to stay in Ayodhya
From free dharamshalas a five-minute walk from the temple to newly opened branded hotels - here is every option, with direct booking links and the right booking window for each peak festival.
Pick your budget
Dharamshalas
Free or donation-based pilgrim rest houses, mostly within walking distance of the Ram Mandir. No online booking - walk in on arrival, or call ahead during festival weeks. Note that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra owns no hotel or dharamshala; ignore listings claiming to be "Trust-run". The Trust publishes its own convenience list of hotels and dharamshalas at srjbtkshetra.org/accommodation.
Birla Dharamshala
DonationLarge, well-maintained. Near Ramkot. Accepts families and solo pilgrims.
Kanak Bhawan Dharamshala
FreeTrust-managed. Steps from the Kanak Bhawan temple. Books out fast on festivals.
Bhakti Bhavan
₹100 - ₹300Community-run. Quiet, clean, family-friendly.
Jain Dharamshala
Free / DonationOpen to all pilgrims. Clean dormitory and private rooms.
Festival weeks fill fast. Arrive early or contact the dharamshala office a week ahead. Kanak Bhawan and Birla are the most reliable for first-time visitors.
Hotels open now
Branded hotels that are currently operational in Ayodhya, including the city's first premium property (opened June 2026). Book direct or via MakeMyTrip, Booking.com, or Agoda.
Ayodhyām, Ayodhya - IHCL SeleQtions
Opened June 2026: 162 keys, outdoor pool, gym, Divyam restaurant with sattvic and regional menus, curated aarti and Sarayu trails. The first premium IHCL property in the city.
Park Inn by Radisson
First international brand to open in Ayodhya (Feb 2024). Pool, gym, multi-cuisine restaurant.
Clarks Inn Express
Well-located near the city centre. Comfortable rooms, on-site restaurant.
Country Inn Anant
Opened Sep 2024. Best choice if arriving by flight. Modern rooms.
Premium hotels: coming soon
Several major chains have signed properties in Ayodhya. The 300-key Taj Ayodhya (with 29 villas, near the Lucknow highway) is expected to open in 2026; an opening date has not been announced. The branded hotels listed above are open now.
| Hotel | Brand | Rooms | Expected open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taj Ayodhya | Taj / IHCL | 300 | 2026 (date TBA) |
| Vivanta Ayodhya | Vivanta / IHCL | - | TBC |
| Ginger Ayodhya | Ginger / IHCL | 120 | TBC |
| Radisson Blu | Radisson | 150 | TBC |
| Lemon Tree Premier | Lemon Tree | 300 | TBC |
| Lemon Tree Hotel, Civil Lines | Lemon Tree | 80 | FY 2028 |
Faizabad: the smart fallback
Faizabad is Ayodhya's twin city, just 6 km away and 15 to 20 minutes by auto or cab. It has a larger and older hotel inventory at consistently lower rates. When Ayodhya sells out during Ram Navami or Deepotsav - which it does - Faizabad is the go-to backup. You lose nothing except a short ride each morning.
When to book
Deepotsav (Diwali)
Ram Navami Mela
Pratishtha Dwadashi (anniversary)
Vivah Panchami
Dharamshalas usually have walk-in availability except on the festival day itself. Train and flight tickets for these dates sell out 1 to 2 months ahead - book accommodation and transport together.
What to pack
For transport options - airport, railway, road, and local - see How to reach Ayodhya. For the best months to visit, see Best time to visit.