Ayodhya

Ayodhya (Hindustani: [əˈjoːdʱːjaː] (listen); IAST: Ayodhyā) is a city on the banks of holy river Saryu in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of the Ayodhya district as well as the Ayodhya division of Uttar Pradesh, India. It shares a municipal corporation with its neighbouring twin city of Faizabad. The Ramayana tells that Raam, a god of Hindus, was born in Ayodhya. Ayodhya is on the bank of the Sarayu River. The city is about five kilometers east of Faizabad, another important city of Uttar Pradesh.

Ayodhya
City
Clockwise from the top: Ram ki Paidi Ghat, Ayodhya Ghaat on the Saryu river, Kanak Bhawan Temple, Vijayraghav Mandir in Ayodhya
Ayodhya Show map of Uttar Pradesh Ayodhya Show map of India
Coordinates: 26.80°N 82.20°E / 26.80; 82.20
Country	India
State	Uttar Pradesh
District	Ayodhya
Government
• Type	Mayor–Council
• Body	Ayodhya Municipal Corporation
• Mayor	Rishikesh Upadhyay, BJP
Area
• Total	79.8 km2 (30.8 sq mi)
Elevation	93 m (305 ft)
Population  (2011[1])
• Total	55,890
• Density	700/km2 (1,800/sq mi)
Language
• Official	Hindi[2]
• Additional official	Urdu[2]
• Regional	Awadhi[3]
Time zone	UTC+05:30 (IST)
PIN	224001
Telephone code	05278
Vehicle registration	UP-42
Website	ayodhya.nic.in

The Ramayana tells that Ayodhya was the capital city of Raam’s kingdom. Raam was a form (an avatar) of Vishnu. Ayodhya is one of the seven most holy cities of Hindus.

Today, Ayodhya is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists who come to visit the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and other historical sites associated with Lord Rama. The city is also known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several ancient temples, shrines, and other historical monuments. You can hire a car driver for outstation to explore the culture of lord Ram.^[4]