Discover Faizabad: Riverfront and Heritage

Faizabad lies on the banks of the Ghaghara. When planning your trip, it is helpful to make a clear distinction: Raja Mandir is a popular temple in Faizabad; Ram Ki Paidi and Nageshwar Nath Temple are in Ayodhya.

Faizabad and its historic surroundings

Faizabad’s history is linked to Sadat Khan. He founded the town and was the second Nawab of Awadh; his tenure is given as spanning the years 1722 to 1739. Located on the Ghaghara, Faizabad has its own connection to the river. Raja Mandir is a popular temple in Faizabad, making it another religious site to consider when planning a trip.

Nearby is Gulab Bari, a rose garden with the tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. The tomb stands at the center of a Charbagh garden, whose design includes fountains and shallow water channels. Various rose varieties add to the garden. The enclosed grounds also include a mosque, the Shahi Hammam, a Baradari, and a well. During the Nawab’s reign, Gulab Bari was used for significant religious events; this describes its historical use, not a claim about events today.

Moti Mahal and the tomb of Bahu Begum are also nearby. Moti Mahal was the home of Bahu Begum, the wife of Shuja-ud-Daula; her tomb is in Jawaharbagh. Chakra Harji Vishnu Temple is known for the footprint of Lord Rama. These sites have different points of interest: a garden and tomb, a historic residence, a burial site, and religious tradition.

Temples and riverfront in Ayodhya

Ram Ki Paidi is a series of ghats on the banks of the Saryu. Devotees use them for ritual bathing in the river; at night, the riverfront is striking under floodlights. Nageshwar Nath Temple is located at Ram Ki Paidi. The present temple was built in 1750 by Naval Rai, a minister of Safdar Jung. A Shiv Barat procession takes place there during the Shivratri celebrations.

Kanak Bhawan is in Ramkot, northeast of Ram Janam Bhumi. The main idols of Lord Rama and Devi Sita are in the inner sanctum. According to tradition, Kaikei gifted Kanak Bhawan immediately after the wedding of Devi Sita and Lord Rama. The site thus combines specific religious features with a story from tradition.

The main temple at Hanuman Garhi houses a depiction of young Hanuman on the lap of Maa Anjani. Hanuman Garhi is 1 km from Ayodhya railway station. Birla Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and Devi Sita; it is opposite the Ayodhya bus stand on the Ayodhya–Faizabad route. These details provide orientation to the temples and transport points mentioned.

Festivals and activities

Ramlila troupes perform at various temples in Ayodhya. Their costumes and language are shaped by Ayodhya’s folk art. Deepotsav is celebrated in Ayodhya every year; the date given for 2026 is November 6. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the event dates before making your plans.

Traditional boat rides are offered at Guptar Ghat on the Saryu. As availability depends on conditions, it is best to check before your visit. This lets you consider the riverfront sites, religious traditions, and historic complexes as distinct highlights of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Firozabad, Barabanki, Pilibhit, Badaun, Bareilly, Sultanpur.

For the broader travel overview: Uttar Pradesh.