Ram ki Paidi is a long chain of ghats beside a channel fed by the Saryu, a short ride north of the temples. Stepped embankments, pavilions and a skyline of temple spires run along the water, and in the evening the whole frontage is lit in changing colours.
This is where Ayodhya comes to bathe, stroll and pray. Next to it, at Naya Ghat on the main river, priests perform the Saryu aarti every evening around sunset. Each year on the eve of Diwali the ghats become the centre of Deepotsav, when a vast number of earthen lamps are lit along the steps.
Top things to do at Ram ki Paidi
Watch the Saryu aarti
The evening aarti is performed with tiered lamps, conch shells and chanting on platforms facing the river. It starts around sunset, so the time shifts through the year — arrive 30 to 45 minutes early for a place on the steps.
Walk the illuminated ghats
After dark the ghats and temples are floodlit and reflected in the water. A sound and laser show on the Ramayana has been staged here on many evenings; ask locally whether it is running.
Take a holy dip or a boat
Pilgrims bathe at the steps in the early morning. Boats can be hired at Naya Ghat for a short ride on the Saryu when the river level allows.
Visit the riverside temples
Nageshwarnath Temple is right beside the ghats, and Treta ke Thakur is close by.
How to get to Ram ki Paidi
- From the Ram Mandir area: about 2 km north; e-rickshaws run along Ram Path to Naya Ghat in ten to fifteen minutes.
- From Lata Mangeshkar Chowk: the ghats are a few minutes’ walk from the large veena sculpture at the head of Ram Path.
- On festival days: roads close early and the last kilometre or more is on foot.
Insider tips
- Come before sunset and stay until the lights come on — the two hours around dusk are the best of the day.
- The steps are slippery when wet. Bathe only inside the barriers; the Saryu’s current is strong, especially in the monsoon.
- For Deepotsav, arrive hours ahead and expect very dense crowds and restricted entry.
- Agree the fare for boats and e-rickshaws before you set off.
Tours that include Ram ki Paidi
These guided trips cover Ram ki Paidi or combine easily with a visit:
Guided day tour from US$31 Ayodhya: Hindu Pilgrimage Sites & Sacred Aarti Ceremony
A full guided day in Ayodhya: the birthplace of Lord Ram and the main temples, a local vegetarian lunch, and the evening aarti ceremony at the Saryu ghat.
- Birthplace of Lord Ram
- Local vegetarian lunch
- Evening aarti at the Saryu ghat
Private day trip from US$114 From Lucknow: Ayodhya Private Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
A private tour from Lucknow to the birthplace of Lord Ram, with a boat ride on the Saryu river and a vegetarian lunch included.
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi
- Boat ride on the Saryu
- Vegetarian lunch
