Faizabad: Riverbanks, Temples and Cultural Heritage

Faizabad lies on the banks of the Ghaghara. The city’s history and Ayodhya’s religious sites offer different perspectives: here, you’ll encounter the history of the Nawabs and a riverbank; there, temples, ghats and festival traditions. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide first which of these aspects you want to shape your trip.

Faizabad and its historical surroundings

Faizabad was founded by Sadat Khan, the second Nawab of Awadh, whose term lasted from 1722 to 1739. A historical site in Faizabad is Raja Mandir, a popular temple. Nearby is Moti Mahal, the home of Bahu Begum, the wife of Shuja-ud-Daula. Bahu Begum’s tomb is located in Jawaharbagh. The Chakra Harji Vishnu Temple is also among the religious sites in the area; it is known for the imprint of Lord Rama’s feet.

These places tell different stories: Moti Mahal is connected with Bahu Begum’s life, while her tomb marks her final resting place in Jawaharbagh. The Chakra Harji Vishnu Temple represents a religious tradition. If you’re interested in history and faith, you can consider these themes separately when planning your trip, rather than combining them into a single attraction.

Temples and ghats in Ayodhya

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-day temple was built in 1750 by Naval Rai, a minister of Safdar Jung. A Shiv Barat procession takes place there during the Shivratri celebrations.

Other religious sites have their own distinctive features. The main temple at Hanuman Garhi depicts the young Hanuman on Maa Anjani’s lap and is located 1 km from Ayodhya railway station. Birla Temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and Devi Sita; it is opposite Ayodhya bus station on the Ayodhya–Faizabad route. Kanak Bhawan is located northeast of Ram Janam Bhumi in Ramkot. Its inner sanctum contains the principal idols of Lord Ram and Devi Sita. According to tradition, Kaikei gifted the palace immediately after the wedding of Devi Sita and Lord Ram.

Smaller details also distinguish these places: the Jain Shwetamber Temple in Raiganj, also called Badi Murti, houses a 31-foot-tall marble statue of Rishabhdev. Deokaali, near Naya Ghat, is associated with several stories from the Ramayana. Mani Parbat is one of Ayodhya’s important attractions.

Gardens, performances and festivals

Gulab Bari is the tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. It stands at the centre of a charbagh garden with fountains and shallow water channels; the garden also features various varieties of roses. Gulab Bari is a centrally protected monument. During the Nawab’s rule, the site was used for important religious events. This historical use should be distinguished from events held today.

Cultural experiences in Ayodhya include Ramlila performances: troupes perform at various temples, and both the costumes and language reflect Ayodhya’s folk art. Deepotsav is celebrated in Ayodhya every year; the date in 2026 is November 6. Traditional boat rides are offered at Guptar Ghat on the Saryu. Availability may depend on conditions; check before making plans.

Choosing a holiday rental based on your travel interests

When searching for a holiday rental in Faizabad, it’s worth first sorting out which experiences you’re looking for. Would you mainly like to explore Faizabad’s history and the banks of the Ghaghara, or are temples, Ramlila and the ghats on the Saryu in Ayodhya your focus? Keep the two riverside settings distinct: Ram Ki Paidi is on the Saryu in Ayodhya, while Faizabad is on the Ghaghara.

Discover more destinations: Ambedkar Nagar, Jhansi, Ghaziabad, Unnao, Pilibhit, Allahabad, Gorakhpur.

Back to the main travel overview: Uttar Pradesh.