Ayodhya is among the most holy spiritual sites in India, which is known globally as associated with Lord Rama and Ramayana. Ayodhya has more than its religious significance though pilgrims and travelers flock this place in huge numbers in order to enjoy temples and ghats along the Sarayu River. An enormous variety of historical monuments, forts and building marvels surrounds the city reminding the reader of the royal history, culture and the many influences on India in the course of centuries. In case a person is keen on knowing about the heritage, he or she may visit some of the Places to Visit near Ayodhya which are a blend of history, art and spirituality.
Here, in this blog, we will talk of some of the most interesting historical places and forts around Ayodhya that should be included in your list of places to visit.
1. A Nawabi heritage building Faisbald.
It is only 6 km to Ayodhya, and, it used to be the capital of the Nawabs of Awadh before it relocated to Lucknow. It boasts of some prominent monuments, which are devoted to the Indo-Islamic architecture.
Gulab Bari: This is a tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula made in the heart of rose garden, fountains and water channels, which portrays Mughal beauty.
Mausoleum of Bahu Begum: It is a quadrate building having very intrinsic domes and arches and it is one of the tallest buildings in Awadh.
Not only Faizabad is a very historical place but also a very beautiful place and therefore needs to be included at the list of Places to Visit near Ayodhya by the people who love history.
2. Shringverpur – The Nishadraj Mythical Kingdom.
Some 30 km away, at Ayodhya, Shringverpur is mythical. It is apparently the kingdom of Nishadraj the tribal king who helped Lord Rama make the crossing of the Ganga when he was in exile.
Combining history and myth here are ancient temples and fortifications that have been ruined. Grey ware pottery, terracotta figurine and the remnants of the ancient structures have been dug up and the visitors get a glimpse of ancient civilization of India.
3. Forts Jaunpur, Islamic Heritage.
The city which encircles 130 km of Ayodhya is Jaunpur and has been attributed to Sharqi dynasty.
Shahi Qila (Jaunpur Fort): It is a construction of Feroz Shah Tughlaq along the river Gomti which features the enormous gateways, massive walls and the ornate calligraphy.
Atala Masjid: It is a building marvel that has Indo-Islamic trends and grandeur.
Jaunpur merely creates a balance between its walls and mosques that is just perfect and this is one more reason why Travellers should visit Places to Visit near Ayodhya that are out of temples.
4. City of the Nawab- City of Fortified Splendor.
Lucknow, found at a distance of about 130 km, is a city that is famous with a blend of Nawabi, Mughal and Persian architectures.
Bara Imambara: It is a special monument and it is made without use of iron and it is known by the central hall which is one of the biggest buildings in the world that are arched.
Rumi Darwaza: It is a very high building, which is usually known as the gateway to Lucknow due to its strong history of the city.
Dilkusha Kothi and Residency: Nawabi splendor coexists with the remnants of the colonial past that brings in a multi-layered history of this place.
Lucknow is among the most rewarding Places to Visit near Ayodhya to any tourist who may wish to explore the place regarding culture, food and history.
5. Chunar Fort – the Immortality on the Ganga.
Chunar Fort, just above Mirzapur on a rocky precipice, is built over the Ganga, some 200 km south of Ayodhya. The fort that has been known to serve a tactical purpose to history has been the ruler of some of the most historic rulers including the Sher Shah Suri up to the British.
The fort is characterized by the bastions, underground routes, and gigantic courtyards that narrate about the heroism, conquests, and colonial experiences. A visit here is not only an experience in history but an experience of panoramic views of the landscape on the surroundings.
6. Varanasi -Temples and Ancient Forts.
Varanasi has great monuments and forts though it is predominantly a religious base.
Ramnagar Fort: This was a fort which was constructed in the 17 th century on the eastern lounge of the Ganga and it served as the hereditary home to the Maharaja of Banaras. It possesses an ancient vehicle museum, arms and royal treasures.
Ghats and Temples: Ghats and Temples are religious but are hundreds of years old in terms of architectural development which is why Varanasi is a blend of spirituality and past.
Varanasi is the other Place to Visit which cannot be left out particularly when one wants to learn more about cultural and the historical facts which are near Ayodhya since it is neighboring it.
7. Allahabad (Prayagraj) – Forts and Meeting of Cultures.
Ayodhya is 160 km away, and many historical sites can be found in Prayagraj (former Allahabad); the finest of them is the Sangam.
Allahabad Fort: This is a fort that was created by Emperor Akbar and is located at the confluence of the rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. Though it is controlled by the Indian Army, a part of it like the Ashoka Pillar and the Saraswati Koop still remains.
Anand Bhavan: Anand Bhavan is the first home of the Nehru family which is a record of the Indian political history today.
Prayagraj has added another face to the trail of Places to Visit close to Ayodhya a mix of the olden days, the Mughal and the modern world.
8. Kalpi -Small Town not so famous in history.
Another historic yet ancient town is kalpi, which is positioned approximately 200km towards Ayodhya. It is believed that it is the birth place of sage Ved Vyasa, who was the author of Mahabharata. It was a major Mughal fortification town in the future. Its old forts and ruins are worth a visit by the traveller who desires to have something off beat in the history of the country.
Tour of Historical Places in Ayodhya.
Visiting Time: October to March is the season that is nice to visit forts and monuments.
Bake Culture and Food: Cities like Lucknow and Jaunpur are also known to have the culinary hotspots thus you need to mix food tours with one in history.
Transport: Ayodhya has access to the road and rail. It is far easier to rent local cabs or to participate in heritage tours.
Conclusion
Ayodhya I believe that it could be referred to as spiritual tourism however bigger tapestry in surroundings of the same exists in history, architecture and legends. The riches of the Nawabi monuments of Faizabad, the power of great forts of Chunar or the glory of grandeur of Lucknow, the religious and the historical soul of Varanasi can all contribute to your learning about the stratified history of India.
These are only some of the most interesting places to visit in and around Ayodhya in case you are planning heritage trail. By going there, you will also be walking in the footsteps of kings, saints, and warriors, and various India as a cultural garment.