Meet at a pre-agreed pickup point in Balangir; load luggage and depart by private 20-25 seater bus or 3 tempo-travellers. Driving is long (approx 12–16 hours depending on route and stops), so start early to reach Ayodhya the same day/evening. For comfort, choose an AC coach and confirm driver/rest stops in advance.
Stop for a relaxed lunch at a well-reviewed pure-veg roadside restaurant; ensure separate seating for the group and confirm advance ordering for speed.
Check in to the pre-booked ashram (shared rooms/dorms possible for groups). Most Ayodhya ashrams welcome large pilgrimage groups and provide basic facilities and pure vegetarian meals — confirm total boarding cost and rules beforehand.
Evening simple sattvic vegetarian dinner at the ashram dining hall; ideal to wind down after the drive. Ask the ashram to accommodate teenagers and any dietary needs.
Attend the serene Saryu aarti at the ghats — a highlight for pilgrims; it’s best at sunrise when the riverfront rituals are performed. A great spiritual start and photogenic moment.
Fresh, home-style vegetarian breakfast served in the ashram dining hall — plan for tea/coffee, puris/poha/idli or local sattvik fare as arranged by the ashram.
Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi complex for darshan and circumambulation; this is the central pilgrimage site in Ayodhya. Check current darshan protocols and token/entry slot rules in advance (timings typically early morning to evening).
Visit Kanak Bhavan (a historic temple with images of Lord Rama and Sita); it’s a short, peaceful shrine near the main temple area and worth seeing for devotees.
Group lunch at the ashram or a nearby pure-vegetarian restaurant. For speed and convenience, pre-order a thali (dal, sabzi, rice, roti, dessert) for the whole group.
Visit Hanuman Garhi, a hilltop temple dedicated to Hanuman, offering views over the old city; accessible by short climb or steps. Open generally from early morning till late evening (confirm current hours).
Take a group boat ride on the Saryu for a calm riverside view and sunset photography; boats typically operate in the late afternoon/evening. Book one or multiple boats to fit 15 people comfortably.
Visit the ancient Nageshwarnath Temple and the Treta Ka Thakur site, both important for understanding Ayodhya’s temple heritage and linked to Ramayana lore; typically open in the morning and afternoon.
Visit Tulsi Smarak (dedicated to Tulsidas) and small local museums/exhibits focusing on Ramayana literature and Ayodhya history; usually open from mid-morning to early evening (confirm local hours).
If the group wishes, short drive to Faizabad to see historical spots like Bahu Begum ka Maqbara and Mani Parbat — good for light exploration and photography (30–45 minutes each).
Final group dinner at the ashram; request any special vegetarian items for teenagers. Optionally organize a short group satsang or bhajan session before bedtime.
Early morning last darshan or a gentle riverside walk to soak in the atmosphere and take final photos; minimum physical exertion for teens and elders is recommended.