Begin at the Sarayu ghats to watch sunrise and the morning aarti on the river — a peaceful, photographic start and an essential part of local devotional life; aarti times vary with sunrise (typically around 6:00–7:00am).
Explore the newly restored Ram Mandir complex close to the ghats for darshan and architecture; the temple is a must-see spiritual and cultural site (typical visiting hours are morning and evening — many days roughly 6:00–12:00 and 15:00–20:00, but check official site/noticeboard for exact timings and queue/pass requirements).
Enjoy a hearty local breakfast: kachori or poha with jalebi and masala chai at a nearby pure-vegetarian bhojanalaya; most small eateries open from about 6:30–11:00, perfect after morning darshan.
Climb the short fortified steps to Hanuman Garhi, an iconic temple-fort dedicated to Hanuman with panoramic views of the city; the temple is normally open throughout the day (often ~5:00–22:00) so you can visit mid-morning to avoid larger crowds.
Visit Kanak Bhavan, a beautifully maintained shrine associated with Lord Rama and Sita that contains paintings and historic imagery; generally open 6:00–20:00 but check at entry for seasonal hours; it's a calm mid-morning stop for photography and devotion.
Walk to Treta Ke Thakur and nearby Bharat Milap, both important mythological sites tied to Lord Rama’s story and rituals — these small temples are usually open in the daytime (commonly 6:00–21:00) and offer historic atmosphere and local lore.
Have a filling North Indian vegetarian thali (dal, sabzi, roti, rice, raita, and a sweet) at a recommended pure-veg restaurant or temple-run bhojanalaya near the Janmabhoomi area; most serve lunch from 12:00–15:00 and offer good value and authentic flavours.
Visit the Tulsi Smarak (memorial to Tulsidas) and the small local archaeological/museum displays to learn about Ayodhya’s literary and historical heritage; typical museum hours are around 10:00–17:00, so plan afternoon visits before closing.
Return to the riverfront for a relaxed walk along the ghats and, if you like, a short boat ride on the Sarayu — boat operators usually run in daylight (roughly 7:00–18:00 depending on season); the ride gives a different perspective of the temples and ghats.
Plan to be at the main ghat for the evening aarti at sunset — the ritual is a highlight, drawing devotees and locals; aarti typically starts around sunset (seasonal) and lasts 30–45 minutes, so check local sunset time and get a good viewing spot early.
Dine at a well-reviewed pure-vegetarian restaurant or hotel restaurant close to the Janmabhoomi area and enjoy a comforting plate: thali, paneer dish, seasonal sabzi and kheer for dessert; most full-service places serve dinner from about 19:00–22:00.
Finish with a gentle stroll along the lit ghats or return to your hotel near the temple complex for rest; many places in the central area are walkable at night but take standard precautions and stick to main lit areas.