From Airport (Lucknow → Ayodhya)
Many guests arrive via Lucknow airport and travel onward to Ayodhya. This page gives a clean, verified path to reach Sri Janaki Mahal Trust.
Need assistance while traveling?
Which airport are you arriving at?
Two airports serve pilgrims travelling to Ayodhya: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow (IATA: LKO), which handles most flights, and Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya (IATA: AYJ), which opened in January 2024 and has a growing number of direct connections. The route to Sri Janaki Mahal Trust differs depending on which you land at.
Option 1: Arriving at Lucknow Airport (LKO)
Lucknow airport is approximately 135 km from Ayodhya. The journey takes 2.5–3.5 hours depending on the route and traffic. This is the most common route for pilgrims flying from major Indian cities. Three transport options are available:
Direct cab/taxi from Lucknow Airport to Ayodhya
The most convenient option, especially for families, senior pilgrims, and groups with luggage. Prepaid cabs are available from the airport exit. Tell the driver: "Sri Janaki Mahal Trust, Vasudev Gath, Karsewakpuram, Ayodhya". Most drivers in Lucknow know Karsewakpuram, which is immediately adjacent to the Ram Mandir complex.
Estimated cost: ₹1,500–₹2,200 depending on cab type and season. Journey time: 2.5–3.5 hours.
Train: Lucknow to Ayodhya Cantt / Ayodhya Junction
Take a cab or city bus from Lucknow Airport to Lucknow Junction (Charbagh Railway Station) — approximately 20–25 minutes from the airport. From Lucknow Junction, multiple trains run to Ayodhya Junction or Ayodhya Cantt station daily. The train journey takes 1.5–2 hours. From Ayodhya Junction, take an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw to Sri Janaki Mahal Trust — ask for Karsewakpuram.
Train fare: ₹50–₹200 depending on class. Lucknow to Ayodhya Junction e-rickshaw: ₹50–₹100. Total journey time: 3–4.5 hours including connections.
Intercity bus from Lucknow to Ayodhya
UPSRTC buses run regularly from Alambagh Bus Terminal (Lucknow) to Faizabad/Ayodhya. The journey takes 3–4 hours. This is the lowest-cost option but less predictable for guests with specific arrival times or heavy luggage. Not recommended for senior pilgrims or large groups.
Bus fare: ₹150–₹250. From Ayodhya bus stand, take an auto to Karsewakpuram.
Option 2: Arriving at Ayodhya Airport (AYJ)
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is located approximately 8–10 km from central Ayodhya and from Sri Janaki Mahal Trust. This is the fastest route — a direct cab from the airport to the property takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
From Ayodhya Airport: Prepaid taxis and private cabs are available at the airport exit. Tell the driver: "Sri Janaki Mahal Trust, Vasudev Gath, Karsewakpuram". Estimated fare: ₹300–₹500. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are also available but may not be available during high-traffic festival periods — book a cab in advance if arriving during Navratri, Ram Navami, or Deepotsav.
Step-by-Step Directions to Sri Janaki Mahal Trust
Once in Ayodhya, every driver and local resident knows Karsewakpuram — it is the area immediately around the Ram Mandir complex. Use these instructions for the final approach:
- Tell your driver: "Karsewakpuram, Ram Mandir ke paas" (near Ram Mandir). This gets you into the right neighbourhood.
- From the main Karsewakpuram area, ask for Vasudev Gath. This is a ghat (riverbank area) within Karsewakpuram that locals know.
- The full address for navigation apps and Google Maps search: "Sri Janaki Mahal Trust, Vasudev Gath, Karsewakpuram, Ayodhya". The Google Maps coordinates are 26.8039°N, 82.2109°E.
- On arrival, show your WhatsApp booking confirmation to the desk staff. Check-in is from 2 PM. If you are arriving earlier (overnight train / early morning flight), inform the trust at booking so early check-in or a waiting arrangement can be made.
Tips for Night Trains and Early Morning Arrivals
Many pilgrims take overnight trains from Delhi, Mumbai, or other cities and arrive at Ayodhya Junction between 4 AM and 7 AM — well before the standard 2 PM check-in. A few practical notes:
- Always inform the trust of your expected arrival time when booking — early arrivals from overnight trains are common and the team can advise on early check-in availability.
- If the room is not ready on early arrival, the trust can often provide a space to leave luggage and freshen up before the room is assigned. This is not guaranteed but is handled case-by-case.
- Pre-dawn arrivals in Ayodhya (before 5 AM) can attend mangala aarti at Ram Mandir directly from the train station — Karsewakpuram is a short auto ride from Ayodhya Junction.
- During peak festivals (Ram Navami, Navratri, Deepotsav), autos from the station fill quickly. Pre-booking a cab to the property is advisable for festival-period overnight arrivals.