The Saryu ghats at a glance
The Saryu runs along the edge of Ayodhya, and the city meets it at a string of ghats, the stepped banks where pilgrims gather. Ram ki Paidi is a series of ghats in the area of Naya Ghat. A little further along the river is Guptar Ghat, a separate place of worship in its own right. Near Ram ki Paidi you also find Nageshwarnath, a Shiva temple.
These are different places, not one site with one entrance. Each has its own mood and its own things to check, so it helps to decide first whether you want the evening aarti, a walk on the sand or a boat ride. If you plan to combine the river with the temples, our Ayodhya temple tours page shows how a day can be organised.
Ram ki Paidi and the evening aarti
A good place to start, and crowded at sunset.
Ram ki Paidi is where most visitors first reach the river. The steps are wide, the setting is open, and in the evening people gather for the aarti, the lamp ceremony for the river. The start time shifts with the season. In the warmer months it is roughly 18:30 to 19:00 and the ceremony lasts about 45 minutes. From November to March it moves earlier, to around 18:00. These are approximate times, not a fixed schedule, so arrive early to find a place on the steps.
Festivals bring far larger crowds than a normal evening. If your visit falls on a festival or a weekend, give yourself extra time to walk in and expect to stand.
| Place | What it is | Good for | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ram ki Paidi | A series of ghats in the Naya Ghat area | Evening aarti, first visit | Start time, crowds on festival days |
| Naya Ghat area | The stretch around Ram ki Paidi | Walking the riverfront | Which steps are open to the water |
| Guptar Ghat | A separate religious site on the river | A riverside visit away from the main steps | Water level, boat rides, ropes at the edge |
| Nageshwarnath | Shiva temple near Ram ki Paidi | A short temple stop | Opening and aarti times on the day |
For most first visits, plan one evening at Ram ki Paidi for the aarti and a second visit to Guptar Ghat in daylight.
Our picks: tours to the Saryu ghats
The three-day tour includes the Saryu aarti, the Lucknow tour gives you a boat ride, and the two-day option lets you stay the night in town.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Two-day private tour with a hotel night
- Private guide and driver
- One hotel night
- Breakfast on day two
Pickup at your hotel or the airport, two days at an easier pace than a single long day. Monument entries cost extra.
Check availability →
Three-day temple tour with Saryu aarti
- 3 and 4-star hotels
- Hotel breakfast
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
Temples and the Saryu aarti over three days, with an English-speaking guide as set out in the itinerary. Monument entries and GST are extra.
Check availability →
Private Ayodhya tour with boat ride and lunch
- Private guide
- Motorboat ride
- Vegetarian lunch
A private tour from Lucknow where you set the pace with your own guide. A bottle of water is included.
Check availability →Ayodhya tours and river experiences
Temple tours, day trips and guided walks that include the Saryu riverfront, with live prices and availability.
Guptar Ghat
Guptar Ghat is a stretch of the river with temples, sandy ground and wide river views. It is a pilgrimage stop in its own right. Many people come in the late afternoon to see the light on the water.
The river decides what is possible here. In September 2026 boat rides at Guptar Ghat were paused during high water, and ropes limited access to the water's edge. Whether rides run on your day depends on the water level and local rules, so ask on site before you plan around a boat trip.
Naya Ghat, boats and bathing
What is on offer on the water, and what to leave to local judgment.
Naya Ghat
The Ram ki Paidi ghats sit in the Naya Ghat area. That does not make every ghat, aarti spot and boarding point the same. Look at where you are standing before you follow directions for another place.
Boat rides
Rides are not guaranteed all year. High water can stop them, and barriers can close the steps to the edge. Treat a boat ride as a bonus that you confirm on the day.
Bathing
Ritual bathing is part of worship, but it is not an official permission to swim. No safe swimming zone or lifeguard cover is assured. Follow local barriers and the directions of staff.
Laser and light shows
Projection and laser elements are planned for the Deepotsav festival. They are not a daily event at Ram ki Paidi. See our Deepotsav guide for the festival.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where the river fits in a day in Ayodhya.
Saryu ghats: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Ram ki Paidi and Guptar Ghat?
Ram ki Paidi is a series of ghats in the Naya Ghat area, known for the evening aarti. Guptar Ghat is a separate religious site further along the river, with sandy ground and temples.
What time is the evening aarti at the Saryu?
Roughly 18:30 to 19:00 in the warmer months and around 18:00 from November to March. The times are approximate, so arrive early.
Is Nageshwarnath close to Ram ki Paidi?
Yes. It is a Shiva temple near Ram ki Paidi, so it fits into the same evening. Check opening and aarti times on the day.
Can I take a boat on the Saryu?
Not always. Boat rides depend on the water level. In September 2026 rides at Guptar Ghat were paused during high water, so confirm on site.
Can I swim or bathe in the Saryu?
Ritual bathing is a religious practice, not an official swimming permission. No safe swimming zone is assured, and local barriers take priority.