Two things surprise pilgrims budgeting for Ayodhya, both in their favour: darshan and aarti passes are free (trust statement, checked 1 October 2026), and temple-core stays cost less than expected. Money goes to stay, food and local transport. The calculator below uses indicative bands from platforms and travel reports — ranges, not quotes. Checked 1 October 2026.
Cost structure, honestly labelled
| Item | Indicative range | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Darshan + aarti passes | ₹0 | Verified — official source |
| Stay per night (dharamshala non-AC / AC) | ₹500–1,200 / ₹1,200–2,000 | Reported — platform bands |
| Stay per night (temple-front guesthouse) | ₹2,400–4,700 | Reported — platform-displayed |
| Stay per night (mid-range chain) | ₹5,600+ | Reported — platform-displayed |
| Meals per person per day | ₹300–800 (thali ₹150–250) | Unconfirmed — travel reports |
| Local transport per day (e-rickshaw hops) | ₹50–150 (full-day auto ~₹100–150) | Unconfirmed — travel reports |
Bands as displayed/reported 01 October 2026 — not quotes · Sources: platform listings and travel reports (see register) |
Bands as displayed/reported 01 October 2026 — not quotes · Sources: platform listings and travel reports (see register) |
| Long-distance travel | Depends on origin/mode — check current fares | Variable |
Calculator
Long-distance train/flight costs are excluded and vary by origin city — add them from your own booking. All figures are indicative ranges, not quotes.
Darshan is free; aarti passes are free (official portal only). No entry fee belongs in this budget — if someone quotes you one, walk away and see the booking walkthrough.
Reading the result
- The number is a range midpoint built from indicative bands — travel reports and platform displays, not confirmed tariffs. Treat every output as an indicative midpoint — the bands behind it are ranges, not measurements, so build in your own buffer rather than trusting a single number.
- Festival inflation: around Deepotsav (7 Nov 2026) and Ram Navami (15 Apr 2027) stay prices multiply and inventory vanishes; re-budget for those weeks.
- Long-distance travel dominates from far cities — a Delhi Vande Bharat seat or a flight can exceed the entire on-ground budget. Check current fares; we don’t guess them here.
- Elderly parents: add wheelchair assistance (free at the temple complex, reported) and consider a temple-core stay to cut walking — see the senior guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Ayodhya trip cost per person?
Roughly ₹1,500–4,000 on the ground for two days in the temple core (indicative, checked 1 October 2026), excluding long-distance travel.
Is darshan at Ram Mandir free?
Yes — the trust charges no fee for darshan or aarti passes (official site, last checked 1 October 2026).
Why doesn’t the calculator include train fares?
Fares change with class and booking date; we don’t publish guessed numbers. Check IRCTC for your date and add it to the total.
