This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to Anuradha Goyal from www.Inditales.com. Anuradha is an accomplished travel blogger and a book reviewer with her blog "AnuReviews" as well as the author of the book "The Mouse Charmers - Pioneers of Digital India"
Today's destination: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh!
PS - Happy Diwali wishes in advance!
Nearest Airport: Gorakhpur Airport (GOP), Gorakhpur OR Amausi Airport (LKO), Lucknow
Nearest Railway Station: Ayodhya Junction, AY
Prerequisites - Better to carry your ID proof if you are planning to visit th Ram Janmabhoomi temple. It is not mandatory though.
Packing - Pack light and according to the season you are travelling in. Make sure to carry a good pair of walking shoes!
Time of the year - October
Length of the itinerary: 6 days
Itinerary Highlights:
- Anuradha starts off the conversation by giving a background about Ayodhya and its significance not only to Hinduism but to every religion that was born in India - Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. She adds about the various Kings and dynasties that ruled Ayodhya before Shri Ram.
- Anuradha also touches upon the significance of Diwali and its connection to Ayodhya as well as the major festivals celebrated here - Ram Navami (Mar-Apr), Diwali (Oct-Nov), Karthik Poornima (15 days after Diwali).
- Anuradha discusses the various temples across Ayodhya and the best way to explore them by doing one of the yatras - Panchkosi (5kms), Chudhakosi (45kms), Chowraseekosi (300kms)
- Some of the points of interest that Anuradha covers in the podcast are
Temples: Ram Janmabhoomi, Kanak Bhavan, Badi Hanumangarhi, Valmiki Mandir
Ghats on the river Saraya: Naya ghat, Guptar Ghat, Jhunki Ghat, Raj ghat and others
Others: Ayodhya Research Institute, International Ram Katha museum, Ram Leela performance at Ayodhya research Institute
Culinary delights: Litti Chokha, Dahi Jalebi, Kachori, Samosas, Ram Daana, and ofcourse some delightful prasads from the temples
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