Photo spot in Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
A hilltop fort-temple to Hanuman reached by 76 steps, Ayodhya's most-visited shrine, buzzing with bells and offerings.
Best time
Early morning, when the steps are in soft light and the lane is still quiet; late afternoon for warm colour on the gateway.
Best angle
Stand at the foot of the 76 steps and take an upward photo of the pilgrims climbing towards the fort-like gateway.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Hanuman Garhi
Early morning, when the steps are in soft light and the lane is still quiet; late afternoon for warm colour on the gateway. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Hanuman Garhi
Stand at the foot of the 76 steps and take an upward photo of the pilgrims climbing towards the fort-like gateway. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the temple steps
At the decorated gateway
Outfit guide
What to wear at Hanuman Garhi
For photos at Hanuman Garhi, saffron, red and yellow work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Ayodhya.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Ayodhya.
Eat nearby
Food near Hanuman Garhi
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for besan laddoo & peda and kachori with aloo sabzi nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Good to know
Local tips
Climb early in the morning, before the lane below fills with pilgrims and vendors.
Buy a small box of besan laddoo at the bottom of the steps to offer at the shrine.
Avoid Tuesdays and Saturdays if you want a quicker darshan, as those are Hanuman's days.
Hold on to your glasses, phone and food bags, as monkeys are active around the temple.
Leave your shoes at a stall near the steps and remember which one it is.
Take the steps slowly in summer, as the stone gets hot by late morning.
Walk on to the Ram Mandir afterwards, as it is close by and follows the usual custom.
Ayodhya's guardian
Hanuman Garhi stands on a rise in the centre of town, about 1 km from the railway station. It is shaped like a four-sided fort with a round tower at each corner, and a wide flight of 76 steps leads up to it. Legend says Hanuman lived in a cave here to guard Ram's home, which is why pilgrims come here first and ask his blessing before going on to the Ram Mandir. The temple is looked after by monks of the Ramanandi order.
Inside
The sanctum is small and decorated with silver. The main image is Hanuman as a child, sitting in the lap of his mother Anjani, draped with a garland inscribed with Ram's name. The walls carry verses of the Hanuman Chalisa. Expect bells, chanting and a steady press of people; the line moves quickly but it is tight.
The laddoo
Shops at the foot of the steps sell boxes of besan laddoo, a sweet of roasted gram flour and ghee. You hand it to the priest as an offering, and most of it comes back to you as prasad. Buy a small box; you do not need a big one.
When to go
Tuesdays and Saturdays are Hanuman's days and the busiest. So are Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami and Diwali. Early morning is the calmest time. Monkeys live around the temple, so hold on to glasses and food bags.
Photos
The steps and gateway are the photo here. Photographing the image inside is usually not allowed. The Ram Mandir and Kanak Bhawan are both a short walk away.
Questions
Hanuman Garhi — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Hanuman Garhi?
Early morning, when the steps are in soft light and the lane is still quiet; late afternoon for warm colour on the gateway. Stand at the foot of the 76 steps and take an upward photo of the pilgrims climbing towards the fort-like gateway.
Is there an entry fee at Hanuman Garhi?
Entry to Hanuman Garhi is free.
What are the opening hours of Hanuman Garhi?
Hanuman Garhi is open 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
What should I wear at Hanuman Garhi?
Saffron, red and yellow photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Hanuman Garhi get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the steps are in soft light and the lane is still quiet; late afternoon for warm colour on the gateway.
What food should I try near Hanuman Garhi?
Try besan laddoo & peda and kachori with aloo sabzi, available at nearby restaurants.
How many steps does Hanuman Garhi have?
About 76. They are wide and shallow, but there is no lift, so older visitors should take them slowly with a rest halfway.
Why is Hanuman Garhi visited before the Ram Mandir?
Hanuman is believed to guard Ayodhya, so pilgrims ask his blessing before going to Ram. It is a custom rather than a rule.
Can I carry my phone into Hanuman Garhi?
Generally yes, unlike the Ram Mandir. Photographing the image in the sanctum is usually not allowed, so keep it in your pocket inside.
Who is the image in the sanctum?
Hanuman as a child, seated in the lap of his mother Anjani. It is small, so look closely as the line moves past.