London to Ayodhya: Fastest Routes for UK Hindu Families via Delhi, Mumbai or Lucknow

By the Your Travel Partner team, Ayodhya. Last updated: October 2026.

Ask three families at a mandir in Wembley, Leicester or Handsworth how to get to Ayodhya and you'll probably get three answers. One flew to Delhi. One went through Dubai to Lucknow. One visited relatives in Mumbai and carried on from there. They're all right, but the routes aren't equal. One is consistently quicker, one is often cheaper, and one makes sense only in particular circumstances. This guide compares all three for UK Hindu families, with real journey times, the paperwork British travellers need, and a budget in pounds.

Quick Answer

The fastest way from London to Ayodhya is a nonstop flight to Delhi followed by a domestic flight to Ayodhya. London to Delhi takes roughly 9 hours, and Delhi to Ayodhya about 1.5 hours. With a morning arrival in Delhi and a same-day connection, you can be in Ayodhya in under 20 hours door to door. Going via Mumbai makes sense if you're visiting family in western India. Going via Lucknow, usually with a stop in the Gulf, can save money and suits families with relatives in Uttar Pradesh. British citizens need an Indian e-Visa or a paper visa unless they hold an OCI card. Ram Mandir darshan is free.

Times are estimates based on typical schedules and connections. Your actual journey depends on the flights you book.

Table of Contents

• The basics: where Ayodhya is and how it's reached
• Route 1: via Delhi
• Route 2: via Mumbai
• Route 3: via Lucknow
• The three routes compared
• Which route suits your family?
• Making the overnight flight easier
• From Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester and Scotland
• Visa, OCI and e-OCI for British travellers
• Sample trip plans
• When to go: school holidays and festivals
• Ram Mandir darshan
• Seeing Ayodhya
• Budget in pounds
• What to pack from a British winter
• Money, mobile, plugs and insurance
• Grandparents, children and mandir groups
• Booking steps in order
• Common mistakes
• How we can help
• FAQs

The Basics: Where Ayodhya Is and How It's Reached

Ayodhya is in Uttar Pradesh, in the north Indian plains. It's about 135 km east of Lucknow, the state capital, and 200 to 220 km from Varanasi. The city has its own airport, Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (code AYJ), which opened at the end of 2023. Despite the name, it currently handles domestic flights only.

That means every London to Ayodhya flight itinerary involves at least one change, and the same is true for any UK to Ayodhya journey from Birmingham, Manchester or Scotland. The real question is where you change:

• Delhi: the most flights from the UK and the most onward flights to Ayodhya.
• Mumbai: plenty of UK flights, fewer onward options to Ayodhya.
• Lucknow: no nonstop UK flights, but close to Ayodhya by road and well connected to the Gulf.

Time difference

India doesn't change its clocks. Jet lag going east is noticeable but manageable, and most people feel themselves again by the second day.

Route 1: Via Delhi

For most UK Hindu families, Delhi is the answer, and it's the fastest route to Ayodhya on almost any date. It's the route we recommend unless there's a specific reason to do something else.

London to Delhi

Several airlines fly a London to Delhi direct flight from Heathrow, including Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, and Air India also flies to Delhi from Birmingham. The flight takes roughly 8.5 to 10 hours depending on the airline and routing. Airspace restrictions in the region have, at times, made some flights longer than usual, so check the scheduled duration when you book.

Many London departures leave in the evening and land in Delhi the next morning, local time. That timing is what makes this route fast: you can catch an afternoon flight to Ayodhya the same day.

Delhi to Ayodhya

Delhi has more flights to Ayodhya than any other city, with several Indian airlines on the route. The flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. If you'd rather not fly, express trains from Delhi reach Ayodhya Dham Junction or Ayodhya Cantt in roughly 8 to 10 hours.

What a fast Delhi day looks like

Things to watch in Delhi

• Terminals. International flights use Terminal 3. Some domestic flights leave from Terminal 1, a separate building reached by shuttle. Check which one your Ayodhya flight uses.
• Separate tickets. If your Delhi to Ayodhya flight isn't on the same booking as your London flight, leave at least four to five hours. If the London flight is late, the domestic airline won't wait.
• Baggage. UK–India tickets often include generous allowances. Domestic economy fares in India often allow about 15 kg checked. On separate tickets, you'll pay for the difference.
• Winter fog. From late December to January, fog often delays morning flights in north India. Build in a spare day before your flight back to London.

Prefer to break the journey? Stay one night near Delhi airport and take a morning flight. It's often the better choice with grandparents or small children. Either way, an airport pickup in Ayodhya means a driver is waiting when you land.

Route 2: Via Mumbai

London to Mumbai is one of the busiest UK–India routes, with frequent nonstop flights from Heathrow on Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, taking roughly 9.5 to 10.5 hours. The question is the second leg.

Mumbai has fewer flights to Ayodhya than Delhi does, and some now operate from the newer Navi Mumbai airport rather than the main Mumbai airport. Changing between the two is a long road transfer, so check exactly which airport your onward flight uses. If there's no convenient direct flight, you'll connect through Delhi anyway.

For Gujarati families from Leicester and north-west London there's another option: Air India flies from Gatwick to Ahmedabad, and Ahmedabad has had direct flights to Ayodhya. Check the current schedule; it can make a combined Gujarat-and-Ayodhya trip very simple.

Route 3: Via Lucknow

There are no nonstop flights from the UK to Lucknow. The usual way to fly London to Lucknow is one stop in the Gulf. Lucknow has international flights from cities such as Dubai, Sharjah and Muscat, on carriers that include Air India, IndiGo, Air Arabia and Oman Air. From Lucknow it's about 135 km to Ayodhya by road, roughly two and a half to three hours.

The case for Lucknow is mainly price and family. Gulf carriers can be cheaper than nonstop flights to Delhi, especially outside peak weeks, and if your relatives live in Lucknow, Kanpur or Barabanki you'll want to go there anyway. The drawbacks are a longer total time, flights that often arrive in the middle of the night, and a road journey at the end. If you take this route, book a private cab from Lucknow airport rather than looking for one on arrival.

The Three Routes Compared

So which is the fastest route to Ayodhya? From London, Delhi, almost every time. The other two are good choices for specific families, not general shortcuts.

Which Route Suits Your Family?

If you're still unsure, start from your own situation rather than the map.

Whichever route you choose, put as many legs as possible on one ticket. It's the single best protection against a missed connection.

Making the Overnight Flight Easier

Most UK departures to India leave in the evening, which works well if you plan for it.

• Eat before you board and try to sleep soon after take-off. You'll land in the Indian morning.
• Set your watch to India time as soon as you're on the plane.
• Choose seats early, especially for grandparents who need an aisle.
• Keep medicines, documents and a change of clothes in your cabin bag.
• On the first day, stay outside in daylight and go to bed at a normal Indian bedtime.
• Coming home, daytime flights back to London are easier on the body. Plan a quiet day before work or school.

From Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester and Scotland

Not everyone lives near Heathrow. Here's how the UK to Ayodhya journey usually works from elsewhere, and how to find the fastest route to Ayodhya from your nearest airport.

Routes change often, so treat this as a starting point and check what's flying on your dates.

Visa, OCI and e-OCI for British Travellers

British passport, no OCI

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is clear: you need a visa to visit India unless you hold an OCI card. You can apply for an e-Visa online or for a paper visa. The only official e-Visa website is indianvisaonline.gov.in.

A card surcharge of around 2.5 to 3% is added. These figures come from UK-focused visa guides published in 2026, not from the portal itself, and fees do change. Check the fee page on the official site before you pay.

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you arrive, with at least two blank pages, according to the FCDO.
• Apply at least four days before arrival. Two to three weeks gives you breathing room.
• The e-Visa is valid only at designated airports and seaports. Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow are among them.
• The FCDO notes that British-Pakistani dual nationals must apply on their Pakistani passport, and processing takes longer.

Search for "India e-Visa for UK citizens" and you'll find plenty of private websites that look official and charge far more than the government fee. If you'd like help, use an agent you can phone who shows the government fee and the service fee separately. We offer visa assistance on that basis.

OCI and the new e-OCI

If you hold an OCI card, you don't need a visa. Carry it with your valid British passport.

New since 30 June 2026: India has launched the e-OCI, a digital OCI card. New applicants now receive only the electronic version, and existing holders can download one too, through the OCI portal or the official Su-Swagatam app. Indian missions say e-OCI holders don't need to carry the physical booklet for immigration, and existing physical cards remain valid. Airlines' procedures at check-in may lag behind, so carry the physical card if you have one, plus a downloaded copy of the e-OCI.

Indian passport holders living in the UK

No Indian visa needed. Check that your UK immigration status and any eVisa account are up to date, so you can return without problems.

e-Arrival card

Foreign nationals, including British passport holders, must complete India's online e-Arrival card before reaching immigration. The FCDO says it can be filled in up to 72 hours before arrival. It isn't a visa; you still need one, or an OCI. Reports from April 2026 say OCI holders must complete it too, while Indian citizens are exempt.

Sample Trip Plans

A long week: London to Ayodhya, 6 days

Ten days: Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi

Adding Ayodhya to a family visit

If you're already in India seeing relatives, Ayodhya is an easy two-night side trip: fly from Delhi, a direct flight from Mumbai or Ahmedabad where one runs, or drive from anywhere in Uttar Pradesh. Our Ayodhya packages are built around exactly this kind of short stay.

When to Go: School Holidays and Festivals

Most UK families are tied to the school calendar. Here's how it lines up with the weather and the festivals in Ayodhya. Temperatures are approximate.

Key dates for 2026–27

If you can travel outside school holidays, the second half of November and most of February offer the best balance of weather, crowds and fares.

Ram Mandir Darshan

The temple is managed by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the Trust responsible for it.

• Ram Mandir darshan is free. General darshan needs no ticket or booking.
• Passes are free and come only from the Trust, on online.srjbtkshetra.org or at its counter. Nobody else can sell one, including us.
• Carry your passport or OCI as photo ID for any pass.
• No mobiles or electronic devices inside. Use the lockers and cloakroom, or leave them at the hotel.
• Dress modestly and wear shoes you can slip off easily.
• Check timings on srjbtkshetra.org before you go; they change with the season and on festival days.

On an ordinary weekday, allow one to two hours from security to exit. Early morning is usually quietest. Agree a meeting point before you go in, since nobody will have a phone.

Seeing Ayodhya

Cars can't enter many of the lanes near the temples. An e-rickshaw is the easiest way to get between them, with a car for the longer trips. Ayodhya is a vegetarian town, and you won't find meat or alcohol near the temples.

One day in Ayodhya, hour by hour

Where to stay

Stay near the Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi if you want to walk to darshan; it costs more and cars are restricted on busy days. Civil Lines and the Faizabad side offer larger rooms and easier parking, 15 to 25 minutes' drive from the temple. Ask about lifts, hot water and a generator, especially if grandparents are coming.

Budget in Pounds

A planning budget per person for a 6- to 7-day trip. These are our estimates, not quotes. Airfares change the most, and Christmas and Diwali fares are often well above these ranges.

For one careful traveller that comes to roughly £1,000 to £1,400. A comfortable trip with good hotels and a private car is more like £1,600 to £2,300. Families sharing rooms and one car spend less per head. Going via Lucknow with a Gulf carrier can cut the airfare line noticeably outside peak weeks.

We don't publish package prices, because they move with the season and group size. Send us your dates and we'll reply with a written total. If you'd like everything arranged, we also put together an Ayodhya tour package from UK departure to return, including flights. See our packages for the usual routes.

What to Pack from a British Winter

If you're travelling between November and February, you'll swap a grey UK day for sunshine, but north Indian mornings and nights are genuinely cold, and most buildings aren't heated.

• A light down jacket or fleece, a shawl and warm socks for early darshan.
• Slip-on shoes and a cloth bag to carry them.
• Modest, comfortable clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
• A UK-to-India plug adapter and a power bank.
• Regular medicines, oral rehydration salts, hand sanitiser and a few masks.
• Printed copies of your e-Visa or OCI, e-Arrival QR code, tickets and insurance.

From March to October, swap the warm layers for light cotton, a hat and sunscreen.

Money, Mobile, Plugs and Insurance

• Rupees: visitors can't bring Indian rupees into India. Use an ATM at the airport on arrival.
• Cards: fine at hotels and larger shops. A card with no foreign transaction fee saves around 3%. Temples, rickshaws and street stalls take cash.
• UPI: visitors can use a prepaid UPI One World wallet, topped up from a foreign card. It needs an Indian mobile number and passport verification. Handy, but carry cash too.
• Mobile: check your UK network's India roaming charges, which are usually much higher than in Europe. A travel eSIM or an Indian SIM is normally cheaper.
• Plugs: India uses 230 volts, like the UK, so your chargers and hair dryer will work. You'll need an adapter, as Indian sockets take round pins, not UK three-pin plugs.
• Insurance: your GHIC or EHIC doesn't work in India, and the NHS won't cover you there. Buy travel insurance with medical cover and repatriation, and check age limits for older family members. The FCDO warns that travelling against its advice can invalidate insurance; Uttar Pradesh is not among the areas it advises against.
• Health: see your GP practice or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go to talk through vaccinations. Drink sealed bottled water and eat freshly cooked food. Air quality in north India can be poor from November to January.
• Leave at home: satellite phones and satellite messengers, vapes and drones. All are restricted in India.

Read the latest FCDO travel advice for India on gov.uk before you travel.

Grandparents, Children and Mandir Groups

Grandparents

• Request wheelchair assistance at every airport when you book. It's free and speeds up immigration.
• Choose the Delhi route and stay one night there before flying on. If anyone prefers trains, we'll arrange a railway pickup at Ayodhya.
• Pick a hotel with a lift near the temple.
• Plan one main visit in the morning and one in the evening, with rest in between.
• Ask the Trust's helpdesk about wheelchair availability at the temple.
• Pre-book airport transfers and an e-rickshaw so there's little walking.

Children

• Overnight flights from London suit children, who can sleep most of the way.
• Pack familiar snacks and a refillable bottle.
• Put a card with the hotel's name and a number in each child's pocket.
• The evening aarti on the Saryu tends to be the highlight for young ones.

Mandir and community groups

Temple committees and seniors' groups from across the UK often travel together in the autumn and in February. One coordinator, one list of names and passport numbers, and one vehicle make everything easier. A 12- to 17-seat tempo traveller from our cab service keeps the group together, and our group packages can include flights from the UK.

Booking Steps in Order

1. Pick your dates against the school calendar and the festival table.
2. Choose your route: Delhi for speed, Mumbai for a family stop, Lucknow for price.
3. Check documents: passport validity, OCI or e-OCI, UK status for Indian passport holders.
4. Book the international flight, ideally with the Ayodhya leg on the same ticket.
5. Book hotels in Delhi (if stopping) and Ayodhya.
6. Arrange transport: airport transfer, car, or a station pickup if you come by train.
7. See your GP or a travel clinic and buy insurance.
8. Apply for the e-Visa two to three weeks ahead if you need one.
9. Check darshan timings on the Trust's website a week before.
10. Complete the e-Arrival card within 72 hours of landing.

Common Mistakes

1. Searching for a direct London to Ayodhya flight. There isn't one yet.
2. Booking Mumbai without checking whether the Ayodhya flight leaves from Mumbai or Navi Mumbai.
3. Choosing Lucknow to save money, then arriving at 3 am with a three-hour drive ahead and grandparents in tow.
4. Booking the domestic leg on a separate ticket with a two-hour gap.
5. Paying a copycat website several times the visa fee.
6. Assuming the 5-year e-Visa costs the same for British passports as for other nationalities.
7. Relying on a GHIC for medical cover in India.
8. Forgetting a plug adapter.
9. Paying anyone for darshan.

How We Can Help

Your Travel Partner is based in Ayodhya and plans travel across India. For UK families, we can arrange the whole journey or only the India side.

You can also book a single service: an airport pickup, an e-rickshaw for the temple circuit, a railway transfer, or a two-night Ayodhya package. We don't sell darshan passes; they're free and issued only by the Trust. Call or message +91 78811 55800 with your dates, your UK airport and the number of travellers. We're 4.5 to 5.5 hours ahead of you, so a message sent in the evening reaches us first thing the next morning. Travelling with family from other countries? See our guides for the USA, Canada and Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a direct flight from London to Ayodhya?

No. Ayodhya's airport handles domestic flights only. Fly to Delhi, Mumbai or Lucknow and connect from there.

2. What is the fastest route from London to Ayodhya?

A nonstop London to Delhi flight, then a domestic flight to Ayodhya. With a morning arrival and a same-day connection, it takes about 17 to 19 hours door to door.

3. How long is the London to Delhi direct flight?

Roughly 8.5 to 10 hours, depending on the airline and routing.

4. Is it better to fly into Delhi, Mumbai or Lucknow?

Delhi for speed and the most onward flights. Mumbai if you're visiting family in western India. Lucknow if price matters most or your family lives nearby.

5. Are there direct flights from London to Lucknow?

No. Most London to Lucknow journeys connect in a Gulf hub such as Dubai, Sharjah or Muscat.

6. How far is Lucknow from Ayodhya?

About 135 km, or roughly two and a half to three hours by road.

7. Do British citizens need a visa for India?

Yes, unless they hold an OCI card. Apply for an e-Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in or for a paper visa.

8. How much is the India e-Visa for UK citizens?

The 30-day e-Visa is reported at US$10 or US$25 depending on the season, and the 1-year at US$40. The 5-year e-Visa is reported to cost about US$484 for UK passport holders. Check the portal for current fees.

9. What is the e-OCI?

A digital OCI card launched on 30 June 2026. It can be downloaded from the OCI portal or the Su-Swagatam app. Existing physical OCI cards remain valid.

10. Do I need the e-Arrival card?

Yes, if you're travelling on a British passport. Complete it online up to 72 hours before arrival.

11. Is Ram Mandir darshan free?

Yes. Darshan is free, and the Trust doesn't charge for passes.

12. Can I take my phone into the Ram Mandir?

No. Phones and other electronic devices must be left in the lockers or at your hotel.

13. When is the best time for UK families to visit?

February half-term and October half-term are excellent. The Christmas holidays work but are busy and foggy.

14. How much does a trip from London cost?

As a planning estimate, roughly £1,000 to £1,400 per person for a careful trip and £1,600 to £2,300 for a comfortable one.

15. Will my UK plugs work in India?

The voltage is the same, but you'll need an adapter for round-pin sockets.

16. Does my GHIC cover me in India?

No. Buy travel insurance with medical cover.

17. Can I fly from Birmingham?

Yes. Air India flies from Birmingham to Delhi, and you can connect to Ayodhya from there.

18. Is there an Ayodhya tour package from the UK?

Yes. We can arrange an Ayodhya tour package from the UK with flights, visa assistance, hotels and transport, or just the India part.

19. Can I add Varanasi and Prayagraj?

Yes. Allow about ten days in total. Ayodhya to Prayagraj is about 165 km and Prayagraj to Varanasi about 120 km by road.

20. Is Ayodhya safe for UK visitors?

The temple area has a strong police presence. Take normal care in crowds and keep documents secure. The FCDO's current advice doesn't list Uttar Pradesh among the areas it advises against.

21. Should I take the train from Delhi to Ayodhya?

Only if you have time. Flying takes about 1.5 hours; the train takes 8 to 10. If you do, we can arrange a station pickup.

22. Can I book a London to Ayodhya flight on one ticket?

Often, yes. Many airlines and agents can sell London to Delhi and Delhi to Ayodhya on one booking, which protects you if the first flight is late.

23. What's the cheapest route from London to Ayodhya?

Often a Gulf carrier to Lucknow, then a car to Ayodhya, especially outside peak weeks. Compare it with a nonstop to Delhi for your exact dates.

24. How early should I book for Diwali?

As early as possible. Deepotsav is on 7 November 2026, and both flights and Ayodhya hotels fill quickly.

Conclusion

For most UK Hindu families, London to Ayodhya is simplest and quickest via Delhi: an overnight flight, a short hop, and you're on the banks of the Saryu by the next afternoon. Mumbai works when there's family to see on the way, and Lucknow when price or relatives in Uttar Pradesh tip the balance. Get the visa or OCI sorted early, choose your dates around the school calendar and the festivals, and keep the connections generous.

When you've picked your dates, send them over and we'll plan the rest around your flights.