Ram Navami 2026 travel deals

Ram Navami falls on Thursday, 26 March 2026. Some regional and ISKCON calendars observe the festival on 27 March, so it's advisable to check your local Panchang.

Some of the best places to celebrate Ram Navami include Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Rameswaram. Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama, while Varanasi is renowned for its large Shobha Yatra. Rameswaram is the main pilgrimage site in the south. Other notable celebrations take place in Nashik, Sitamarhi and Bhadrachalam.

Ayodhya is where Lord Rama was born, and it's home to some of the country's biggest Ram Navami festivities. The highlight is the Surya Tilak—a beam of sunlight that falls on the idol's forehead at noon inside Ram Mandir. This one-of-a-kind spectacle takes place naturally on Ram Navami and attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees. Arrive early, as temple entry queues can be long during peak hours.

Ram Navami is generally observed in a devotional and organised manner, making it suitable for families, including children and elderly travellers. For added peace of mind, you can use the “Family friendly” search filter on Expedia to view the most kid-friendly hotels in your chosen destination.

Ideally, book at least a few months in advance—particularly for Ayodhya and Varanasi—as this is when you usually find the widest choice of accommodation available. That said, don't rule out last-minute deals on Expedia.

If you're looking for family-friendly places to stay during Ram Navami, it's often advisable to book 4-star hotels. These usually offer a good balance between comfort, location and price. Remember to use the star-rating search filters on Expedia to easily find the most suitable places for you.

Ayodhya has its own airport (AYJ) with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, as well as direct trains from major cities across the country. For Varanasi, book flights into Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS). For Rameswaram, fly to Madurai Airport (IXM) and then complete the rest of the journey by car or train.

For your Ram Navami holiday, it is recommended to bring modest, conservative clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, along with comfortable shoes for walking. Large bags are often not allowed at temples, so carry a small day bag. Expect security checks at major temples, especially in Ayodhya.

In South India, Ram Navami is more temple-focused, with sacred bathing rituals and special pujas rather than large street processions like those typically seen in cities such as Varanasi.

Yes, Ram Navami travel is a great opportunity to explore nearby attractions. From Varanasi, Sarnath is an easy day trip just 15 km away. If you're visiting Rameswaram, Madurai's Meenakshi Temple is about 3.5 hours away.

Yes, you can find Ram Navami holiday packages on Expedia by selecting “Packages” at the top of the search bar and entering your details. Look for the green savings label in the search results, as this shows you what you're saving by bundling your flights and hotel.