My name is Rajesh Kumar Gupta, a 52-year-old accountant from Mumbai. I had been wanting to visit Ayodhya my entire life. After the Ram Mandir consecration, I finally went. Here is my honest account of three days that changed me forever.
Day 1: Arrival and the Saryu Aarti
Our Trip2Ayodhya guide, Pandit Ramesh Sharma, was waiting at Ayodhya Dham Junction with a placard bearing our names — already a good sign. He loaded our luggage into a clean, air-conditioned Innova and drove us to our hotel near Hanuman Garhi.
After freshening up and a vegetarian lunch, Pandit Ramesh took us to the Saryu river. At exactly 7 PM, the priests appeared with massive brass lamps. The synchronized movement of the lamps, the chanting, the smell of incense, the golden light of diyas on the river — I had tears in my eyes. My wife held my hand. She was crying too.
Day 2: Hanuman Garhi and Ram Mandir
We woke at 4:30 AM. Pandit Ramesh had arranged special passes for the Mangala Aarti at 6 AM. At 5 AM we were at Hanuman Garhi, climbing those 76 steps in the dark. The priest at the top performed a personal puja for our family.
Then Ram Mandir. I had seen pictures — nothing prepared me for the real thing. The white marble, the spires reaching to the sky, the energy of thousands of devoted pilgrims. When I stood before Ramlala in the sanctum, the world stopped. I could not speak. I just folded my hands and stood there.
Pandit Ramesh explained every sculpture and symbol — the 44 doors, the carvings depicting the entire Ramayana, the directional deities. We spent three hours in the complex.
Day 3: Kanak Bhawan and Departure
Kanak Bhawan's golden interior was resplendent. My wife spent nearly an hour in quiet prayer. We visited Dashrath Mahal, Ram Ki Paidi Ghat, and the Ram Katha Park before our afternoon departure.
My Verdict on Trip2Ayodhya
Pandit Ramesh is not just a guide — he is a devotee himself. His knowledge, his love for Ayodhya, his Sanskrit chanting at each temple — all of it added immeasurable depth to our visit. The hotel was clean. The Innova was always on time. I have already recommended Trip2Ayodhya to 12 people in my office.
