Mani Parvat
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · monument
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Mani Parvat is one of Ayodhya's most endearing sacred landmarks — a modest, tree-shaded hillock rising roughly 65 feet above the surrounding lanes of Kami Ganj, about 3 km from Ayodhya Junction. In a temple town of the plains where the land is otherwise flat and the Saryu runs level to the horizon, this green mound stands out both physically and in the devotional imagination. A short flight of steps climbs its flank to a small shrine dedicated to Sita and Rama at the summit, from where pilgrims catch a gentle panorama of the town's spires, rooftops and distant riverbank — a quiet, breeze-cooled vantage that rewards the brief climb.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Kami Ganj and Parikrama Marg stalls (area-level) - pure-veg kachori-sabzi, samosa and hot jalebi around the temple lanes; confirm freshness on arrival.
- ✦Ayodhya bazaar sweet shops near Ayodhya Junction (area-level) - peda, khurchan and dahi-jalebi from pure-veg mithai counters; Ayodhya's holy core is strictly vegetarian.
- ✦Ram Rasoi / bhandara halls in central Ayodhya (area-level) - free or nominal pure-veg meals for pilgrims; timings vary, so confirm locally.
- ✦Hanumangarhi-area pure-veg dhabas (a short ride away) - simple thali, poori-sabzi and prasad sweets; verify the outlet is pure-veg before ordering.
About
Mani Parvat is one of Ayodhya's most endearing sacred landmarks — a modest, tree-shaded hillock rising roughly 65 feet above the surrounding lanes of Kami Ganj, about 3 km from Ayodhya Junction.
- In a temple town of the plains where the land is otherwise flat and the Saryu runs level to the horizon, this green mound stands out both physically and in the devotional imagination.
- A short flight of steps climbs its flank to a small shrine dedicated to Sita and Rama at the summit, from where pilgrims catch a gentle panorama of the town's spires, rooftops and distant riverbank — a quiet, breeze-cooled vantage that rewards the brief climb.
- The hillock's fame rests on a much-loved episode from the Ramayana.
- When Lakshmana lay gravely wounded in the battle of Lanka, Hanuman is said to have flown to the Himalaya and, unable to identify the healing Sanjeevani herb, carried back an entire mountain in his palm.
- Devotees hold that a fragment of that luminous, herb-bearing peak slipped from his grasp and came to rest here — hence the name Mani Parvat, the "Jewel Mountain." For generations the mound has also been cherished as a favourite resting-spot of Sita Devi, which is why it holds pride of place in Ayodhya's monsoon festivities.
- Mani Parvat is, above all, the joyous hub of the Sawan Jhula Mela (Jhulan Utsav), celebrated through the month of Shravana (July-August).
- During this time decorated swings are hung for the divine couple, and the town's jhula processions traditionally set out from this hillock, filling the lanes with kirtan, swaying palanquins and monsoon greenery.
- The mound carries a deep antiquity too: local tradition associates it with the Buddha's time in Ayodhya, and it is linked to an ancient stupa and monastic settlement, giving the little hill layers of memory beyond the Ramayana alone.
- For vegetarian pilgrims — the only kind Ayodhya's holy heart caters to — the visit pairs naturally with the town's pure-veg culture of temple prasad, hot kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi and creamy peda.
- The climb is short, the atmosphere serene, and a sunrise or late-afternoon ascent, when the light softens over the rooftops, is the most rewarding way to experience this jewel of a hill.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Kami Ganj, near Parikrama Marg, about 3 km from Ayodhya Junction, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: Kami Ganj, about 3 km from Ayodhya Junction railway station and roughly 4-5 km from the main bus stand via Parikrama Marg. An auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw from Ayodhya Junction costs about 40-70 rupees and takes 10-15 minutes; shared e-rickshaws ply the Parikrama Marg route. Easily combined with the nearby Sugriv Parvat and other Kami Ganj shrines on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Mani Parvat in Ayodhya?
Mani Parvat is an open hillock shrine reported to be accessible roughly from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. As it is a small summit temple rather than a ticketed monument, hours can be flexible, so it is best to confirm locally. During the Sawan Jhula Mela in Shravana (July-August), the site stays busy and lively with festival crowds.
Is there an entry fee for Mani Parvat?
No, there is no entry fee. Mani Parvat is a free, open pilgrimage spot with a Sita-Ram shrine at its summit, welcoming all visitors. Only a short, gentle climb up the steps stands between you and the hilltop view.
Why is Mani Parvat important, and what is the legend behind it?
Mani Parvat, the 'Jewel Mountain,' is tied to a beloved Ramayana episode: when Lakshmana was wounded, Hanuman flew back carrying an entire herb-bearing mountain, and devotees believe a fragment fell here in Ayodhya. It is also cherished as a favourite spot of Sita Devi and is linked in local tradition to the Buddha's time in Ayodhya and an ancient stupa. Today it is best known as the starting point of the town's monsoon jhula (swing) festivities.
What happens at Mani Parvat during the Sawan Jhula Mela?
Through the month of Shravana (July-August), Ayodhya celebrates the Sawan Jhula Mela (Jhulan Utsav), when decorated swings are hung for Sita and Rama. Mani Parvat is the joyous hub of the festival, and the town's jhula processions traditionally set out from this hillock amid kirtan, swaying palanquins and lush monsoon greenery.
How do I reach Mani Parvat in Ayodhya?
Mani Parvat is in Kami Ganj, about 3 km from Ayodhya Junction railway station and 4-5 km from the main bus stand via Parikrama Marg. An auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw from Ayodhya Junction costs roughly 40-70 rupees and takes 10-15 minutes, and shared e-rickshaws run along Parikrama Marg. It pairs easily on foot with the nearby Sugriv Parvat and other Kami Ganj shrines.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Mani Parvat?
Ayodhya's holy core is strictly vegetarian, so the whole area is easy for veg travellers. Around Kami Ganj and Parikrama Marg you will find pure-veg stalls serving kachori-sabzi, samosa and hot jalebi, while the Ayodhya bazaar near the junction has sweet shops for peda, khurchan and dahi-jalebi. Pilgrim bhandaras and the Ram Rasoi in central Ayodhya also offer pure-veg meals; timings vary, so confirm on arrival, and always check that an outlet is pure-veg before ordering.