Ayodhya's 'Ramayana Forest' to depict Lord Ram's exile period in eco-friendly landmark

Ayodhya, the revered temple town, is set to witness the creation of a 'Ramayana spiritual forest,' marking a significant cultural landmark in the Ayodhya master plan associated with the construction of the Ram Temple. The ecological forest, situated along the Sarayu River, aims to provide pilgrims, tourists, and nature enthusiasts with an immersive experience of Lord Ram's 14-year exile period.

Master planner Dikshu Kukreja describes the spiritual forest as an extension of the riverfront, designed to be an eco-friendly representation of the Ramayana theme, focusing on Shri Ram's journey during the Vanvaas (exile) period. The ambitious Ayodhya redevelopment plan, spanning over a decade with an investment exceeding ₹85,000 crore, aims to blend spirituality, culture, and environmental conservation.

As part of the comprehensive Ayodhya redevelopment, distinctive features include grand entry points known as Ram dwars, homestays, and dharamshalas for diverse accommodation facilities. The 'Bhraman Path,' a road project connecting the Sarayu River with the Ram Temple, is introduced to enhance the convenience of devotees traveling to the sacred site. Developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme, the Ramayana spiritual forest seeks to preserve and celebrate Ayodhya's rich heritage in a sustainable manner.