The Chaudah Kosi Parikrama in Ayodhya is a holy 42–45 km barefoot walk around the city that only happens once a year on Kartik Shukla Navami i.e., 7th November 2027, a Sunday. People walk around the city limit of Ayodhya in two days and they start the journey after they take a holy dip in Saryu River at Naya Ghat.
Namaste. I am Rohit, a local guide.I have been helping pilgrims for the past 8 years. I have led groups every parikrama season to Ayodhya and I know the route, the crowds and all the practicalities of such an antique way of pilgrimage.
Chaudah Kosi Parikrama is no ordinary walk. It is a two-day deep spiritual trip that draws 30–35 lakh devotees every year this is one of the biggest gatherings of religion in India.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Chaudah Kosi Parikrama (14 Kos) |
| Date 2027 | Sunday, 7 November 2027 |
| Tithi | Kartik Shukla Navami (Akshaya Navami) |
| Distance | 42–45 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Start Point | Naya Ghat, Saryu River |
| Mode | Barefoot walking |
| 2024 Attendance | 30–35 lakh devotees |
| Best For | Physically fit devotees, experienced pilgrims |
Note: The Parikrama begins after a holy dip in the Saryu River and a formal start at the auspicious muhurat. In 2024, the muhurat was at 6:32 PM. The exact 2027 muhurat will be announced closer to the date.
We also arrange darshan at Ram Mandir — including [Hanuman Garhi Mandir], [Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga], [Dashashwamedh Ghat] — as part of our Ayodhya packages. Contact us at +91 7078723132
What Is Chaudah Kosi Parikrama?
"Parikrama" means circumambulation — walking around a sacred land in devotion. Ayodhya has five pilgrimage routes, each with its own distance and duration.
| Parikrama | Distance | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antargrihi | ~1 km | 1–2 hours | Elderly, short visits |
| Ramkot | ~5 km | 2–3 hours | Half-day pilgrims |
| Panch Kosi | ~15 km | 1 day | Families, first-timers |
| Chaudah Kosi | ~42–45 km | 2 days | Fit devotees |
| Chaurasi Kosi | ~252 km | 5–7 days | Serious pilgrims |
The Chaudah Kosi Parikrama is the 14-kos circuit around the outer boundary of Ayodhya. It is performed once a year on Kartik Shukla Navami and is also known as Kartik Parikrama or Akshaya Navami.
Why "Chaudah Kosi"?
One kos is roughly 3.2 km. Fourteen kos equals approximately 45 km. Most sources cite 42–45 km depending on route measurement.
Our local guides also cover the Panch Kosi Parikrama and Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama. If you want a shorter or longer route, we can customize it. Contact us at +91 7078723132
Why Is Chaudah Kosi Parikrama Significant?
Spiritual Significance
The parikrama is believed to cleanse past karma and open the path to moksha, bring peace and divine blessings, and strengthen devotion to Lord Ram.
The Kartik Connection
The parikrama takes place during Kartik, the holiest month in the Vaishnava calendar. It is believed that during this period, Lord Vishnu wakes from his cosmic sleep (Devothan), and the spiritual benefits of any devotional act are multiplied.
The Foundation Day of Ayodhya
Kartik Shukla Navami is also believed to be the day Vaivaswata Manu founded the city of Ayodhya after the great flood. The parikrama commemorates this sacred origin.
We also organize Kartik Snan at the Saryu and Ram Mandir darshan with our local Ayodhya guides. Learn more at tripmyayodhya.com.
The Route of Chaudah Kosi Parikrama
Route Overview
| Segment | Distance | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 0 km | Naya Ghat — holy dip, muhurat start |
| Outer Circuit | 42–45 km | Barefoot walk around Ayodhya boundary |
| Return | 0 km | Back to Naya Ghat — completion |
Starting Point
The parikrama traditionally begins at Naya Ghat on the Saryu River. Devotees take a holy dip, touch the parikrama path with their head, and begin walking barefoot.
Key Landmarks Along the Route
According to the Hindustan Times, the 2024 route passed through:
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Naya Ghat — Starting point, holy dip
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Karsevak Puram — Historic site linked to Ram Mandir movement
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Kashiram Colony — Urban stretch
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Halkara Purva — Semi-urban segment
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Mauni Baba Ashram — Rest point
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Surya Kund — Sacred pond
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Darshan Nagar — Return stretch
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Aachari Ka Sagra
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Naka Hanuman Garhi
What You Walk Through
The route passes through Ayodhya's outer ring — a mix of city roads, semi-urban stretches, and rural edges. It is not a temple-to-temple walk like the Panch Kosi. It is a boundary circumambulation, covering the sacred geography of the old city, and it even extends into parts of the old Faizabad district.
How to Prepare for Chaudah Kosi Parikrama
This is a 2-day, 42+ km barefoot walk. Preparation is not optional.
Physical Preparation Timeline
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 6 weeks before | Start walking 5 km per day |
| 4 weeks before | Build up to 10 km per day |
| 2 weeks before | Walk barefoot at home for short distances |
| 1 week before | Practice walking in the clothes you will wear |
| Day before | Rest, hydrate, and sleep well |
What to Carry
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Water bottle | Stay hydrated — refill points available |
| Light snacks | Energy for the walk (fruits, dry fruits) |
| Foot care kit | Blister plasters, antiseptic cream, soft cloth |
| Light blanket or shawl | For the overnight rest |
| ID proof | Security checks |
| Cash | For food, water, and emergencies |
| Rain protection | November weather can be unpredictable |
| Phone with power bank | For emergencies and group coordination |
What to Wear
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Comfortable, loose cotton clothing
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Carry slip-on footwear for rest breaks
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Light layers — November mornings and nights are cool in Ayodhya
Where to Stay During Chaudah Kosi Parikrama
Ayodhya has limited accommodation, and it fills up months in advance for parikrama season.
| Area | Best For | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Near Ram Janmabhoomi | Devotees | Walkable to ghats |
| Near Saryu Ghats | Start point access | Convenient for early morning |
| Faizabad Road | Budget travellers | Hotels, dharamshalas |
| Ayodhya Cantt area | Transit travellers | Near railway station |
My advice: Book 4–6 months in advance for November 2027. Dharamshalas and guesthouses near the ghats are the most convenient, but they are also the first to fill.
How to Reach Ayodhya for the Parikrama
| Mode | From | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Delhi → Ayodhya Dham Junction | 8–10 hrs |
| Train | Lucknow → Ayodhya Cantt | 2–3 hrs |
| Air | Delhi → Maharishi Valmiki Airport | 1.5 hrs |
| Road | Lucknow → Ayodhya | 2.5–3 hrs |
| Road | Varanasi → Ayodhya | 4 hrs |
Main stations: Ayodhya Dham Junction (new, revamped), Ayodhya Cantt
Nearest airport: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya
We offer pickup and drop from [Ayodhya Dham Junction / Airport / Lucknow / Varanasi]. Our drivers are available [24/7 / 6 AM–10 PM]. Book at +91 7078723132
Safety Tips for the Parikrama
Crowd Management
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With 30+ lakh devotees, the route is dense. Follow police instructions and barricades.
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Keep your group together. Decide a meeting point in case of separation.
Communication
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Mobile networks may jam. Do not rely solely on phones.
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Carry a whistle if you need help in a crowd.
Personal Safety
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Avoid carrying valuables. Leave jewellery at your stay.
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Carry only essentials in a small bag close to your body.
For Vulnerable Travellers
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Elderly and children: The full 42 km is not suitable for very young children or elderly parents. Consider the Panch Kosi Parikrama (15 km) instead.
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Medical conditions: Consult a doctor before attempting if you have diabetes, heart conditions, or knee problems.
Conclusion
The Chaudah Kosi Parikrama 2027 falls on Sunday, 7 November, on Kartik Shukla Navami. It is a 42–45 km barefoot circumambulation of Ayodhya, performed over two days, drawing over 30 lakh devotees.
It is not a walk for everyone. It demands physical preparation, patience, and devotion. But for those who complete it, it is believed to bring spiritual cleansing, moksha, and the blessings of Lord Ram.
Prepare your feet. Carry light. Walk with faith. And let Ayodhya's sacred boundary embrace you.
Jai Shri Ram.
For guided Ayodhya parikrama tours, Ram Mandir darshan, and custom Ayodhya packages, contact Rohit at +91 7078723132 or visit tripmyayodhya.com.
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