This post is in connection with the challenge Window to the World: airplane Airport Photo Challenge 2025 initiated by me.
As I stepped off the plane and onto the tarmac of Ayodhya’s new international gateway, I felt a sense of anticipation — not just for the city’s spiritual treasures but for the airport experience itself.
Welcome to Maharishi Valmiki International Airport — although, funnily enough, my ticket called it Maryada Purushottam Shree Ram International Airport. A bit confusing, yes, but either way, both names reflect Ayodhya’s deep-rooted cultural and mythological identity.
A Spiritual First Impression
The moment I entered the terminal, I was struck by how the architecture and decor feel almost like entering a temple. Designed in the Nagara style, representing the chapters of the Ramayana, the airport immediately sets a spiritual and welcoming vibe. It’s not just a place of transit — it feels like a gentle, symbolic threshold into one of India’s most sacred cities.
But the real magic lies in the art. Inside the terminal, the walls are adorned with breathtaking Madhubani paintings, rich in color and detail, capturing key scenes from the Ramayana. As a traveler, you’re not just passing through a modern structure; you’re journeying into Ayodhya’s soul.
Accessibility 
and Comfort
Though the airport is small, it’s clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. The waiting area, however, feels a bit cramped, especially when multiple flights converge. Parking, on the other hand, is generous — there’s plenty of space for cars and buses.
For travelers with disabilities, the airport has accessible features like ramps, tactile flooring, wheelchairs, and dedicated restrooms, ensuring comfort and dignity for all.
Getting Into the City — A Mixed Experience
Here’s where the cracks show. While there’s a counter for ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber, they don’t function properly. Many drivers reportedly overcharge passengers, sometimes demanding an extra ₹100–₹500 or forcing people to cancel and rebook rides.
Outside the terminal, auto-rickshaws are available, but they too seem to charge inflated fares, leaving many travelers frustrated. For an airport designed to welcome pilgrims and tourists alike, this lack of regulated, fair transport is a letdown. It would be a huge improvement if the airport authorities or local government stepped in to standardize taxi and auto services to protect passengers from price gouging.
Final Thoughts
Ayodhya Airport is more than just a travel hub — it’s a gateway to history, spirituality, and culture. While its spiritual vibe, stunning artwork, and modern amenities make it a delightful first stop, the issues with ground transport are a real drawback, especially in terms of regulating fair pricing for taxis and autos, the airport has the potential to become not only a beautiful and efficient entry point but also a world-class pilgrimage and tourist hub.
For now, it offers a good overall experience, and I look forward to seeing how it grows alongside the evolving face of Ayodhya itself.
Here is my Google Map review to this Airport
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#AirportPhotoChallenge2025 Google Maps contribution stories attraction meet-up-recap IN
