Ayodhya’s opulent Tent Cities: A luxurious sojourn amidst divinity

Five meticulously designed Tent Cities are emerging in Ayodhya, welcoming diverse categories of travelers to experience the grandeur of a harmonious blend of mythological and modern Ayodhya.

Ayodhya, the spiritual epicentre of India, is gearing up for the grand consecration of Lord Ram on January 22 with an extravagant touch, as the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) actively engages in creating modern Tent Cities, aligning with the religious significance of the city.

Five meticulously designed Tent Cities are emerging in Ayodhya, welcoming diverse categories of travellers to experience the grandeur of a harmonious blend of mythological and modern Ayodhya. The luxurious and semi-luxury suites, managed by the ADA, promise a unique opportunity for devotees to immerse themselves in the serene embrace of nature while indulging in opulent accommodations.

“As the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram's idol at the grand Ram Temple approaches, Ayodhya anticipates a massive influx of lakhs of devotees from across the globe. To cater to this unprecedented surge, tent cities have been strategically established at various locations by both the Shri Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust and the Ayodhya Development Authority,” said Principal Secretary, Tourism, Mukesh Meshram.

The tourism department estimates that over 1 lakh pilgrims will visit Ayodhya every day post-pran Pratishtha. “We have to make arrangements for them. We do not have enough hotels or dharamshalas to accommodate such a large number of people. So, these tents,” said Meshram.

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The tent cities have come up to cater to the needs of people of different economic strata. There are tents for the sadhus, or pilgrims, where they can stay for free or by paying minimum rent of Rs 51 per day. Some tents can match a five-star hotel. The rent for these tents varies from Rs 3000 to Rs 15,000 per night.

“If you are ready to pay, we are ready to provide all luxury as available in starred hotels,” Meshram told this reporter.

In awe of the grandeur, a local resident, Ritu Verma, said: “Ayodhya has always been a sacred place, but now, with these luxurious tent cities, it feels like a divine haven for everyone. It’s incredible how the town is transforming to accommodate and embrace people from all walks of life.”

Spread across 20 acres of land at Majha Guptar Ghat, a sprawling tent city is taking shape, ready to welcome thousands of devotees. Another tent city, near Brahma Kund, comprising 35 tents, promises an equally enchanting experience. Additionally, a tent city with 30 tents is being established at Ram Katha Park, with more cities scheduled for development in Bagh Bijesi, and Karsewakpuram.

Principal Secretary Meshram highlighted the exquisite facilities offered at the tent house near the Saryu River in Guptar Ghat, stating, “These luxurious tents will not only provide contemporary interiors and amenities but also host large bonfires, cultural events, open theatres, and souvenir shops. We want families visiting Ayodhya to take home a piece of this divine experience through authentic ODOP products and food items with a long shelf-life."

These self-sustainable mini cities, developed on various themes, are gearing up for completion by the consecration ceremony. The largest among them, developed by the Ram Temple trust at Bagh Bijesi, involves the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders.

The words of Manoj Sharma, a pilgrim planning to visit Ayodhya post pran-pratishtha, betray his excitement. “The prospect of staying in these tent cities amidst such historic surroundings is fascinating. It’s not just about the pilgrimage; it’s about a holistic experience that these tent cities seem to promise.”

The tent cities offer more than just accommodation; they provide a ‘Heritage Cottage Stay’ experience, offering a tantalising taste of diverse flavours from across the country, with a special emphasis on Awadhi and Banarasi cuisines. ADA’s collaboration with the private sector in developing the tent cities at Brahma Kund and Ram Katha Park has added an extra layer of authenticity.

A pilgrim from Mumbai, Shalini Kapoor, expressed her delight, saying, “I never imagined such luxury in a tent! The wooden deck-based tents with comfortable chairs, sofas, dining lounges, personal vaults, room heaters, and air conditioning are beyond expectations. And the cultural events, bonfires, and the souvenir shop just add to the overall experience.”

Operational since December 1, the tent city at Brahma Kund is already leaving an indelible mark on devotees. Millet dishes, makki ki roti, sarson ka saag, and seasonal vegetables are among the culinary offerings, providing a unique gastronomic experience.

These wooden deck-based tents, designed for durability, are equipped with amenities that can operate efficiently for up to 10 years after installation. The official emphasised, “We want pilgrims and tourists alike to have a memorable and comfortable stay, making this pilgrimage not just spiritually fulfilling but also a luxurious sojourn amidst the divine.”

Not only the Tourism department, even the VHP and Ram Mandir Trust have set up tent cities. A tent city has also come up in Mani Parvat, where 8,000 beds have been arranged. This is a tent operated by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Koteshwar Sharma, Joint General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and in-charge of the housing scheme, said that all the facilities have been arranged in these tent cities set up by the pilgrimage area. From medical help to kitchen—everything is available in these tents, he said.

To enhance the experience, comfortable cottages are also being arranged at Manidas Chavani, which will house sadhus and saints from across the country.