With record footfall, Ayodhya surpasses Taj Mahal as Uttar Pradesh's top tourist destination

The inauguration of the Ram Temple has driven this unprecedented surge, reshaping the tourism map of the state.

Uttar Pradesh has experienced a tourism surge, breaking records with an impressive 47.61 crore tourists visiting the state between January and September 2024. Ayodhya, home to the Shri Ram Temple, has emerged as the state’s most visited destination, surpassing even the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department reported that Ayodhya welcomed an astounding 13.55 crore domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors during this period. The inauguration of the Ram Temple has driven this unprecedented surge, reshaping the tourism map of the state.

In contrast, Agra attracted 12.51 crore visitors, including 11.59 crore domestic and 9.24 lakh international tourists. This shift underscores the growing prominence of religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh, where spiritual landmarks are redefining travel preferences.

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said: "Uttar Pradesh welcomed 48 crore tourists last year, a milestone that has nearly been reached in just nine months this year.”

People associated with the tourism sector give credit for this upswing to religious tourism.

"Ayodhya has become the epicenter of spiritual tourism in India," said Mohan Sharma, a senior travel planner based in Lucknow. "Bookings for religious tours have skyrocketed by over 70%. Pilgrims and cultural travelers are eager to witness this historic transformation firsthand."

While the Taj Mahal continues to captivate international tourists, its domestic footfall has seen a slight decline. International arrivals rose from 26.84 lakh in 2022-23 to 27.70 lakh in 2023-24, but domestic tourist numbers fell by 1.93 lakh.

"Foreign tourists still view the Taj Mahal as an unmissable icon," commented Arvind Mehta, an Agra-based tour operator. "However, domestic travelers are shifting toward spiritual experiences in destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj. It is about reconnecting with heritage and spirituality."

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted the state’s broader religious tourism success. "The tourism surge is not limited to Ayodhya," he stated. "Varanasi attracted 6.2 crore domestic tourists and 1.84 lakh foreign visitors. Prayagraj drew 4.80 crore tourists, including 4,790 foreigners. Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, saw 6.8 crore visitors, including 87,229 international tourists. Even Mirzapur recorded 1.18 crore visitors."

The state’s Buddhist circuit hub, Kushinagar, also saw substantial growth, welcoming 16.2 lakh visitors, including 1.53 lakh international tourists. Agra, despite competition from Ayodhya, received 1.25 crore tourists, including 9.24 lakh foreigners.

"Uttar Pradesh's spiritual tourism offerings are unparalleled," he said. "Our efforts to modernize infrastructure while preserving cultural authenticity have paid off."

Industry insiders remain optimistic. "The Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple attracted record numbers and this number will go up since its anniversary would be a mega event on January 11," said Kavita Sharma, a tourism consultant from Delhi. "Religious tourism has reshaped UP’s tourism landscape, fueled by signature events like the Kumbh Mela and improved connectivity."

Experts also credit better accommodations and enhanced visitor services for the state’s tourism boom. "The government’s focus on upgrading tourist facilities has been commendable," said Rohit Malhotra, a hospitality expert. "From premium hotels to guided tours and seamless transport, the state now offers a holistic travel experience."

With the Ram Temple nearing completion and major religious events on the horizon, Uttar Pradesh is poised to solidify its status as India’s top cultural and religious tourism hub.

"We consider serving our guests both an honor and a responsibility," stated Tourism Minister Singh. "Our aim is to create unforgettable travel experiences so that every visitor becomes a proud ambassador of UP Tourism."