In a significant boost to religious tourism, more than 11 crore pilgrims and tourists visited Ayodhya in the first half of 2024, as per data released by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. This surge in footfall has cemented Ayodhya’s position as a major tourism hub, surpassing even Varanasi in the number of visitors.
According to the data, Ayodhya accounted for roughly one-third of the 33 crore tourists who travelled across Uttar Pradesh between January and June 2024. Varanasi, another key religious destination, recorded 4.61 crore visitors during the same period, falling behind Ayodhya, which witnessed an unprecedented rise in its tourist numbers.
“Ayodhya has left behind Varanasi, which recorded a footfall of 4.61 crore,” a government spokesperson quoted Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh as saying. The minister credited the remarkable increase in Ayodhya’s footfall to the ongoing construction of the Ram Mandir, a major draw for both domestic and international visitors. The long-awaited mandir, set to be completed soon, has turned Ayodhya into a magnet for devotees and tourists alike.
Prayagraj and Mathura have also emerged as major tourist destinations, attracting 4.53 crore and 3.07 crore visitors, respectively, further strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s position as a key player in religious tourism. Meanwhile, Agra and Lucknow—two cities known for their historical significance—recorded 69.8 lakh and 35 lakh visitors, respectively, contributing to the state’s overall tourism appeal.
“The numbers for UP speak for the rising popularity of the state as a global tourism destination,” Minister Singh remarked. He noted that in 2022, Uttar Pradesh had seen a total tourist footfall of 31.86 crore, nearly matching the number of visitors already recorded in the first six months of 2024. “This impressive growth underscores the state’s efforts to promote tourism and enhance infrastructure around its key cultural and religious sites,” he added.
As part of ongoing efforts to promote religious tourism, the state government is also focusing on developing Shringverpur, a key site in the Ramayana Circuit. Known for its association with Bhagwan Ram’s encounter with Nishadraj, the site is slated for significant upgrades ahead of the 2025 Maha Kumbh. Plans include the construction of parking facilities, improved civic amenities, and the establishment of eateries to cater to the expected influx of pilgrims.
With Uttar Pradesh emerging as a top destination for both religious and cultural tourism, the government’s strategic focus on enhancing infrastructure and promoting heritage sites appears to be yielding tangible results. The unprecedented tourist footfall in Ayodhya is expected to continue as the Ram Mandir nears completion, with officials anticipating even higher numbers in the coming years.
