Uttar Pradesh has achieved a remarkable tourism milestone, attracting 476.1 million visitors between January and September 2024, with Ayodhya emerging as the state’s most visited destination. The surge in tourism can be attributed to the inauguration of the Ram temple, which drew 135.5 million domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors to Ayodhya during this period. In comparison, Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, attracted 125.1 million visitors, including 115.9 million domestic tourists and 924,000 foreign visitors.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh praised the state’s performance, highlighting that Uttar Pradesh is on track to reach the 480 million tourist mark set last year. Experts believe the rise in religious tourism has fueled this growth, with Ayodhya being described as “the epicenter of spiritual tourism in India” by senior travel planner Mohan Sharma, who noted a 70% increase in religious tour bookings.
Other spiritual destinations like Varanasi, Mathura, and Prayagraj also experienced significant growth. Varanasi welcomed 62 million domestic visitors and 184,000 international tourists, while Mathura saw 68 million visitors, including 87,229 foreigners. Prayagraj drew 48 million tourists, and even Mirzapur saw 11.8 million visitors.
While Ayodhya’s religious appeal has captured the domestic market, Agra continues to be a favorite among international tourists. Agra’s foreign tourist numbers grew from 2.684 million in 2022-23 to 2.77 million in 2023-24, even as domestic visits slightly declined. The Taj Mahal remains a must-see for foreign visitors, but domestic tourists are increasingly attracted to the spiritual experiences offered by Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj.
The state’s tourism infrastructure has played a crucial role in this surge, with the government enhancing accommodations, transport, and guided tours to provide a comprehensive travel experience. The successful Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple is expected to drive even more visitors, with the anniversary event in January 2025 anticipated to further boost tourism.
