Ayodhya Surpasses Taj Mahal with Record 47.61 Crore Visitors

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is witnessing an extraordinary boom in tourism, with the state attracting a record-breaking 47.61 crore tourists between January and September 2024. This surge is largely attributed to the growing prominence of religious tourism, particularly in destinations like Ayodhya, which has now surpassed even the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra as the most visited spot in the state.

According to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, Ayodhya, home to the recently inaugurated Shri Ram Temple, welcomed an impressive 13.55 crore domestic visitors and 3,153 international tourists during this period. The opening of the Ram Temple has had a transformative impact on tourism in the state, ushering in an era of spiritual tourism that is reshaping travel trends.

In contrast, Agra, traditionally known for housing the Taj Mahal, attracted 12.51 crore visitors, with 11.59 crore being domestic tourists and 9.24 lakh international travelers. While the Taj Mahal continues to be a major international draw, there is a noticeable shift in domestic tourism patterns. The rising popularity of religious and spiritual destinations in UP, such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, signals a broader trend toward experiential and heritage-based travel, particularly among Indian tourists.

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasised the significance of this shift, stating, “Uttar Pradesh welcomed 48 crore tourists last year, a milestone that we are on track to surpass within the first nine months of this year.”

Industry experts agree that religious tourism is driving this upswing. Mohan Sharma, a senior travel planner from Lucknow, noted, "Ayodhya has become the centre of spiritual tourism in India. Bookings for religious tours have skyrocketed by over 70%. Pilgrims and cultural tourists are eager to experience this momentous transformation in the city firsthand."

Despite the growing success of spiritual tourism, Agra remains a key player on the tourism map. Arvind Mehta, an Agra-based tour operator, pointed out that while the Taj Mahal continues to captivate foreign tourists, domestic footfall has seen a slight decline. The number of domestic visitors dropped by 1.93 lakh in 2023-24, whereas international arrivals rose marginally from 26.84 lakh in 2022-23 to 27.70 lakh in the current period.

"Foreign tourists still see the Taj Mahal as a must-visit monument," Mehta added. "However, domestic tourists are now more inclined towards spiritual journeys, exploring destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj for a deeper connection to India's heritage and spirituality."

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh acknowledged the overall success of UP’s religious tourism sector. He shared that Varanasi, one of the holiest cities for Hindus, attracted 6.2 crore domestic tourists and 1.84 lakh foreign visitors. Prayagraj, known for the Kumbh Mela, recorded 4.80 crore visitors, including 4,790 international tourists. Other religiously significant sites, such as Mathura—the birthplace of Lord Krishna—also saw an influx of visitors, with 6.8 crore people, including 87,229 international tourists, passing through the city. Even places like Mirzapur, with its religious and cultural significance, recorded 1.18 crore visitors.

Kushinagar, a key hub on India's Buddhist circuit, also saw impressive growth, welcoming 16.2 lakh visitors, including 1.53 lakh international tourists. The state’s diverse range of spiritual offerings has given it a distinct advantage in attracting both domestic and international tourists interested in heritage and religious travel.

Experts in the industry attribute much of the state’s tourism boom to the modernising efforts in infrastructure and improved services. "Uttar Pradesh's success in tourism can be credited to the government’s concerted efforts to upgrade facilities while maintaining cultural authenticity," said Rohit Malhotra, a hospitality consultant. "The state now offers a seamless travel experience, with high-quality hotels, guided tours, and improved connectivity, making it an attractive destination for both pilgrims and leisure travelers."

Kavita Sharma, a tourism consultant from Delhi, highlighted the role of key events, like the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple, in attracting record numbers of visitors. “The Ram Temple’s inauguration marked a historic moment, and with major religious events slated for the future, especially the temple’s anniversary on January 11, 2025, the influx of visitors is expected to increase even further.”

Looking ahead, Uttar Pradesh's tourism sector shows no signs of slowing down. The completion of the Ram Temple and the planned religious events are expected to bring even more tourists to the state, solidifying its position as India’s premier cultural and religious tourism hub. “Our aim is to create unforgettable travel experiences,” said Minister Singh. “We consider serving our guests both an honour and a responsibility, ensuring that every visitor leaves as a proud ambassador of Uttar Pradesh Tourism."

The state’s growing religious tourism market is not just changing the way people travel but is also reshaping the tourism economy, providing jobs, fostering local businesses, and preserving cultural traditions. As Uttar Pradesh continues to invest in infrastructure, hospitality, and spiritual offerings, it is poised to become an even more prominent destination on both the national and international tourism map in the years to come.