Ayodhya Takes the Lead: Tops Uttar Pradesh's Tourist Destinations, Surpassing Taj Mahal

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, attracting a record-breaking 47.61 crore visitors between January and September 2024. The state’s spiritual hub, Ayodhya, home to the Shri Ram Temple, has emerged as the top tourist destination, surpassing even the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Ayodhya drew 13.55 crore domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors during this period, largely driven by the Ram Temple’s inauguration, reshaping the state’s tourism landscape. In contrast, Agra attracted 12.51 crore visitors, with a noticeable decline in domestic footfall, highlighting the shift toward religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh.

The growth of religious tourism in the state has redefined travel preferences, with other spiritual destinations like Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Mathura also seeing significant increases in visitors. Varanasi welcomed 6.2 crore domestic tourists and 1.84 lakh international visitors, while Prayagraj and Mathura saw 4.80 crore and 6.8 crore visitors, respectively. The state's Buddhist circuit, including Kushinagar, also experienced substantial growth, further strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s position as a key destination for spiritual and cultural tourism.

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasized the state’s broader success in religious tourism, noting the increased focus on infrastructure development and cultural preservation. Industry insiders point to events like the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple and the upcoming anniversary celebrations as key drivers for continued growth. Experts credit the government’s efforts to enhance accommodations, transport, and visitor services for the state’s booming tourism industry, positioning Uttar Pradesh as India’s top cultural and spiritual tourism hub.