Ayodhya Surpasses Taj Mahal to Become UP's Top Tourist Destination in 2024

Uttar Pradesh has set new tourism milestones, attracting an impressive 476.1 million tourists between January and September 2024. Leading this surge is Ayodhya, the spiritual hub of India, which has overtaken Agra’s Taj Mahal to become the state’s most visited destination.

According to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, Ayodhya welcomed a staggering 135.5 million domestic visitors and 3,153 international tourists during this period, largely driven by the inauguration of the Ram Temple.

In comparison, Agra hosted 125.1 million tourists, including 115.9 million domestic visitors and 924,000 international travellers.

Ayodhya: The Heart of Spiritual Tourism

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh praised the state’s exceptional performance, noting, “Uttar Pradesh welcomed 480 million tourists last year, a milestone we have almost reached in just nine months this year.”

Industry experts attribute the rise to the booming popularity of religious tourism. Mohan Sharma, a senior travel planner based in Lucknow, referred to Ayodhya as “the epicentre of spiritual tourism in India,” highlighting a 70% increase in bookings for religious tours.

Other Spiritual Destinations See Growth

Other key spiritual destinations also recorded significant growth. Varanasi attracted 62 million domestic visitors and 184,000 international tourists. Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, welcomed 68 million tourists, including 87,229 foreign visitors. Prayagraj, known for the Kumbh Mela, drew 48 million visitors, while Mirzapur saw 11.8 million tourists.

Ayodhya’s Appeal vs. Agra’s Global Icon

While Ayodhya has become a major draw for domestic tourists, the Taj Mahal remains a top attraction for international travellers. Agra’s foreign arrivals increased slightly from 2.684 million in 2022-23 to 2.770 million in 2023-24, although the number of domestic visitors fell by 193,000.

“Foreign tourists still view the Taj Mahal as an iconic landmark. However, domestic travellers are increasingly attracted to spiritual destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, seeking to reconnect with heritage and spirituality,” said Arvind Mehta, an Agra-based tour operator.

Buddhist Circuit and Infrastructure Growth

Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist circuit, centred around Kushinagar, also saw growth, attracting 1.62 million visitors, including 153,000 international tourists.

The state’s tourism boom has been fueled by significant infrastructure improvements. Rohit Malhotra, a hospitality expert, commended the government’s role, saying, “From premium accommodations to guided tours and seamless transport, Uttar Pradesh now offers a comprehensive travel experience.”

Signature events like the Ram Temple’s Pran Pratishtha ceremony have drawn record crowds, with even more visitors expected as its anniversary approaches in January.