GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd Dec. Uttar Pradesh has set an unprecedented milestone in tourism, attracting 476.1 million visitors between January and September 2024. Among the top destinations, Ayodhya, the spiritual capital of the state, has overtaken Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal to emerge as the most visited spot, as per a recent report by Moneycontrol.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department revealed that Ayodhya welcomed 135.5 million domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors during this period, with the inauguration of the Ram Temple being the primary catalyst for this surge.
In comparison, Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, saw 125.1 million visitors, including 115.9 million domestic travelers and 924,000 international tourists. Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh lauded the state’s remarkable progress, stating, “Uttar Pradesh welcomed 480 million tourists last year, a milestone nearly reached in just nine months this year.”
Religious Tourism Drives Growth
Industry experts point to the rise of spiritual tourism as the driving force behind these record-breaking numbers. “Ayodhya has become the epicenter of spiritual tourism in India,” said Mohan Sharma, a senior travel planner based in Lucknow, noting a 70% increase in religious tour bookings.
Other spiritual hubs in the state have also seen significant growth.
- Varanasi recorded 62 million domestic tourists and 184,000 international visitors.
- Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, hosted 68 million visitors, including 87,229 foreigners.
- Prayagraj, famed for the Kumbh Mela, drew 48 million tourists.
- Mirzapur, known for its Vindhyavasini temple, welcomed 11.8 million visitors.
Despite Ayodhya’s dominance in domestic tourism, the Taj Mahal remains a global favorite among international tourists. Agra’s foreign arrivals rose from 2.684 million in 2022-23 to 27.7 million in 2023-24, even as domestic numbers slightly declined.
“Foreign tourists view the Taj Mahal as an unmissable icon. However, domestic travelers are increasingly drawn to spiritual experiences in Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj,” noted Arvind Mehta, an Agra-based tour operator.
Buddhist Circuit and Infrastructure Development
The state’s Buddhist circuit, centered around Kushinagar, reported 1.62 million visitors, including 153,000 international tourists.
Enhanced infrastructure has been key to Uttar Pradesh’s tourism success. Rohit Malhotra, a hospitality expert, praised the government’s efforts: “From premium accommodations to guided tours and seamless transport, the state now offers a holistic travel experience.”
Signature Events and Future Growth
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple drew record crowds, with further surges expected as its anniversary in January approaches. Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to cultural and spiritual tourism is poised to maintain its position as India’s leading tourist destination.
As Uttar Pradesh continues its tourism boom, the state sets an example of leveraging cultural heritage, religious significance, and modern infrastructure to create unparalleled travel experiences.
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