Over 20.36 crore pilgrims visited Ayodhya in first quarter this year

Ayodhya, the sacred city of Lord Shri Ram, is witnessing accelerated growth with a fresh wave of development projects approved to enhance its stature as a global religious and cultural tourism destination.

The temple city witnessed a record-breaking number of tourists between January and March 2025 alone, when a staggering 20.36 crore visitors reached the city.

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This unprecedented figure underscores the success of government efforts to position Uttar Pradesh as the country’s leading destination for religious tourism. By comparison, the city saw 5.76 crore visitors in 2023, which grew to 16.44 crore in 2024. With Mahakumbh 2025 contributing to the surge, estimates suggest the total visitor count for the year could reach 45 to 50 crore. The sharp rise in footfall has distinguished Ayodhya from other religious centres in the state, solidifying its place as a focal point of national pilgrimage.

UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said here on Wednesday that Ayodhya has firmly established itself as the foremost choice for pilgrims and spiritual tourists in recent years.

August 5, 2025, marked five years since the Bhoomi Pujan of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and within just four years, on January 22, 2024, the ceremonial Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla was completed. Since then, Ayodhya has experienced a sustained influx of visitors, bringing significant momentum not only to religious tourism but also to the local economy, employment, and infrastructure development, the minister maintained.

Minister Singh said, “Ayodhya is not only a sacred site, it is becoming a global symbol of cultural and spiritual resurgence. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayodhya is undergoing a historic transformation. The continuous increase in pilgrims and tourists is proof of this change. The government is pushing forward plans focused on tourism, infrastructure, beautification, and livelihood generation to ensure long-term, inclusive growth.”

He also said Ayodhya forms the core of the state’s “Spiritual Triangle” alongside Prayagraj and Varanasi. Its religious, cultural, and historical significance makes it a natural hub in this spiritual corridor. Construction of the Ram Mandir is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by 2026. The upcoming Deepotsav and related festivals are likely to draw even more visitors to the city in the coming months, he added.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has sanctioned Rs 2.25 crore for a series of projects aimed at strengthening the city’s infrastructure and appeal among visitors from across India and abroad.