Over 20 cr pilgrims visited Ayodhya in Q1 2025; city continues to rise with more infra developments
Jaiveer Singh, Tourism and Culture Minister, UP
By comparison, the city saw 5.76 crore visitors in 2023, which grew to 16.44 crore in 2024. Ayodhya is not only a sacred site, it is becoming a global symbol of cultural and spiritual resurgence, said Minister Jaiveer Singh.
Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh 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 Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has sanctioned INR 2.25 crore for a series of projects aimed at strengthening the city’s infrastructure and appeal among visitors from across India and abroad.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh announced the funding, noting 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. 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.
Between January and March 2025 alone, Ayodhya recorded a staggering 20.36 crore visitors. This 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 centers in the state, solidifying its place as a focal point of national pilgrimage.
Ayodhya also 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.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer 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.”
