The inauguration of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya last week has set the stage for an unprecedented tourism bonanza in the historic city, with major players in the travel industry expecting millions of devotees as well as casual visitors to flock to Ayodhya in the coming years.
Data released by multiple travel portals and analysts shows a massive surge in online searches and bookings for Ayodhya from within India as well as globally ever since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony was held on January 22 for the installation of idols of Lord Ram, his wife Sita and brothers Lakshman and Hanuman at the new temple site.
Google searches for ‘Ayodhya tourism’ have spiked nearly 4 times while MakeMyTrip has registered a jaw-dropping 97% year-on-year growth in searches for spiritual destinations, with Ayodhya emerging as the most sought after pilgrim spot surpassing even Kashi and Badrinath. Leading bus operator AbhiBus is witnessing an 86% month-on-month rise in travel demand for Ayodhya, especially among youngsters belonging to the Gen Z category.
Ground reports indicate Ayodhya is already playing host to record visitor footfalls, averaging around 50,000-60,000 daily including those attending the ongoing Ram Lalla Darshan ritual. Real estate developers and hospitality players are witnessing strong inquiries about residential and commercial properties in the city.
The travel industry has moved swiftly to capitalise on this golden opportunity, tailoring tour packages specifically for Ayodhya with options for 2-3 day guided trips taking in all prominent temples. Major hotel chains have also unveiled expansion plans, with IHCL signing up for a third project after previously announcing Vivanta and Ginger hotels by 2027. Fortune Hotels is actively scouting for investment partners.
Advertisement
The boost to infrastructure in Ayodhya including the new airport and rail connectivity has addressed a key concern, enhancing accessibility enormously. With the government targeting completion of the under-construction projects by 2024 including expanding Ayodhya airport’s capacity to 6 million passengers annually and developing heritage hotels, the scene is set for exponential tourism growth.
Industry analysts project Ayodhya will attract 50-80 million visitors annually within 3-5 years, contributing upwards of ₹500 billion to the economy. The ‘Vatican City of India’ tag bestowed upon Ayodhya by the Chief Minister is looking increasingly apropos. As more luxury brands signal interest and local facilities scale up, Ayodhya seems primed for a strategic makeover to a leading regional travel hotspot. Truly, the Gods have smiled on this sacred land with the munificence of pilgrim dollars in their saffron glory.
