Ayodhya Ram Mandir overtakes Taj Mahal as UP's most visited destination in 2024

Uttar Pradesh recorded a remarkable 476.1 million visitors between January and September 2024, nearly matching the total of 480 million tourists in 2023. This surge marks a significant increase in both domestic and international tourism across the state, driven by the region’s cultural, historical, and religious significance, alongside significant improvements in infrastructure.

Ayodhya emerged as the top tourist destination in the state during this period, surpassing Agra’s Taj Mahal in terms of overall visitors. Ayodhya attracted 135.5 million domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors. The inauguration of the Ram Temple in 2024 played a central role in the rise of tourism, as the city’s religious and cultural importance grew, bolstered by new developments aimed at accommodating the influx of visitors. The city's spiritual appeal has attracted millions of pilgrims and tourists alike.

Agra, despite a slight decline in domestic tourism, maintained its status as a key international tourist destination. The city recorded 125.1 million visitors, including 115.9 million domestic and 924,000 international tourists. The Taj Mahal, a globally recognized symbol of India, continued to draw significant foreign arrivals. Agra’s foreign tourist count increased from 2.684 million in 2022-23 to 27.7 million in 2023-24. However, domestic tourist numbers in Agra dropped by 193,000 in 2024, reflecting a broader trend of domestic tourists shifting towards other spiritual destinations within the state.

Other prominent spiritual destinations in Uttar Pradesh also saw a rise in footfall. Varanasi, known for its religious significance, welcomed 62 million domestic tourists and 184,000 international visitors. Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, saw 68 million visitors, including 87,229 foreigners. Prayagraj, famous for hosting the Kumbh Mela, recorded 48 million visitors. Mirzapur, a city with growing religious tourism, saw 11.8 million visitors, marking a significant increase in foot traffic to lesser-known spiritual sites in the state.

The rise in tourism is linked to a growing interest in religious and spiritual experiences, which have been a major draw for domestic tourists. Uttar Pradesh has become a hub for spiritual tourism, with destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, and Prayagraj witnessing substantial growth. The state’s Buddhist circuit, centered in Kushinagar, also experienced an increase in visitors, with 1.62 million tourists, including 153,000 international visitors.

Significant improvements in tourism infrastructure have also supported this boom. The Uttar Pradesh government has made investments in better transportation systems, premium accommodations, guided tours, and improved accessibility to key destinations. These developments have made it easier for tourists to visit, explore, and experience Uttar Pradesh’s spiritual, cultural, and historical offerings. Signature events, such as the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple, have further boosted tourist arrivals, with expectations of continued growth in the coming years.