Ayodhya Emerges as Top Tourist Destination in Uttar Pradesh with Over 11 Crore Visitors

Ayodhya, the temple town, has recently emerged as the top tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh, surpassing Varanasi with over 11 crore visitors. The city has seen a significant increase in both domestic and international tourists in the first six months of 2024, compared to 4.61 crore visitors in Varanasi during the same period.

The state tourism department shared these impressive numbers on Saturday, revealing that nearly 33 crore tourists visited Uttar Pradesh in the first half of the year. According to Jaiveer Singh, the UP tourism and culture minister, the total number of visitors in the state during this time was 32,98,18,122, including 32,87,81,348 domestic tourists and 10,36,774 international visitors.

This surge in tourism is evident when compared to the first six months of the previous year, which saw 19,60,34,967 tourists. Ayodhya secured the top spot with 10.99 crore visitors, including 2,851 foreign visitors, while Varanasi followed with 4.61 crore tourists, including 1,33,999 international travelers.

Other popular destinations in Uttar Pradesh such as Prayagraj, Mathura, and Agra also attracted millions of travelers in the first half of 2024. Prayagraj saw a footfall of 4,53,94,772 domestic and 3,668 foreign visitors, while Mathura welcomed 3,07,02,513 domestic and 49,619 foreign visitors.

The tourism department highlighted that Uttar Pradesh is gaining recognition as a top tourist destination globally due to its development of attractions and improved facilities. Ayodhya, in particular, garnered international attention in the beginning of 2024 following the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, solidifying its position as one of the most revered destinations in the country.