Ayodhya’s rendezvous with Ram is set to transform the UP city, witnessing a remarkable transformation, shaping into a global tourism hub with an infusion of over Rs 15,700 crore in development projects initiated by Prime Minister Modi. This investment is not just a boost for the city’s infrastructure but a catalyst for economic and cultural rejuvenation.
At the forefront of this transformation is the construction of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, a project that promises to radically alter the region’s accessibility.
“In its first phase, the airport is poised to handle 10 lakh passengers annually, with plans to expand this capacity to 60 lahks following the completion of the second phase. This enhanced connectivity is a key factor in attracting tourists and investors alike.“
The ripple effect of these infrastructural developments is already visible in the city’s hospitality sector. Ayodhya is currently a beehive of activity, with major hotel chains and investors vying to establish a presence. The Uttar Pradesh Housing and Development Board’s online hotel land auction is a testament to this surge in interest. Prestigious brands like IHCL, Marriott, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts are making significant inroads, with five branded hotels and 520 rooms already under construction. The projected cost for these developments stands at an impressive INR 350 crore, signalling a robust confidence in Ayodhya’s tourism potential.
The city’s spiritual significance as the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram is a magnetic pull for major hospitality companies. This is exemplified by Sarovar Hotels & Resorts’ plan to open its 80-room Park Inn by Radisson in alignment with Ayodhya’s growing prominence. Similarly, ITC Ltd., a conglomerate with a significant presence in the hotel industry, is exploring branding and management opportunities for its upcoming projects in the area.
The Abhinandan Lodha Group, in collaboration with the Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, is set to make a grand entry with a luxury hotel near the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. This development, part of a larger Rs 2,000 crore investment in five luxury hotels across India, underscores the growing appeal of Ayodhya as a luxury destination.
The burgeoning interest is not limited to luxury and upscale segments. Mid-budget brands like OYO and Treebo are also capitalizing on Ayodhya’s potential. OYO plans to add 50 hotels and homes, totalling around 1000 rooms. These new properties will be strategically located near Ayodhya’s prominent landmarks, ensuring convenient access for visitors exploring the city’s iconic attractions. Treebo on the other hand will be opening its first hotel there later this month and will add 3-4 more during this year. The first one has 16 rooms. Future ones will have an average 20-25 rooms.
The city’s hotel room prices have tripled, indicative of the growing demand. Ayodhya’s visitor count has skyrocketed from 325,000 in 2021 to an astounding 23.9 million the following year, a figure that only seems to be on an upward trajectory.
With direct flights from major cities and new train connections enhancing accessibility, Ayodhya is poised to welcome a deluge of devotees and tourists. The city’s economic landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by a strategic focus on spiritual tourism. This resurgence not only revitalizes Ayodhya but also sets a benchmark for other cities with cultural and spiritual heritage. Ayodhya’s journey from a pilgrimage town to a global tourism hotspot is a narrative of visionary planning and robust execution, a testament to the untapped potential of spiritual tourism in India.