Ayodhya Leads Tourist Surge In Uttar Pradesh, Surpasses Varanasi With 11 Crore Visitors In First Six Months Of 2024

Over 11 crore pilgrims and tourists visited Ayodhya in the first half of 2024, according to the data released by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department.

Ayodhya's visitors accounted for roughly one-third of the total 33 crore tourists who travelled to different destinations across Uttar Pradesh during the same period.

"Ayodhya has left behind Varanasi which recorded a footfall of 4.61 crore," a government spokesperson said, quoting tourism minister Jaiveer Singh.

Crediting the surge in Ayodhya's tourist footfall to the Ram temple, the spokesperson said that the rise was noted in both domestic and international categories.

Prayagraj and Mathura have also emerged as major tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh, recording 4.53 crore and 3.07 crore footfalls, respectively, according to officials.

Agra and Lucknow recorded 69.8 lakh and 35 lakh visitors, respectively, further contributing to the state's growing tourism appeal.

"Numbers for UP speak for the rising popularity of the state as a global tourism destination. In 2022, the total tourist footfall recorded by UP was 31.86 crore. Compared to this, almost an equal number of tourists have visited the state in the first six months of 2024," the Tourism Minister said.

Shringverpur, a key site in the Ramayana Circuit linked to Lord Ram's interaction with Nishadraj, is also set for development. Plans include the construction of parking areas, civic amenities, and eateries in Shringverpur ahead of the 2025 Maha Kumbh.

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