TL;DR: Ayodhya has received over 22 crore visitors in 2025 so far, up from 16 crore in 2024. The surge follows the inauguration of the Ram Mandir and major religious events like Maha Kumbh, making it the most visited religious site in the world.
Visitor Surge and Official Data
- Over 22 crore devotees visited Ayodhya between January and October 2025, up from 16 crore in 2024, according to official Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department data.
- The claim has been verified by outlets like Travel Trends Today, The Statesman, and Moneycontrol.
- Ayodhya received 20.36 crore visitors in the first quarter of 2025 alone, driven by the Ram Mandir inauguration and events like Maha Kumbh.
- Daily footfall averages 1-2 lakh, with peaks of up to 5 lakh during festivals such as Ram Navami and Deepotsav.
Government and Ministerial Statements
- Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Ayodhya is not only a sacred site, it is becoming a global symbol of cultural and spiritual resurgence.”
- Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for Ayodhya's transformation and added that Ayodhya is the core of the state's “Spiritual Triangle” with Prayagraj and Varanasi.
Economic and Infrastructure Impact
- Estimated ₹25,000 crore GDP boost in FY25 from tourism-related tax revenues.
- The Ram Mandir now ranks as India’s third-highest-earning shrine (~₹700 crore/year).
- A ₹85,000 crore ($10 billion) redevelopment plan includes:
- Maharishi Valmiki International Airport
- Expanded rail and road connectivity
- New hotel and township projects
Global Comparison and Recognition
- With 22+ crore visitors, Ayodhya has surpassed Mecca (13-15 million) and the Vatican (5-6 million) in annual religious footfall.
- Projected 2025 total is 45-50 crore, making Ayodhya the world’s largest religious tourism hub.
- Events like Deepotsav 2025 (aiming for 25 lakh diyas) and Ramlila (with 62 crore virtual viewers) add to Ayodhya’s global visibility.
Management and Festival Highlights
- Online bookings, tourist police, tent cities, and rain shelters introduced to handle high volumes.
- Ram Navami 2025 featured a 19-hour darshan window and 56 types of offerings.
- Parkota security wall and six new temples to open in November 2025 as part of expansion.