Ram Mandir draws record crowd, makes Ayodhya world's top pilgrimage destination

Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir has emerged as one of the most visited religious destinations in the world, drawing unprecedented crowds since its consecration in January 2024. The temple’s rapid rise in popularity has seen visitor numbers soar far beyond traditional expectations, reshaping the city’s profile on the global spiritual tourism map.

Data from local tourism authorities shows that between January and June 2025, Ayodhya welcomed over 23.82 crore devotees and tourists, marking the highest footfall since records began and eclipsing previous pilgrimage trends. Earlier figures indicate that in 2024 alone, the city logged approximately 16.44 crore visitors, up sharply from around 5.75 crore in 2023, reflecting exponential growth linked to the temple’s opening.Since the Ram Mandir opened to the public, millions have flocked to offer prayers. Government data noted that more than 5.5 crore devotees had visited the temple by mid-2025, including over 4.5 lakh VIP visitors such as ministers and dignitaries. In the early months after the doors first opened, an estimated 1.12 crore visitors came to Ayodhya, with daily averages ranging from 1.25 lakh to 1.5 lakh people.

Experts and tourism officials say the surge has pushed Ayodhya ahead of many longstanding pilgrimage hubs, potentially surpassing footfall at globally renowned sites such as Mecca and Vatican City. The transformation has also driven extensive infrastructure development, including improved transport links and hospitality facilities, further boosting the city’s appeal to domestic and international visitors.