Visitors at a homestay in Ayodhya – a foreigner enjoying deepotsava
Lucknow/Ayodhya : Ayodhya received around 15 lakh visitors between Nov 1 and 7 this year, according to official data released by the state govt on Tuesday. Visits to the Ram Lalla temple also doubled during the seven-day period, rising from over five lakh in 2025 to around 10 lakh this year, according to tourism department figures. Vasudev Maurya of Shri Ramdoot Niwas Homestay reported a 120-130% increase in business compared with normal days, with all rooms occupied. Rooms were available for Rs 1,000-1,200 a day, making homestays an affordable alternative to hotels, he said.
Several properties reported occupancy levels of 80% to 100%, while some owners said they had to turn away visitors due to a shortage of rooms.
He no longer needs to move to a big city in search of employment,” Sonkar said. At Kusum Homestay, Avinash Kusum said rooms remained occupied throughout the festive period, with visitors appreciating home-cooked meals and the family atmosphere. Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said, “The growing response to Ayodhya’s homestays reflects how tourism is creating new income and employment opportunities for local families. Additional chief secretary and director general (tourism) Amrit Abhijat said homestays were becoming an important part of Ayodhya’s tourism ecosystem, offering visitors a more personal experience while generating livelihood opportunities for local households.
Guests, particularly from Maharashtra, stayed longer and opted for home-cooked meals. “Today, our business is growing, and my son is earning through the work we have built here.