Publish Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 (16:15 IST)
Updated Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 (16:15 IST)
In a major boost to spiritual tourism, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has introduced a new organised tour package aimed at making travel to Ayodhya smoother and more convenient for devotees.
Building on its well-structured Lucknow–Ayodhya tour packages launched in 2025, UPSTDC has now rolled out the ‘Sugam Darshan’ service in collaboration with the Ayodhya district administration. The initiative offers a comfortable one-day tour to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra via a tempo traveller, ensuring a hassle-free pilgrimage experience. The inaugural trip is scheduled for February 21.
One of the key highlights of the ‘Sugam Darshan’ package is assistance in avoiding long queues at the temple, allowing devotees to have a more relaxed and fulfilling darshan. Bookings can be made through UPSTDC’s official website, upstdc.co.in.
State Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that with over 29 crore visitors to Ayodhya in 2025, the government’s priority is to ensure every devotee experiences comfort and spiritual fulfilment in the presence of Ram Lalla. He said initiatives like ‘Sugam Darshan’ are helping make religious tourism more organised, accessible, and convenient.
The thoughtfully curated package includes lunch at Saryu Guest House, an evening tea break, assistance from local guides, drinking water, and a souvenir to commemorate the visit. The pricing has been kept affordable, with tickets at Rs 1,500 for senior citizens and Rs 2,000 for others.
The day-long journey begins at 8:00 AM from Hotel Gomti in Lucknow, reaching Ayodhya around 10:30 AM. Devotees will visit Hanuman Garhi, Ram Janmabhoomi, and Kanak Bhawan, followed by lunch. The itinerary also includes the Saryu River Front (Ram Ki Paidi) and Nageshwar Nath Temple before returning to Lucknow by approximately 8:30 PM.
In addition to ‘Sugam Darshan,’ UPSTDC operates other popular tours such as the double-decker ‘Lucknow Darshan’ bus service, and packages covering Naimisharanya, Varanasi–Prayagraj, and Dudhwa. All tours can be booked online.
Looking ahead, the department plans to introduce new tourism circuits, including visits to sites associated with Neeb Karori Baba, further expanding the state’s spiritual tourism offerings.
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat, said the focus remains on promoting organised, accessible, and high-quality travel while strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s spiritual tourism ecosystem. He also highlighted the upcoming 52-acre ‘Mandir Sanghralaya’ (Temple Museum) project in Ayodhya, which is expected to significantly enhance the overall visitor experience.
The initiative reinforces Ayodhya’s growing stature as a major spiritual tourism hub, ensuring that pilgrimages become more seamless, structured, and devotee-friendly.
