“Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious temple restoration plan, led by CM Yogi Adityanath, is revitalizing 300 ancient temples to boost spiritual tourism. With INR 400 crore allocated in the 2025-26 budget, the state aims to enhance infrastructure in key pilgrimage sites like Ayodhya and Mathura, attracting millions of visitors and fostering economic growth through cultural heritage preservation.”
Uttar Pradesh Revives Ancient Temples to Boost Spiritual Tourism
The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has embarked on a transformative journey to position the state as a global hub for spiritual tourism. As part of its spiritual tourism policy, the state has renovated approximately 300 temples across all 75 districts, with a budget allocation of INR 50 lakh per temple and up to INR 2 crore for larger ones. This initiative, which began after the formation of the Yogi government 2.0 in 2022, focuses on restoring centuries-old temples that had been neglected by previous administrations.
In 2024, Uttar Pradesh welcomed over 650 million tourists, including 14 lakh foreign visitors, with the newly inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya being a major draw. The state’s 2025-26 budget has earmarked INR 400 crore for religious tourism, with INR 150 crore allocated for Ayodhya’s infrastructure development and INR 125 crore for the Mathura-Vrindavan corridor, including the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple. Additionally, INR 100 crore is set aside for land acquisition to support tourism projects, and INR 30 crore for restoring protected temples.
The restoration efforts are not limited to structural repairs. The government is enhancing facilities around these sacred sites, including link roads, guest houses, drinking water stations, and benches, to improve accessibility and comfort for pilgrims and tourists. For instance, the Shiv Mandir in Bhatta Ki Pipri has seen significant upgrades, drawing more devotees during festivals. Temples like Bateshwar Dham in Agra, Rupani Devi in Firozabad, and Jharkhand Mahadev in Gorakhpur are among those revitalized, preserving their architectural and spiritual significance.
The state’s Tourism Department has also prepared a roadmap to transform lesser-known sites, such as the ancient ashrams of sages Bhrigu and Durvasa, into vibrant heritage tourism centers. The initiative includes the redevelopment of a prominent Jain temple, particularly in eastern Uttar Pradesh, to broaden the appeal of spiritual tourism.
In preparation for the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, expected to attract millions, restoration projects for 15 temple corridors, including the Bhardwaj Corridor and Mankameshwar Temple Corridor, are nearing completion. The collaboration between the tourism department, Smart City initiative, and Prayagraj Development Authority ensures timely execution, with most projects set to conclude by November 2025.
The government has also established district tourism and culture councils in all 75 districts to monitor construction and organize cultural activities like bhajans and kirtans, fostering community engagement. The creation of bodies like the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and Shree Ayodhya Jee Teerth Vikas Parishad is accelerating these efforts, ensuring sustainable development of religious sites.
This temple restoration drive aligns with a broader vision to promote Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage while boosting the local economy. The state’s focus on infrastructure, such as wayside amenities along highways and improved connectivity, aims to provide seamless travel experiences for visitors. The initiative is expected to create employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, by promoting local businesses and the tourism service industry.
The success of these efforts is evident in the growing footfall at revitalized sites and the global attention garnered by events like the Ram Temple inauguration. By blending tradition with modern governance, Uttar Pradesh is not only preserving its spiritual legacy but also positioning itself as a premier destination for pilgrims and tourists worldwide.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from the Uttar Pradesh government, sourced from reputable outlets like The Hindu, Times of India, and Economic Times. Information is accurate as of August 2025 and subject to change based on new developments.