Yogi government’s rural tourism policy in Ayodhya division has increased the income of villages by 40% through homestays, handicrafts and cultural activities. 19 villages are being developed through homestay model, which has provided new employment to youth, women and artisans.
Lucknow. With the rural tourism policy of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a new round of economic activities has started in the villages of Ayodhya division. The state government has created a model by linking religious tourism with the village lifestyle and folk culture, which has strengthened the rural economy. 19 villages of Ayodhya mandal have been specially selected for homestay development. This initiative has increased the income of thousands of rural families and improved the standard of living.
Employment for youth and women through homestay development
The government has implemented rural tourism scheme on a large scale to introduce crores of devotees visiting Ayodhya Dham to the rural culture. In the first phase, 93 villages from the entire state were selected, out of which 19 villages are from Ayodhya division. Work is going on on 50 homestays in Amouni, Sherwaghat, Abanpur Saroha, Gauraghat and Rampurwa villages of Ayodhya district. Most of these homestays are now providing accommodation to tourists.
There are 292 hotels and 1186 homestays registered in the district, which are providing accommodation facilities to the travelers at reasonable prices. Besides, roads, housing, cultural centres, local food and tourist facilities have been improved in the villages. This has created employment and livelihood opportunities for local youth, women and artisans.
Increase in rural income due to increase in homestay registration.
Initially the monthly income of each homestay in Ayodhya was Rs 40,000–50,000, which has now increased to around Rs 2 lakh. More than 69 lakh bookings have been recorded on the ‘Divya Ayodhya’ app till February 2025.
Rent for most homestays ranges from Rs 1500–2500 per room per day. After the implementation of Yogi government’s homestay policy 2025, registration in rural areas has increased rapidly. Due to the increasing number of tourists, the monthly income of rural homestay operators has increased by about 40%. Now rural families are getting stable income by connecting with tourism along with farming.
Residents of Ayodhya are getting big benefits
According to Anshuman Tiwari, guest house operator in Ayodhya, after getting permission for the construction of Ram temple and homestay, the income of the local people has increased significantly. Even ordinary homestay operators are earning Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh a month. All this has been possible due to the policies of Yogi government and the rapid development of Ayodhya.
New identity for handicrafts and folk art, increased role of women
After the construction of Ram temple, the number of local handicraftsmen in Ayodhya has increased by 25%. The homestay model has given a new market to traditional artisans, artists and handicraftsmen. Women play an important role in the rural cultural experience groups created by the tourism department. Women are earning Rs 5,000–12,000 per month by being involved in food arrangement, local cuisine, household products, cleaning and hospitality.
Steps towards tourism based self-reliant villages
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath believes that Ayodhya is identified not only by the temples but also by the culture and tradition of the villages. The government has created a comprehensive economic infrastructure by developing homestays, cultural tours, rural food, farming experiences, river bank activities and handicraft markets in villages. This model will provide sustainable income to millions of rural families in the future and make Uttar Pradesh a national leader in rural tourism.