The upcoming inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya has set off a travel frenzy, with airfares to the holy city surpassing international rates. Tourists eager to witness the historic event on January 22 are facing exorbitant costs, especially for flights. A one-way direct flight from Mumbai to Ayodhya on January 19 with IndiGo now demands a hefty Rs 20,700, eclipsing prices for international routes.
High-Flying Costs: Ayodhya Airfares Surpass International Routes
In a surprising turn, airfares to Ayodhya now exceed international rates. The same-day direct Air India flight from Mumbai to Singapore is priced at Rs 10,987, while a direct flight to Bangkok from Mumbai costs Rs 13,800. The surge in demand for travel to Ayodhya has led to a notable imbalance in pricing.
Ayodhya Hotel Crunch: Room Rates Skyrocket Amid Limited Options
With less than 1,500 operational hotel rooms in Ayodhya, accommodation rates have surged four to five times their usual levels. Despite the absence of branded five-star properties, most premium hotel options are fully booked in the days leading up to January 22, further exacerbating the accommodation crunch.
Spiritual Tourism Boom: Ayodhya Witnesses Over 120% Surge in Demand
President and Country Head of Thomas Cook (India), Rajeev Kale, highlights a significant uptick in demand for spiritual tourism, witnessing a surge of over 120% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The New Year’s beginning on an auspicious note seems to be a driving force behind this surge, with Indians seeking spiritual experiences.
Air Travel Trends: Ayodhya Sees Over 300% Increase in Searches Ahead of Temple Inauguration
As the Ram temple inauguration approaches, data from Thomas Cook indicates a remarkable over 300% surge in searches for Ayodhya in December compared to October. The diverse customer base includes families, businessmen, youth, and couples, showcasing the broad appeal of Ayodhya as a travel destination.
Limited Flight Options: IndiGo and Air India Express Dominate Ayodhya Routes
Limited flight options to Ayodhya contribute to the steep airfares. Currently, only IndiGo and Air India Express have announced flights to Ayodhya, leading to a scarcity of choices for travelers. The lack of competition in this route has resulted in higher costs for those looking to fly to the holy city.
Surge in Travel Searches: Ayodhya Becomes a Hotspot with Over 100% Increase in Flight Searches
Ixigo’s co-founder and group CEO, Aloke Bajpai, notes a remarkable over 100% increase in domestic flight searches for Ayodhya since the new airport’s launch. Train travel searches have also witnessed a substantial surge, indicating a growing interest in Ayodhya as a travel destination.
Anticipated Flight Expansion: Bengaluru and Chennai Routes Expected to Commence Soon
While flights from Bengaluru and Chennai to Ayodhya are expected to commence in the coming days, there are currently no direct flights between these destinations as per the airlines’ flight plans. This anticipated expansion could provide more travel options for those planning to visit Ayodhya.
Ayodhya Hotel Demand and Construction: Estimated at Rs 30,000 and New Properties in the Work
The demand for hotel rooms in Ayodhya is estimated to reach around Rs 30,000, reflecting the significant accommodation crunch. Currently, only five branded hotels are under construction in the city, according to estimates shared by JLL, pointing towards potential future relief in accommodation availability.
Ayodhya’s Travel Dilemma: Balancing Spiritual Significance with Soaring Costs
As Ayodhya becomes a focal point for spiritual and historical significance, travelers are grappling with soaring costs for both airfares and accommodations. The pilgrimage to witness the Ram temple’s inauguration comes with a price, highlighting the delicate balance between spiritual devotion and the financial implications of the journey.
In conclusion, the fervor surrounding the Ayodhya temple inauguration has triggered unprecedented travel demand, resulting in escalating airfares and accommodation costs. The surge in interest reflects the cultural and spiritual significance attached to Ayodhya, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and consideration of budget constraints for those
Read more about Marketing News, Advertising News, PR and Finance News, Digital News.
