• Shri Brijesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri B L Santosh, National General Secretary of BJP, Shri Jaiveer Singh, Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Culture of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Surya Pratap Sahi, Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Agricultural Research of Uttar Pradesh jointly inaugurated 51 OYO homestays and 14 hotels in Ayodhya.  
• Inauguration ceremony took place at Shankar Homestay owned by Sudha Maurya 
• OYO is working in close partnership with the government to support religious tourism in India.  

In a move set to transform Ayodhya’s tourism landscape, Shri Brijesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri B L Santosh, National General Secretary of BJP, Shri Jaiveer Singh, Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Culture of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Surya Pratap Sahi, Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Agricultural Research of Uttar Pradesh jointly inaugurated 51 OYO homestays and 14 hotels in the city. Inauguration ceremony took place at Shankar Homestay owned by Sudha Maurya.  

This development comes as a part of OYO’s commitment to providing comfortable and affordable accommodations to travellers seeking to explore the religious and cultural richness of Ayodhya. Guests can find budget-friendly rooms with prices starting from INR 1000.  

OYO has seen a staggering 350% increase in searches for Ayodhya on its platform over the past year. The 65 properties in Ayodhya have been added to support the anticipated surge in tourism after the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple on January 22, 2024. To ensure smooth and timely operations, OYO has partnered with the Ayodhya Development Authority and the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation. 

OYO properties in Ayodhya are located at strategic locations across Ayodhya ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay for guests. These homestays offer a combination of quality and affordability that aligns with the diverse needs of religious tourists, making their pilgrimage to Ayodhya a memorable and comfortable experience. 

With this expansion, OYO reiterates its dedication to supporting Ayodhya’s flourishing tourism scene.  

“It is a privilege to play a role in enhancing Ayodhya’s hospitality infrastructure and providing comfortable and accessible stays for devotees and tourists from all over the world. We have also identified 15 OYO homestays in Ayodhya with ramps to make it convenient for divyang devotees coming to Ayodhya.” said Deepa Malik, Independent Director, OYO. 

“Today I’m overwhelmed with a sense of awe and personal fulfilment. To be part of this momentous occasion, not just as a witness, but as a contributor through OYO, is a truly humbling experience. OYO, like many other young startups in India, thrives on the spirit of innovation and the drive to make a difference. To be entrusted with enabling a seamless and comfortable stay for pilgrims from across the globe who’ll be visiting Ayodhya after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony is a responsibility we carry with immense pride. We see this not just as a business opportunity, but as an opportunity to serve a higher purpose. The Uttar Pradesh government’s vision for Ayodhya is truly inspiring. The progressive policies and infrastructure development have created an environment where tourism and business can flourish together with devotion. This booming ecosystem has allowed us to establish a strong presence in Ayodhya, with 65 properties ready to welcome pilgrims. We stand fully prepared to offer them a comfortable and authentic experience, one that reflects the city’s spiritual vibrancy and rich heritage.” said Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group CEO, OYO. 

“We are delighted to welcome OYO’s expansion in Ayodhya. These newly inaugurated properties will increase our accommodation capacity and ensure a smooth experience for the pilgrims. OYO’s focus on local homestays aligns with our mission to empower Ayodhya’s residents and showcase the city’s cultural heritage through authentic experiences. We look forward to a long-term partnership with OYO in making Ayodhya shine as a beacon of spiritual tourism.” said Shri Brijesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh 

“OYO’s commitment to affordability and quality aligns perfectly with our vision of making Ayodhya accessible and comfortable for travellers from all walks of life. We are confident that this collaboration will play a crucial role in boosting tourism and creating new economic opportunities for the region.” said Shri Jaiveer Singh, Cabinet Minister for Tourism & Culture of Uttar Pradesh 

The strategic expansion in Ayodhya reflects OYO’s dedication to supporting local economies and creating employment opportunities within the region. The homestays will not only cater to the needs of religious tourists but also contribute to the overall development of Ayodhya’s hospitality sector. 

OYO has recently also announced expansion plans in major spiritual hotspots across the country, fuelled by a surge in domestic travel and rising interest in spiritual tourism. OYO is gearing up to launch 400 properties in popular destinations like Ayodhya, Puri, Shirdi, Varanasi, Amritsar, Tirupati, Haridwar, Katra-Vaishno Devi, and the Char Dham route by the end of this year.