Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), the parent company of the Taj brand, has launched Ayodhyām, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions, a new hotel in the historic city of Ayodhya. The property is designed to serve the rapidly expanding spiritual tourism market in India, which has seen strong growth as domestic and international travellers seek culturally immersive experiences.
The 162-room hotel draws on Ayodhya's deep cultural and religious heritage, offering contemporary interiors with abundant natural light. Dining at the on-site restaurant, Divyam, focuses on local culinary traditions and authentic regional flavours. The hotel also includes a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and flexible event spaces suitable for weddings and conferences, positioning it for both leisure and MICE business.
Spiritual Tourism as a Growth Driver
Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President of New Businesses & Hotel Openings at IHCL, said, “Spiritual tourism in India continues to see strong momentum, with Ayodhya being among the country’s most revered destinations. Ayodhyām, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions is positioned to meet this demand, offering a stay experience that reflects the city’s spiritual significance whilst catering to the evolving expectations of today’s traveller.”
The hotel offers curated experiences rooted in local traditions, including morning aartis, storytelling sessions by kathavachaks, sattvic dining, and guided spiritual trails that include visits to the sacred river Sarayu. General Manager Brij Rajpali expressed enthusiasm about welcoming guests to what he described as a spiritual retreat designed for tranquillity and connection to its surroundings.
Ayodhya has become a focal point for religious tourism following the construction of the Ram Mandir temple, drawing millions of pilgrims annually. The city's improved connectivity—via the Ayodhya Airport and enhanced rail links—has made it more accessible to travellers from across India and abroad. IHCL's entry into this market aligns with broader trends in Indian hospitality, where hotel groups are expanding into tier-2 and tier-3 cities with strong pilgrimage traffic.
The property is part of IHCL's SeleQtions portfolio, which includes distinctive hotels that reflect local character. This launch follows other recent IHCL openings in spiritual destinations such as Varanasi and Rishikesh, underscoring the group's strategy to capture the growing faith-based travel segment.
For travel professionals, the hotel offers opportunities to package spiritual itineraries combining Ayodhya with nearby destinations like Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Chitrakoot. The property's MICE facilities also make it suitable for corporate retreats and conferences with a cultural angle. As Indian firms forecast a 74% surge in business travel, properties like Ayodhyām could attract corporate groups seeking unique venues.
The hotel's opening also reflects the broader trend of Indian hospitality groups investing in infrastructure to support domestic tourism. With airfares climbing as carriers like IndiGo and Air India adjust summer capacity, travellers may seek closer-to-home destinations, further boosting Ayodhya's appeal.
IHCL's move into Ayodhya positions it to serve both the pilgrim market and the growing number of travellers interested in India's spiritual heritage. The hotel's combination of modern amenities and authentic local experiences aims to meet the expectations of today's discerning traveller while honouring the city's ancient traditions.
