Last Updated:November 18, 2025, 20:04 IST

Bolstered by the popularity of Premanand Maharaj and the Banke Bihari Temple Corridor, Varanasi’s land prices have gone from Rs 20,000 per 900 sq ft to Rs 1 crore in just 4 years

In a striking shift from the traditional focus on metro and tier-1 cities, the real estate landscape is witnessing a new trend as pilgrimage and religious cities are becoming prime destinations for homebuyers and investors. Cities such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Vrindavan, and Haridwar are seeing a surge in property demand, with some areas experiencing price jumps of up to 500%.

Experts attribute this boom to a combination of religious tourism, major infrastructure projects, and increased economic activity in these cities. “The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Corridor in Varanasi, and major festivals like the Maha Kumbh have attracted a growing number of devotees,” said a property analyst. He said that the rise in footfall is directly influencing real estate, with demand for second homes, retirement properties, and serviced apartments at an all-time high.

Vrindavan: Prices Jump 500%

Vrindavan has emerged as one of the most expensive religious real estate markets in the country. The city’s growing prominence, bolstered by the popularity of Saint Premanand Maharaj and the Banke Bihari Temple Corridor, has seen land prices escalate from Rs 20,000 per 100 square yards to over Rs 1 crore in just four years in approved residential projects like Rukmini Vihar. Developers such as Omaxe, Basera, and Amaiya are actively launching high-rise residential and commercial projects, including Omaxe Krishna Crest, Omaxe Eternity, and Omaxe Bettgather Courtyard Mall, catering to the surge in demand.

Ayodhya: Land Prices Soar 50-100%

Ayodhya has witnessed a dramatic rise in property rates since the construction of the Ram Temple started. Land surrounding the temple has seen prices climb by 50-100%, prompting developers to plan theme-based townships and modern residential projects. Local developer Ayodhya Home & Soul Developers is reportedly preparing to launch a significant residential project in the city. Improved infrastructure and government-backed initiatives are further enhancing returns, making Ayodhya a hotspot for investors and homebuyers alike.

Prayagraj: From Industrial Hub to Real Estate Attraction

The Naini area in Prayagraj is rapidly transforming, driven by its emergence as both an industrial and educational hub. Developers, including Omaxe, are establishing large residential projects such as Omaxe Sangam City and Omaxe Ananda, shifting the market from traditional low-rise housing to high-rise developments.

Dehradun: Penthouses and Luxury Apartments in Demand

In Dehradun, Sahastradhara Road and Rajpur Road, along with areas near Tapkeshwar Mahadev and Drone Cave Temples, are witnessing growing real estate interest. Projects like Sikka Kimaya Greens and Excentia Tatva are introducing luxury apartments, high-rises, and penthouses, merging modern amenities with serene surroundings. Excentia Tatva, in particular, is being promoted as the city’s first uber-luxury residential experience.

Varanasi: A Rising Hub for Real Estate Investment

Varanasi continues to attract Shiva devotees and investors alike, with both residential and commercial properties seeing heightened interest. Improved connectivity and growing religious tourism are factors driving the city’s rising property prices.

Why Religious Cities Are Gaining Momentum

Several factors underpin this new trend:

• Religious tourism is seeing record growth, drawing lakhs of devotees annually.
• Enhanced highway, rail, and air connectivity makes these cities more accessible.
• Rising demand for retirement homes and second residences is fueling development.
• Branded developers from Delhi-NCR and other major cities are entering these markets.
• Government support and infrastructure projects are boosting investor confidence.

As spiritual hubs evolve into real estate hotspots, these cities are no longer just centres of faith, they are emerging as strong, high-return investment destinations.

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New Delhi: The Income Tax Department will notify new income‑tax return (ITR) forms and related rules under the streamlined Income Tax Act, 2025, by January, and the updated regulations be effective from April 1, 2026. The updated regulations will mark the transition from the nearly six-decade old Income Tax Act of 1961, multiple reports cited Central Board of Direct Taxes chairman Ravi Agrawal as saying.

Agrawal said the department is designing the new forms keeping it simple and easy to comply and adapt to. “We are in the process of designing the new forms and rules, and our aim is to notify them by January so that taxpayers have adequate time to adjust their systems and processes,” he was quoted as saying at the inauguration of Taxpayers’ Lounge at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) here.

Analysts said that the current framework of the rules is largely drafted in traditional legal language making it hard to understand and interpret. They said new rules should use simplified language, include illustrations for valuation rules, and align form structure with revamped TDS provisions under the new Income-tax Act 2025.

The Taxpayers’ Lounge offer a wide range of assistance and interactive resources that help with PAN/e‑PAN applications, Aadhaar–PAN linking and resolving PAN-related queries. Further, it will offer support for e‑filing, Form 26AS queries, TDS issues, guidance on international taxation, faceless assessment and appeals, and and other online filing issues.

Agrawal added that the Income Tax Department will release outstanding tax refunds by December. “We have analysed and found that some wrong refunds or deductions were being claimed so there is scrutiny, but we hope to release the remaining refunds by this month or December,” he added.