As India is gearing up for a grand opening of the much-anticipated Ram Temple at Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on 22 January, the hoteliers are not resting on their laurels either.

In anticipation of a massive influx of tourists and pilgrims for years to come, India's leading hotel chain operators have lined up new properties in the holy town.

The Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL) - one the country's largest hotel chain operator that owns prestigious brands like Taj Hotels and Vivanta is already coming up with two properties in Ayodhya.

According to Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development at IHCL, considering the fact that Ayodhya, as the revered birthplace of Lord Ram, attracts a significant pilgrimage footfall year-round, the company has taken the leap early.

"IHCL has underscored its commitment by signing management contracts for two new properties in Ayodhya -a 100-room Vivanta hotel and a 120-room Ginger hotel, both expected to be operational in 36 months. Strategically located near the upcoming Ayodhya International Airport, this five-acre complex will cater to both business and leisure travellers," she tells Business Today.

Kolkata-based diversified conglomerate ITC Ltd., which is also a leading player in the luxury and mid-segment hotels business, is also considering its options in the area. According to Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels, it is in discussions with developers in this market to offer branding and management solutions for their assets under development.

As per estimates by JLL India, apart from these twoat least 2-3 other major hotel chain operators are in advanced stage of announcing their properties in Ayodhya. Jaideep Dang, Head of Hotels & Hospitality, India, JLL tells BT that together these four-five operators of 4 & 5 star hotel properties are going to add 1,100 rooms in the city. "In addition, real estate players are also purchasing land parcels in the area, which has resulted in a three-fold rise in land prices in Ayodhya," he says.

Among others Marriott International  Sarovar Hotels & Resorts have already signed deals. Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is planning to come up with a 80-room properties under the brand Park Inn by Radisson Hotels.