Lucknow, July 8 -- A dedicated complex offering accommodation, prayer space and visitor amenities under one roof is set to give Lucknow a unique place on Uttar Pradesh's Buddhist tourism map, with the Tathagata Buddha Vihar at Sarojini Nagar nearing completion. The integrated facility, designed specifically for Buddhist pilgrims, is expected to serve as a key transit and spiritual centre for visitors travelling across the state's Buddhist Circuit. The project is more or less complete and includes a modern prayer and community hall, a dormitory for pilgrims, sanitation facilities, an approach road and a grand entrance gateway. The project comes as Uttar Pradesh records a sharp rise in Buddhist tourism. Official figures show Buddhist pilgrim arrivals increased from over 47 lakh in 2023 to 61 lakh in 2024, crossing 81 lakh in 2025, prompting the state to strengthen tourism infrastructure. DG Tourism Vedpati Mishra said the facility will improve the overall pilgrimage experience and reinforce Lucknow's role as a gateway to major Buddhist destinations. htc...