Inside Ayodhya’s latest attraction: Wax statues and 3D effects recreate Ramayana

3 min readLucknowUpdated: Jun 20, 2026 02:33 PM IST

Located around 2.25 kilometres from the Ram Temple, the museum can accommodate nearly 100 visitors at a time, according to officials.

From Ram-Sita Swayamvar to the final battle between Ram and Ravana, scenes from the Ramayana have come to life at Ayodhya’s newly inaugurated Ramayana-themed wax museum.

The two-storey museum, inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday, features 50 life-like wax statues of characters from the Hindu epic, including Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Hanuman, Ravana and Vibhishan. Spread across nearly 10,000 square feet on the 14-Kosi Parikrama Marg, the museum also sports 3D visual effects to recreate key moments from the Ramayana.

What’s in it for visitors

As visitors move through the museum, they can spot scenes depicting the childhood of Lord Ram, the teachings of sages Valmiki and Vashishta, Sita Swayamvar and Ram’s exile. The upper floor takes them through episodes such as Sita in Ashok Vatika, Hanuman setting Lanka ablaze, the Ram-Ravana war and the Ashwamedha Yagya.

Among the key attractions is a dedicated Bal Ram selfie zone, where visitors can pose for photographs alongside a wax figure of Lord Ram in his child form. Officials said 3D lighting effects have also been incorporated to make scenes such as the forest exile, Sita’s abduction and Ravana’s defeat more immersive.

All about the project

Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the museum has been developed by Kerala-based Sunil’s Wax Museum, which invested around Rs 7 crore in the project. The company has previously established wax museums in Lonavala and Thiruvananthapuram.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Ayodhya Municipal Commissioner Jayendra Kumar said the civic body provided the land for the project, while the investment and execution were undertaken by the private partner. “The entry fee is yet to be decided. Under the agreement, the Municipal Corporation will receive 12 per cent of the revenue generated by the museum,” Kumar said.

Located around 2.25 kilometres from the Ram Temple, the museum can accommodate nearly 100 visitors at a time, according to officials.

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The two-storey museum, inaugurated by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday, features nearly 50 lifelike wax statues of characters from the Hindu epic, including Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Hanuman, Ravana and Vibhishan.(Credits: screenshot/@myogiadityanath)

During the inauguration, CM Adityanath suggested the museum should evolve beyond static displays and offer visitors a more immersive experience. He proposed that alongside the wax statues and depictions of Ramayana episodes, visitors should be able to take a virtual tour in which the relevant Ramcharitmanas chaupais are played and digital explanations of the corresponding scenes are presented.

Kumar told The Indian Express that the Municipal Corporation would discuss the proposal with the museum developers for inclusion in the project’s next phase.

Expansion plans

The proposed expansion is expected to include virtual reality-based features and other interactive elements aimed at making the museum experience more engaging for pilgrims and tourists.

With Ayodhya witnessing a steady rise in tourist footfall after the consecration of the Ram Temple last year, officials expect the wax museum to emerge as another major attraction, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the story of the Ramayana through lifelike recreations and immersive storytelling.

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Sources said that the progress in work for the second phase would depend on the success of the first phase.

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Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development.

Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity.

Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling. By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read More

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