Uttar Pradesh Tops Domestic Tourism in 2025, Ranks Fourth Nationwide in Foreign Tourist Arrivals

Lucknow, Dec 30 Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s leading state for domestic tourism in 2025, while also securing the fourth position in terms of foreign tourist arrivals, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The achievement highlights the state’s growing appeal as a major religious, cultural, and heritage destination. As per official figures, more than 137 crore domestic tourists visited Uttar Pradesh in 2025. During the same period, the state also welcomed around 3.66 lakh foreign tourists. The state government attributed this rise to large-scale renovation of religious, cultural, and historical sites, along with continuous improvement in tourism infrastructure. One of the biggest contributors to this record-breaking footfall was the Mahakumbh 2025 held in Prayagraj. The grand religious gathering attracted over 66 crore devotees, making it one of the largest human congregations in history. Apart from Prayagraj, cities such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Shravasti emerged as key tourism hubs, drawing visitors from across India and abroad. The state government said that regular cultural and religious events organised by the tourism and culture department played a crucial role in boosting tourism. Events like Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Rangotsav in Braj, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, and the Magh Mela have become major attractions, offering visitors a blend of faith, tradition, and celebration. Officials noted that Uttar Pradesh has always held an important place in India’s cultural and historical identity. However, many destinations that had remained neglected before 2017 have been revived and transformed under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Alongside restoration work, strong focus was placed on improving connectivity, transport, and hospitality facilities. Better air connectivity, expanded rail and road networks, and growth in hotels and accommodation facilities have helped increase foreign tourist visits. In 2025 alone, the state tourism department initiated development projects worth ₹1,283.33 crore to further strengthen tourism infrastructure. Major projects included beautification of ghats in Varanasi, construction of an integrated circuit house and convention centre, development of the Kalinjar tourism route in Chitrakoot, and creation of tourist facility centres along the Ram Van Gaman Marg. Restoration work is also ongoing at several heritage and religious sites across Moradabad, Shahjahanpur, Chitrakoot, and Valmiki Nagar. Additionally, five new tourism projects worth ₹7 crore were launched through district tourism units. Under the Mukhyamantri Tourism Development Cooperation Scheme, two projects received approval in 2025, with four more expected to be cleared soon. Large-scale cultural events organised throughout the year further strengthened tourism. Deepotsav in Ayodhya broke its own Guinness World Record for lighting the highest number of earthen lamps, while the world’s largest Ram Takht displayed during Ramleela in Varanasi also entered the Guinness Book of World Records. Performances like Ram Katha on the Ganga ghats, Kathak dance shows, 3D holograms, and projection mapping left lasting impressions on visitors. Seasonal festivals such as Lathmar Holi in Mathura, Holi celebrations in Kashi and Ramnagar, and several regional fairs and mahotsavs contributed to increased tourist footfall, local employment, and revenue generation. Under the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022, the state has seen multi-dimensional tourism growth. Over 1,750 tourism units have been registered on the state tourism portal, and investment proposals worth more than ₹37,000 crore have been received. To promote tourism globally, the department participated in international events such as Zurich Travel Mart, FITUR 2025, ITB Asia, and Global Travel Market 2025. National-level outreach was also strengthened through participation in travel expos across major Indian cities. The tourism department also focused on youth empowerment through training programmes, fellowship schemes, and youth tourism teams. Officials said these initiatives, along with rural tourism and homestay schemes, have helped boost self-employment while preserving local culture. With continued investment, cultural promotion, and infrastructure development, Uttar Pradesh aims to further strengthen its position as one of India’s most visited tourism destinations. Uttar Pradesh Tops Domestic Tourism in 2025, Ranks Fourth Nationwide in Foreign Tourist Arrivals Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s most visited state for domestic tourism in 2025, while also securing the fourth position nationwide in terms of foreign tourist arrivals. According to data released by the Ministry of Tourism, more than 137 crore domestic tourists travelled across the state this year, along with around 3.66 lakh visitors from overseas. The biggest boost came from the grand Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, which witnessed a historic footfall of over 66 crore devotees. Cities such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura-Vrindavan and Shravasti also stood out as major tourism centres, attracting visitors for their strong religious, cultural and historical significance. The state government credited the growth to large-scale renovation of temples, ghats and heritage sites, along with better roads, rail services, air connectivity and improved hospitality facilities. Officials said destinations that were once neglected have been revived over the last few years, making travel smoother and more welcoming for tourists. Cultural events played a key role in drawing crowds. Deepotsav in Ayodhya once again set a Guinness World Record for lighting earthen lamps, while the world’s largest Ram Takht during Ramleela in Varanasi also entered record books. Festivals like Rangotsav, Dev Deepawali, Magh Mela, Lathmar Holi and several regional mahotsavs added to the tourist rush and boosted local jobs. In 2025 alone, tourism projects worth over ₹1,283 crore were launched, including ghat beautification in Varanasi, new tourist facilities, heritage restoration and route development in Chitrakoot. Global promotions and youth-focused tourism programmes further strengthened the sector. With faith, culture and infrastructure coming together, Uttar Pradesh continues to shine as a top travel destination.