Uttar Pradesh recorded an unprecedented surge in visitor numbers in 2025, becoming India’s leading state for domestic tourism. Official figures from the Ministry of Tourism show more than 137 crore domestic tourist visits (approximately 1.37 billion) and 3.66 lakh foreign arrivals, placing the state first for domestic tourism and fourth for foreign visitors.
Uttar Pradesh tourism record drives visitor surge
The Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj played a major role in the increase, drawing a reported 66 crore pilgrims and tourists from across India and overseas. Organisers described last year’s Kumbh as the largest religious and cultural gathering in the country, and its scale helped propel Uttar Pradesh’s overall figures for 2025.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government has actively pursued infrastructure and promotion measures to convert interest into sustainable tourism growth. Authorities have launched projects totalling more than ₹1,283.33 crore, including the beautification of Varanasi ghats, construction of an integrated circuit house and a new convention centre, and the development of tourist facilitation centres along the Ram Van Gaman Path and at Chitrakoot.
These capital projects form part of a wider strategy that has already seen 1,757 tourism units register on the state portal up-tourismportal.in. Investment proposals submitted to the government now exceed ₹37,688.58 crore, indicating strong private sector interest in accommodation, hospitality and ancillary services across the state.
Promotion on international platforms has also been stepped up. Uttar Pradesh has participated in events such as the Zurich Travel Mart, Paris Fashion Week and ITB Asia, aiming to attract inbound travellers and travel trade partnerships. Officials say these appearances have helped raise the state’s profile among tour operators and global audiences.
Local initiatives have focussed on skills and youth engagement. The CM Youth Tourism Fellowship and youth tourism teams established in 75 districts provide on-ground visitor assistance and support cultural preservation efforts. Training programmes in hospitality, air hostessing and tourist guiding are being run to expand employment opportunities for young people in the tourism sector.
While foreign visitor numbers remain lower than domestic arrivals, the rise to fourth place for international tourism underlines growing global interest in Uttar Pradesh’s religious, cultural and heritage destinations, notably Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. Authorities are emphasising an integrated approach, coupling site restoration with visitor services and community participation, to ensure tourism growth benefits local economies.
Tourism officials say the 2025 figures mark a turning point for Uttar Pradesh, demonstrating the state’s capacity to host large-scale events and sustain higher tourist volumes year-round. With major infrastructure works underway and a pipeline of private investment, policymakers hope to consolidate gains and further diversify the tourism offer to include heritage circuits, pilgrimage routes and convention tourism.
Image: Varanasi ghats and visitor activity.
Key Takeaways:
- Uttar Pradesh tourism record in 2025 reached 137 crore (1.37 billion) domestic visits, making the state India’s top domestic destination.
- Mahakumbh in Prayagraj attracted a record 66 crore visitors, boosting overall numbers and international attention.
- State launched projects worth over ₹1,283.33 crore and has received ₹37,688.58 crore in investment proposals, with 1,757 tourism units registered.
- Youth programmes and international promotion at events such as Zurich Travel Mart and ITB Asia supported job creation and global outreach.
