Ayodhya sees 29.95 Cr visitors in 2025; up from 16.44 Cr in 2024
Ayodhya
Similarly, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor in Varanasi and the Kumbh and Mahakumbh in Prayagraj have significantly boosted tourism in these regions.
In 2017, Uttar Pradesh received around 23.75 crore tourists, which nearly doubled to 54.06 crore in 2019. Although there was a decline during the COVID pandemic, the effective implementation of the Tourism Policy 2022 led to a rapid recovery. As a result, in 2024, with 64.91 crore tourists, Uttar Pradesh became the state with the highest number of domestic tourists in the country and ranked fourth in foreign tourist arrivals.
The implementation of the Tourism Policy 2022, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with the development of eco-tourism, infrastructural improvements in tourism facilities, better connectivity, strong law and order, and expansion of airports, expressways, and transport services, has played a crucial role in boosting tourism.
Furthermore, in 2025, the Mahakumbh-2025 led to an unprecedented surge, with tourist numbers reaching 156.18 crore. Notably, over the past 9 years, tourist footfall in Uttar Pradesh has increased nearly sevenfold. Currently, the state accounts for 21.9 percent of India’s domestic tourism share, indicating its growing prominence as a global tourism hub.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022 promotes 22 activities, including hotels, homestays, eco-tourism, wellness, and adventure tourism, supported by investment-based subsidies. So far, an investment target of INR 36,681 crore has been achieved, and over 1,684 tourism units have been registered. This has generated more than 5 lakh employment opportunities in the state, with notable growth in women’s participation.
To strengthen religious and cultural tourism, several pilgrimage development councils have been established and revitalised, enhancing facilities for devotees while boosting local tourism economies.
Tourist numbers in Ayodhya surged from 2.84 lakh in 2017 to over 16.44 crore in 2024, and further to 29.95 crore in 2025. Similarly, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor in Varanasi and the Kumbh and Mahakumbh in Prayagraj have significantly boosted tourism in these regions.
This model has extended beyond major cities, with 197 historical and sacred sites restored between 2017 and 2025, leading to substantial growth in tourism-driven trade and employment.
Festivals in Uttar Pradesh have transformed into grand cultural spectacles. Events such as Ayodhya’s Deepotsav, Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali, and the Holi celebrations in Mathura and Barsana attract both domestic and international tourists. The Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj alone witnessed 66.30 crore visitors, breaking global records.
Regional fairs such as Lalitpur’s Lakhri Mela, Bulandshahr’s Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan Mela, Meerut’s Nauchandi Mela, Agra’s Bateshwar Cattle Fair, and Ballia’s Dadri Mela have also been elevated to grand scales, benefiting sectors like hospitality, retail, transport, prasad and floriculture, and services.
