Lucknow: Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has achieved a historic milestone in the tourism sector in 2025, emerging as the state with the highest tourist arrivals in the country. Focused efforts toward the renovation of religious, cultural, and historical sites, coupled with enhanced infrastructure and connectivity, have positioned Uttar Pradesh as India’s leading domestic tourism destination and the fourth most visited state by foreign tourists.
According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the state recorded over 137 crore domestic tourist visits in 2025, along with 3.66 lakh foreign tourists. The unprecedented surge in visitors reflects the success of the Chief Minister’s long-term vision to transform Uttar Pradesh into a global tourism hub.
Grand Mahakumbh-2025 Draws Record 66 Crore Devotees
The biggest contributor to this remarkable achievement was the Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj, which witnessed an unprecedented footfall of over 66 crore devotees, making it one of the largest human congregations in recorded history. The successful organization of the Mahakumbh significantly strengthened Uttar Pradesh’s global image as a center of spiritual and religious tourism.
Kashi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj Emerge as National Tourism Icons
Religious and cultural tourism witnessed exceptional growth during the year, with Ayodhya, Kashi (Varanasi), and Prayagraj emerging as the most preferred destinations in the country. Other key destinations such as Mathura–Vrindavan, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot also experienced a sharp rise in tourist footfall.
According to the Chief Minister’s vision, religious and cultural festivals organized periodically by the Tourism Department and the Department of Art & Culture—including Deepotsav, Rangotsav, Dev Deepawali, and Magh Mela—became major attractions for both domestic and international tourists.
Tourism Department Implements Projects Worth ₹1,283.33 Crore
Uttar Pradesh, long regarded as the cradle of Indian civilization, witnessed a massive revival of neglected tourist sites after 2017. Under CM Yogi Adityanath’s tenure, infrastructure related to transportation, hospitality, air connectivity, rail and road networks, hotels, and homestays has been significantly strengthened, leading to increased foreign tourist arrivals.
In 2025, the Tourism Department launched projects worth ₹1,283.33 crore, including:
- Beautification of Varanasi ghats
- Construction of integrated circuit houses and convention centers
- Development of the Kalinjar Integrated Route in Chitrakoot
Expansion of tourist facilities along the Ram Van Gaman Marg
Restoration and development works are progressing rapidly at several heritage and religious sites, including:
- Bhagwanpur Temple (Moradabad)
- Ajitashram Yogkunj, Shahjahanpur
- Lavkush Kuti, Treta Yug Bhumi Kuti, Bharat Kothi, Sita Rasoi, and Kaushalya Sthal in Valmiki Nagar
Additionally, five new tourism projects worth ₹7 crore were launched through district tourism units. Under the Chief Minister’s Tourism Development Cooperation Scheme, two projects received approval in 2025, with four more expected to be approved soon.
Cultural Mega Events Boost Tourism and Local Employment
The Tourism and Culture Departments, in coordination with other departments, organized several grand events throughout the year. Apart from the Mahakumbh-2025, notable highlights included:
- Ayodhya Deepotsav, which broke its own Guinness World Record for lighting lamps
- World’s largest Ram Takht at Ramlila in Varanasi, recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records
- Mesmerizing performances of Ram Katha, Kathak dance, 3D holograms, and projection mapping at the Ganga ghats
Festivals such as Rangotsav in Braj, Chilka Holi of Ramnagar, Holi of Kashi, Lathmar Holi of Mathura, and events like Ghaghra Festival, Brahma Festival, Makar Sankranti Festival, Dudhai Fair, Ghazipur Festival, Varanasi Festival, and Lalgarh Fair in Chitrakoot significantly boosted tourism, revenue generation, and local employment.
₹37,688.58 Crore Investment Proposals Received on Tourism Portal
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy–2022, framed under CM Yogi Adityanath’s guidance, has ensured multifaceted tourism development. As of 2025:
- 1,757 tourism units have been registered on up-tourismportal.in
- Investment proposals worth ₹37,688.58 crore have been received
To promote tourism globally, the department participated in major international platforms such as Zurich Travel Mart, Global Travel Market-2025, Paris Fashion Week, GTAC Tokyo-Sydney, ITB Asia, and FITUR-2025. National-level participation in ITB India, GTA events, and Expo Jaipur further strengthened outreach.
Youth Empowerment Through CM Tourism Fellowship Program
Emphasizing youth participation, the CM Tourism Fellowship Program was launched to train young professionals. Youth Tourism Teams were formed in all 75 districts, providing tourist assistance and promoting cultural preservation.
In collaboration with the Government of India, the Tourism Department is conducting 17 travel and tourism courses, creating employment opportunities in areas such as:
- Tourist guides
- Aviation services
- Hotel and hospitality sector
Phase-2 of the Convention and Exhibition Center in Shahjahanpur, costing ₹46 crore, is nearing completion. Under the Youth Travel Mart, tourism teams assisted visitors at major events across Ayodhya, Bareilly, Chandauli, Shahjahanpur, Varanasi, Farrukhabad, Prayagraj, and Lucknow.
New Dimensions of Tourism Development Across the State
Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, major projects include:
- Development of Azad Park and Knowledge Hub in Prayagraj
- Establishment of a Buddhist Museum in Shravasti
Under the Museum and Heritage Cluster Phase-1, heritage sites linked to the 1857 freedom struggle in Kanpur, Nawabganj Temple (Sultanpur–Farrukhabad), and Maa Kamakshi Devi Temple (Chitrakoot) are being developed. An integrated project worth ₹268 lakh in Hardoi is also nearing completion.
The Homestay Scheme, aligned with the Chief Minister’s vision, has boosted self-employment and rural tourism, promoting local folk music, cuisine, and traditions.
Uttar Pradesh Emerging as a Global Tourism Hub
With focused governance, cultural revival, infrastructure expansion, and global promotion, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a global tourism destination. The transformation of its religious, cultural, and historical heritage is not only driving economic growth but also ensuring the preservation of India’s rich cultural legacy.
