LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh has wrapped up the year 2025 as India’s most visited state. It witnessed an unprecedented rise in tourist arrivals driven by religious, cultural, and heritage attractions. Officials noted a significant jump in both domestic and international visitors, reflecting the state’s growing stature as a leading travel destination. According to official data, Uttar Pradesh registered the highest tourist footfall in the country this year. The surge was largely powered by massive religious congregations and cultural festivals, including Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, and the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, each drawing millions of devotees and travellers.
Major Attractions Driving the Growth
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav 2025 was among the most spectacular religious celebrations in India’s recent history. The temple town glowed with over 25 lakh diyas (earthen lamps), creating a Guinness World Record-worthy spectacle. The event showcased grand tableaux, Ramayana-themed laser shows, and cultural performances, turning Ayodhya into a global spotlight for religious tourism.
Similarly, Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali, celebrated fifteen days after Diwali, saw the ghats of the holy city shimmering with countless lamps, musical performances, and Ganga Aarti ceremonies. The event attracted tourists from across the world, eager to witness the divine ambience of “the city of light.”
In Prayagraj, the Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the largest annual religious congregations, drew crores of devotees for the sacred bath at Triveni Sangam. The month-long event also boosted local employment, handicraft sales, and hospitality services, benefitting thousands of small vendors and workers.
The government’s continued focus on developing tourism infrastructure has also contributed to the growth. More than 1,750 tourism projects were approved in 2025 under the state’s Tourism Policy 2022, which aimed to strengthen connectivity, upgrade amenities, and improve accommodation facilities. Investment proposals totalling Rs 37,868 crore were received, and tourism projects totalling Rs 1,983.33 crore were initiated during the year.
Improved road connectivity, airport modernisation, and digital visitor systems such as online booking, QR-coded guides, and smart information kiosks have made tourist travel easier and more organised. The development of religious and heritage circuits like the Ram Van Gaman Path, Buddhist Circuit, Shaktipeeth Circuit, and Krishna Circuit has further encouraged spiritual tourism across districts.
Uttar Pradesh’s consistent hosting of year-round cultural festivals, heritage walks, and food and craft fairs under Yogi’s leadership also played a major role in sustaining tourist interest. Initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, the Global Investors Summit in Lucknow, and the Ayodhya Mahotsav highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s blend of tradition and modernity, thereby attracting both pilgrims and international visitors. Foreign tourist arrivals also increased markedly due to the post-pandemic revival of international travel and improved global connectivity via airports in Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Kushinagar, the latter being a key stop on the Buddhist Circuit.
Officials emphasised that the state’s focus on cleanliness, safety, and digitalisation has further elevated the tourist experience. Through sustained investments and brand-building under the theme “Brand UP – The Heart of Incredible India,” Uttar Pradesh has positioned itself as a leader in spiritual, cultural, and heritage tourism.
