Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the leading destination in both categories of domestic overnight travel measured by a new national survey, as the state expands its tourism offering around heritage, village stays, nature and cultural experiences alongside its established pilgrimage centres.
The National Statistics Office’s Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey puts UP’s share of overnight visitor trips for pilgrimage, holidays, health and shopping at 15.7 per cent, ahead of Tamil Nadu’s 13.4 per cent and Rajasthan’s 8 per cent. This category used a 365 day recall period.
UP also led the separately measured category covering business, social, education, training and other travel, with 15.5 per cent, followed by Bihar at 10.5 per cent and Tamil Nadu at 9.6 per cent. This category used a 30 day recall period. Both rankings include visitors from within and outside the state.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, better law and order, an expanding network of expressways and airports, and stronger rail connectivity are making Uttar Pradesh easier to explore and strengthening visitor confidence. Our effort is to connect this improved access with experiences that encourage people to discover more of the state.”
That approach brings together destinations through the Tourism Policy 2022’s 12 thematic circuits. Organised itineraries connect Ayodhya, Varanasi and Prayagraj through the Spiritual Triangle, while newer routes such as the Baba Neeb Karori Circuit link places across Firozabad, Farrukhabad, Lucknow and Vrindavan.
Dedicated pilgrimage development councils have extended coordinated planning to regions including Vindhya Dham, Chitrakoot, Naimisharanya, Devipatan and Maa Shakumbhari Devi. Since 2017, the Tourism Department has taken up over 3,000 projects worth approximately ₹10,000 crore across the state.
Growth is also visible outside the largest pilgrimage cities. Separate departmental footfall records show Chitrakoot’s visits rising from 1.18 crore in 2024 to 3.65 crore in 2025, while Mirzapur’s increased from 1.41 crore to 2.10 crore.
Rural tourism initiatives cover more than 230 selected villages, bringing homestays, regional cuisine and local crafts into the visitor experience. Nature tourism is being developed through the Eco Tourism Development Board, while Sarnath’s inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2026 adds to the international recognition of UP’s Buddhist heritage.
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat said, “We are looking to encourage more solo travel and GoG, or Group of Girls, tourism through organised experiences, reliable accommodation and clear visitor information. Connecting established destinations with nearby heritage, food and village traditions can encourage longer stays and help more local businesses benefit.”
The ‘Visit My State’ campaign is also encouraging young people to explore and share their local cultural identity. Festivals such as Deepotsav, Dev Deepavali and Braj Rangotsav are being complemented by plans for art workshops in Ayodhya, Lucknow and Varanasi. Experts and Padma awardees are proposed to participate in Lucknow’s ‘Lokdhara’ camp, giving students and young artists opportunities to learn directly from established practitioners.
“The aim is to give young people an active role in understanding and carrying these traditions forward, so they become cultural ambassadors of their own towns and districts,” Abhijat added.
National Survey Places State Ahead of Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan in Key Travel Category
Better Connectivity, Village Stays and Cultural Experiences Broaden UP’s Tourism Offering
Solo Travel, Women’s Groups and Youth Engagement Form Part of State’s Next Tourism Focus
Better Connectivity and Law and Order Are Strengthening Visitor Confidence: Jaiveer Singh
