Additional chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs department, UP Amrit Abhijat
The survey shows Uttar Pradesh accounted for 15.7% of domestic overnight visitor trips undertaken for pilgrimage, leisure, health and shopping, measured on a 365-day recall basis. Tamil Nadu followed with 13.4%, while Rajasthan stood at 8%. Uttar Pradesh also led in the survey’s 30-day recall category, which includes travel for business, social engagements and education. The state captured a 15.5% share, ahead of Bihar at 10.5% and Tamil Nadu at 9.6%. Since 2017, the tourism department has undertaken more than 3,000 projects with an outlay of nearly ₹10,000 crore. Department data shows Chitrakoot’s footfall rising from 1.18 crore in 2024 to 3.65 crore in 2025, and Mirzapur increasing from 1.41 crore to 2.10 crore over the same period. The state is now pushing experiential and rural tourism through initiatives in 230 villages, promoting homestays, folk crafts and local cuisine, along with nature trails under Eco Tourism Development Board.
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Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has moved beyond its long-held identity as a transit point for pilgrims to become India’s top destination for domestic overnight travel, outpacing established tourism leaders Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, according to the latest National Statistics Office (NSO) Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey. He said enhanced law and order alongside expanded expressways, airports and rail connectivity have increased visitor confidence and helped convert access gains into on-ground experiences. Additional chief secretary, tourism and culture, Amrit Abhijat said Uttar Pradesh is also targeting niche segments such as solo travellers and “GoG” (Group of Girls) tourism by focusing on secure accommodation, seamless transit and verified information, backed by campaigns like “Visit My State” and “Lokdhara” youth art camps.
Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh credited the rise to stronger infrastructure and improved safety. Varanasi and Prayagraj remains a central draw, newer hubs are seeing sharp growth While the ‘Spiritual Triangle’ of Ayodhya . Download the TOI App.