This state became India’s ‘Most Visited State in 2025’; and here’s why – The Times of India
You’ll be shocked to know the answer, but Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s most visited state in 2025. It was a pleasant surprise after the Cleartrip Unpacked 2025 released its report. This finding shows how tourism in India is evolving every day, every year, every moment. Uttar Pradesh is a treasure trove for spirituality, history and culture lovers. The state attracts people from across the globe. In 2025, more domestic tourists visited the state. The report showed that people’s interest in exploring Uttar Pradesh grew more in 2025. Among other metrics, the report also tracked “stay searches,” a strong indicator of where people are planning trips. The searches were high for cities such as Prayagraj (considering Maha Kumbh event Jan-Feb) and Bareilly. Gen Z travellers led the surge in bookings, with a reported 650% increase in travel bookings year-on-year, compared with previous years. Solo travel also showed remarkable progress among visitors from Delhi and Bengaluru.
Other states that topped the chartBeyond Uttar Pradesh, destinations including Himachal Pradesh, Jaipur, and Agra also remained popular among travellers. Why Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is among the most populous states of India. It is also noted for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples and spiritual legacy. The state is home to grand Mughal monuments including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, among others. The place is also a legendary pilgrimage site. Ministry of Tourism dataAs per data from the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 published by the Ministry of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh recorded 646.8 million domestic tourists in the year. It accounted for nearly 22% of total domestic tourism in India.Why Uttar Pradesh
Spiritual hub: Uttar Pradesh is home to Varanasi which is among the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Then there is Prayagraj, which in 2025 attracts travellers from across the globe for Maha Kumbha. Ayodhya too gained popularity because of the inauguration of Ram Mandir. Together these cities form what many locals and tourism experts call the “holy triangle” of UP — a strong magnet for domestic travelers. Top five cities of Uttar Pradesh:The top five cities of UP are Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Prayagraj, and Agra. These together contribute for nearly 67% of all visitors.Ayodhya: Ayodhya is among India’s most spiritual cities in the country. It is the birthplace of Lord Ram and is home to some ancient temples and pretty Sarayu ghats.
Agra: Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal needs no introduction. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Along with Mughal landmarks like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, the city attracts history enthusiasts, global photographers and international tourists.Mathura: Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is a major pilgrimage centre for Krishna lovers. The place is dotted with temples, and ghats. Holi is one of the major festivals here that attracts curious travellers and photographers from all over the world. Prayagraj: Prayagraj is among the most spiritual cities in the country. It is set on the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Famous for hosting the Maha Kumbh Mela (2025), the city draws millions of devotees and travellers for rituals.
Varanasi: Varanasi needs no introduction. It is among the world’s oldest inhabited cities and has a powerful spiritual aura. The city is noted for its Ganga ghats and evening aartis. The temple is home to some incredible ancient temples, including the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is also a Jyotirlinga temple.
