✈️ Top 10 Most-Visited Indian States in 2025

1. Uttar Pradesh

Leading domestic tourism with 318 million visits and home to iconic heritage like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri—plus spiritually charged cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, which hosts the massive Kumbh Mela.

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Marvel at the Taj Mahal at dawn, then explore Agra Fort.

• Witness the ethereal Ganga Aarti in Varanasi and take an early-morning boat ride along the ghats.

• Visit Ayodhya’s sacred temples and Prayagraj’s confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna.

• Explore Buddhist heritage at Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon .

2. Tamil Nadu

With ~219 million domestic tourists and a diverse mix of spiritual, cultural, hill, and coastal attractions, Tamil Nadu remains a powerhouse.

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Admire the intricate Dravidian temples of Madurai, Thanjavur, and Srirangam.

• Wander through the French-colonial charm of Pondicherry and marvel at rock-cut marvels in Mahabalipuram.

• Bask in the misty beauty of hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

• Experience vibrant temple festivals year-round and sample rich Tamil culinary and filter coffee culture.

3. Andhra Pradesh

Attracting ~193 million domestic visitors, Andhra Pradesh is a spiritual and natural treasure.

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Join pilgrims at Tirupati, one of the world’s busiest religious shrines.

• Relax on scenic beaches like Visakhapatnam and explore the ancient Borra Caves.

• Delve into the tribal heritage and coffee plantations in Araku Valley.

• Take a coastal drive, enjoy local coastal cuisine and sunset views at Rushikonda.

4. Karnataka

With ~182 million domestic visits, Karnataka offers cultural metropolises, royal heritage, and serene nature.

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Explore Bengaluru’s modern hubs, garden architecture, and nightlife.

• Visit the regal Mysore Palace, especially during Dussehra celebrations.

• Wander through the surreal ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO site.

• Trek the Western Ghats in Coorg or Kabini, and savor coffee estate stays.

5. Gujarat

International Favorite:
Top in foreign tourism (~1.78 million annual visits) due to Statue of Unity, White Rann of Kutch, and Gir National Park .

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Stand before the towering Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest.

• Explore the surreal Rann of Kutch and join in the Rann Utsav.

• Spot Asiatic lions in Gir and explore Ahmedabad’s UNESCO-listed old city and Sabarmati Ashram.

• Discover tribal crafts in Bhuj, and enjoy Kutch's rich folk art traditions.

6. Maharashtra

International & Domestic Star:
With ~1.51 million foreign and 111 million domestic visits, Maharashtra blends urban life, heritage, and nature.

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Mumbai’s vibrant life—Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Bollywood glimpses.

• Journey through Ajanta & Ellora’s breathtaking rock-cut temples.

• Escape to hill stations like Lonavala and Bhandardara, and chase waterfalls.

• Tee off tiger safaris in Tadoba-Andhari, and dive into street food like vada pav.

7. Rajasthan

Cultural Heritage Hub:
Home to royal palaces and desert landscapes, Rajasthan draws ~108 million domestic and significant international tourism .

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Wander through pink and blue cities: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer—palaces, lakes, and desert forts.

• Experience camel safaris and desert camps under starlit skies.

• Witness vibrant festivals like Elephant Festival and Desert Festival.

• Visit Ranthambore for thrilling tiger safaris.

8. West Bengal

Diverse Appeal:
With ~85 million domestic and 1.04 million foreign visitors, Bengal is a cultural and natural mosaic .

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Kolkata’s colonial architecture, Victoria Memorial, tram rides, and Durga Puja.

• Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and watch Kanchenjunga's sunrise.

• Explore the Sundarbans’ mangrove wilderness and Royal Bengal tigers.

• Savor Bengali sweets and street food like puchka and kathi rolls.

9. Kerala

God’s Own Country:
A global icon in travel, Kerala offers backwaters, beaches, hill stations, Ayurveda—described as “paradise” by National Geographic .

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Cruise the serene Alleppey backwaters in traditional houseboats.

• Trek lush green hills and tea estates in Munnar; or explore birdlife in Periyar.

• Relax at beaches like Kovalam and Varkala, and indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments.

• Experience Kathakali dance, snake boat races, and sample seafood culinary treats.

10. Punjab

Cultural and Spiritual Energy:
Pulling ~61 million domestic and 0.33 million foreign visitors, Punjab is renowned for its vibrant Sikh heritage .

Highlights & Must-Dos:

• Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, attend the soulful evening palki ceremony, and take part in langar.

• Witness the spirited Wagah Border parade at sunset.

• Explore local history through forts like Bathinda and immerse in folk music and Bhangra.

• Feast on Punjabi delicacies—lassis, parathas, kebabs and heritage food walks.

✈️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the most visited state in India in 2025?
According to the latest tourism data, Uttar Pradesh tops the list of most-visited Indian states in 2025, followed by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Its mix of heritage sites like the Taj Mahal and spiritual cities like Varanasi and Ayodhya makes it the tourism leader.

2. What makes Tamil Nadu a top travel destination in India?
Tamil Nadu is famous for its Dravidian temples, hill stations like Ooty, beaches, and rich festivals. It offers travelers a balanced mix of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty.

3. Which Indian state attracts the highest number of foreign tourists?
Gujarat leads among foreign visitors due to attractions like the Statue of Unity, Rann of Kutch, and Gir National Park, along with its clean infrastructure and eco-tourism focus.

4. Which are the best states in India for a first-time traveler?
If you’re visiting India for the first time, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa are top picks for diverse experiences—royal palaces, beaches, backwaters, and culture all in one trip.

5. What is the best time to visit India’s most popular states?
The ideal time is October to March, when the weather is pleasant across most states—perfect for sightseeing, cultural festivals, and adventure travel.

🌏 Travel Tips for Exploring India’s Top States

• Plan regionally – North India (Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan) for history and culture; South India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka) for temples, beaches, and nature.

• Use rail passes like the Bharat Gaurav trains for affordable multi-state travel.

• Festival season (e.g., Durga Puja, Diwali, Pongal) adds cultural depth to your visit.

• Try local cuisines—each state has its own signature dish worth experiencing.