Synopsis: India attracted 20.94 million international tourists in 2025, and Maharashtra had the highest foreign tourist arrivals in the country. This article covers the top 10 Indian states that attracted tourists in 2025, the key attractions and the trends that are influencing the movement of foreign tourists to these states.
India is now emerging as one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations, with millions of tourists visiting annually. In 2024, Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) to India reached 9.95 million, marking a 4.52% increase over 2023. However, the figure remained 8.95% below the pre-pandemic level of 2019, which serves as the benchmark year. However, International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs) have already exceeded pre-pandemic levels. ITAs rose from 17.91 million in 2019 to 18.89 million in 2023, and further increased to 20.57 million in 2024.
Top 10 Indian States attracting International Tourists in 2025
Source: Ministry of Tourism, India Tourism Data Compendium 2025
Why these States attract the Most International Tourists
- Mumbai’s position as India’s financial capital, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, coastal locations and its business tourism base makes Maharashtra the leader in the country’s foreign tourism.
- Kolkata’s colonial history, the cultural festivals, the Sundarbans, and the religious and other attractions in the city and the nearby region, make it one of the largest tourist destinations in eastern India for foreigners.
- Gujarat has witnessed a surge in foreign arrivals. The Statue of Unity, Gir National Park, Rann of Kutch, Somnath Temple and better tourism facilities have spurred the rise.
- Uttar Pradesh remains a major draw for global travellers. The spiritual city of Varanasi, Ayodhya and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites are still a major attraction for tourists.
- Rajasthan remains as a primary destination for tourists with its majestic forts, palaces, deserts, luxury heritage hotels and colorful cultural festivals.
- Delhi attracts travellers through iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and Jama Masjid. It also serves as a major hub for business travel and cultural experiences.
- Tamil Nadu is famous for its ancient temples, UNESCO listed Monuments, hill stations, beaches and the growing medical tourism industry.
- Kerala is known for its backwaters, Ayurveda and wellness tourism, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries and eco-tourism experiences are all internationally recognised attributes of Kerala.
- Bihar is still a major tourist attraction for the Buddhist pilgrimage and Bodh Gaya, Nalanda and Rajgaya are still visited by people from other parts of Asia and beyond.
- Punjab attracts visitors through The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Sikh heritage, Wagah Border ceremony and cultural tourism are the main attractions that bring visitors to Punjab.
- Karnataka is a mix of heritage, nature and technology and has a lot of places to see like Hampi, Mysuru Palace, Coorg, Bengaluru and various national parks.
Key trends Driving International Tourism in India
The spiritual tourism phenomenon is growing with more and more people visiting destinations like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Bodh Gaya and Amritsar. A significant tourist draw continues to be heritage and there are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic forts and ancient temples. Medical and wellness tourism is also gaining ground, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the better international air connectivity along with steps taken by the government to popularize tourist attractions in India, such as its cultural and natural heritage, is encouraging more states to draw in overseas visitors and keep them longer.
Conclusion
India has a wide range of tourism offerings and is known for its various attractions, from world-famous monuments and spiritual sites to wildlife, beaches and culture. The leading states are likely to continue to be pioneers in India’s booming international tourism sector and will continue to play a major role in the economy and employment of the areas they serve as they continue to improve connectivity and tourism infrastructure.
