By Editor Many of the Indian people don’t even realize how beautiful, diverse, and culturally rich India really is, and how only a few other nations are out there that are like this. But anyway, there certainly are a few states in India that are visited more by visitors than others, and for obvious reasons, of course. Like, some states are known for their stunning landscapes, some for their rich culture, others for some specific sites that are famous on a worldwide level. Whatever it is, here, today, we’re about to take a good look at the Top 10 Most Tourist-Visited States in India. Here we go then.
1. Tamil Nadu
Well, it should not even be super hard for you to understand, like why Tamil Nadu is ranked among the most tourist-visited states in India right now, and actually, it has been like this for quite a while because this state has it all, like the beautiful landscapes, the rich culture, the greenery, unbelievable temples, and all that. Just to give you numbers, see, this was visited by more than 118 million visitors a year (both domestic and foreign tourists) as per the latest data. Talking specifically, well, Meenakshi Temple being an architectural marvel and Ooty and Kodaikanal being the misty escapes, Tamil Nadu has the answer for pilgrims, nature lovers, and history lovers, all at the same time.
2. Uttar Pradesh
UP? Well, yes, it is also among the most visited states in India, and the main reason for that is, of course, the Taj Mahal, and other than that, now there is Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, so a lot of people in recent time has visited this state from India as well. With more than 110 million visitors every year, UP is basically the center of pretty much everything historical and spiritual. Whereas Agra is the main attraction for people all over the world, a stay in Varanasi, Ayodhya, or Mathura will always be your spiritual circuit.
3. Andhra Pradesh
Oh, and in the third spot with a lot of comfort is Andhra Pradesh, which pretty much records an incredible 94 million domestic tourists yearly like and if you ask me, the city of Tirupati would be the major reason for it, as it’s one of the most-visited religious sites worldwide, you know? But the thing is, other than the spiritual side, this region has the peaceful Araku Valley, the lively beach life of Visakhapatnam, and a rising eco-tourism circuit.
4. Karnataka
Up next, well, Karnataka, ranking at number four, is a state that combines past and present in a way that barely any other state can. Why and how are we so sure? More than 81 million people visit the state every year, and it has something to offer to any type of traveler. Like, there is the old Hampi ruins, the Mysore Palace, and the green coffee estates of Coorg, which speak for themselves apart from the busy tech city of Bengaluru.
5. Rajasthan
If it is the culture you truly want to experience, no doubt, Rajasthan should be at the top of your bucket list to visit very soon. That’s the reason why it is ranked fifth today, with almost 49 million visitors (domestic + international) in total as per the latest data. The state is Rajasthan; if you are picturing palaces, forts, and sand dunes, you are already halfway through what it offers. Rooted deeply in the collective imagination of the travelers are cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer.
6. Maharashtra
Maharashtra, ranked sixth, you know, because it pretty much mixes up the allure of the beach, caves, cities, and culture. With a recording of almost 44 million visitors every year, the state runs on the fresh air of the city. Mumbai, you know, the money center, is also a tourist magnet with the famous places like Marine Drive, Gateway of India, and Bollywood tours. But the thing is, there is much more than that in Maharashtra, like the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the Western Ghats, and towns like Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar.
7. Uttarakhand
Up next, see, Uttarakhand, placed at number seven, attracts near about 35 million tourists annually with its ideal mix of spirituality and adventure. We aren’t doubting it at all that the scenic trans-Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is just the right place for those who are looking for peace and those who want adventure. A walk on the spiritual side along the river Ganges in Haridwar and Rishikesh, or an alpine retreat in Mussoorie, Nainital, and Auli, this mountain state has something for everyone, pretty much.
8. Kerala
And then, well, coming in at number eight, Kerala still matches the expectations set by its name, God’s Own Country, and manages to attract more than 1.2 million foreign tourists, with the total number of visitors going close to 25 million annually. It is the lakes of Alleppey, the valleys of Munnar covered with tea, and the Ayurvedic resorts that are the main attractions for both the local and the foreign tourists.
9. Goa
Oh and India’s tiniest state, Goa, is maybe a bit unfair to other states as it still manages to be on the top 10 list (in fact, it is the 9th one) with more than 21 million domestic and nearly 900 thousand international tourists coming every year. If you have visited this one, the beaches of Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem are just a few of the many things to see and do there. Goa, with its distinct Portuguese influence, booming party scene, and mellow vibe, is the one that makes India’s coast the most attractive to the rest of the country.
10. Himachal Pradesh
No doubt, finally, the snow-covered valleys of Himachal Pradesh are ranked tenth, which welcomes over 20 million tourists every year. With its picturesque backdrop and a season for a new experience, Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Spiti Valley are basically what the postcards are made of. No doubt in Himachal’s serene beauty, which is like an ultimate mountain ending for this Top 10 list, and also why you can do whatever activities you want, like trekking, paragliding, or simply sipping tea and just enjoying the view.
Conclusion
Well, if we go by the official visitors’ numbers every single year, no doubt, these states rank highest in the most tourist-visited states of India. But just keep in mind, while some are visited just for the experience, some others are famous for some specific sites, cities, or areas only.