India has had one of its strongest tourist years in recent decades, driven by a robust rebound in heritage, cultural and monument-based travel. Millions of visitors—domestic and international—explored the country’s famous sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient complexes, supported by increased connectivity, expanded tourist amenities and a burgeoning interest in culturally enriching activities.
Travel preferences have clearly changed, as evidenced by this nationwide spike. More domestic visitors journeyed across regions for brief cultural excursions, while overseas tourists continued to exhibit considerable interest in India’s architectural marvels, spiritual destinations and historic treasures. Investments in transit networks, internet access, promotional outreach and renovated heritage circuits have further increased this momentum.
Heritage Monuments Lead India’s Tourism Growth
A standout trend of the year has been the exceptional performance of India’s monument tourism segment. According to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, heritage sites continued to draw extraordinary footfall. Among the 145 ticketed monuments protected by national heritage authorities, the Taj Mahal remained the country’s most visited site.
In 2024, the Taj Mahal welcomed 6.26 million domestic tourists and 0.65 million foreign visitors, reaffirming its global appeal. Its architectural symmetry, cultural symbolism and timeless romance continue to define India’s image on the world tourism map.
The Qutub Minar also retained its top ranking, recording 3.20 million domestic visitors and 0.22 million foreign tourists. The historic minaret, with its detailed carvings and sprawling complex, remains a favourite for travellers seeking deeper cultural engagement.
Other Heritage Sites Receive Strong Footfall
A standout trend of the year has been the exceptional performance of India’s monument tourism segment. According to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, heritage sites continued to draw extraordinary footfall. Among the 145 ticketed monuments protected by national heritage authorities, the Taj Mahal remained the country’s most visited site.
In 2024, the Taj Mahal welcomed 6.26 million domestic tourists and 0.65 million foreign visitors, reaffirming its global appeal. Its architectural symmetry, cultural symbolism and timeless romance continue to define India’s image on the world tourism map.
The Qutub Minar also retained its top ranking, recording 3.20 million domestic visitors and 0.22 million foreign tourists. The historic minaret, with its detailed carvings and sprawling complex, remains a favourite for travellers seeking deeper cultural engagement.
India’s Rich Cultural Landscape Strengthens Global Tourism Appeal
A standout trend of the year has been the exceptional performance of India’s monument tourism segment. According to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, heritage sites continued to draw extraordinary footfall. Among the 145 ticketed monuments protected by national heritage authorities, the Taj Mahal remained the country’s most visited site.
In 2024, the Taj Mahal welcomed 6.26 million domestic tourists and 0.65 million foreign visitors, reaffirming its global appeal. Its architectural symmetry, cultural symbolism and timeless romance continue to define India’s image on the world tourism map.
The Qutub Minar also retained its top ranking, recording 3.20 million domestic visitors and 0.22 million foreign tourists. The historic minaret, with its detailed carvings and sprawling complex, remains a favourite for travellers seeking deeper cultural engagement.
Tourism Growth Stabilises With Balanced Expansion
India’s tourist industry has now entered a more stable, balanced growth phase following a rapid rebound in the post-pandemic period. The country had a 1.75% growth in total visits in 2024–25, showing consistent progress after the extraordinary resurgence in prior years. After a sharp 70.7% fall in 2020–21, heritage monument visits increased by 92.8% in 2021–2022 and 88.6% in 2022–2023, and they are now in line with long-term travel trends.
Domestic tourism continues to remain the largest engine of growth—powered by increased interest in cultural getaways, enhanced connection between smaller and major cities, and greater awareness around heritage protection.
