Kashi emerges as global tourism hotspot, foreign visitors up 120 times in three years

Tour operators and hoteliers report high occupancy rates throughout the year, a shift from the earlier trend of seasonal pilgrimage peaks.

Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, has witnessed an extraordinary boom in tourism over the last three years, with both domestic and foreign visitors flocking to the ancient city in record numbers. Official data from the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and the Ministry of Tourism confirm that over 11 crore tourists visited Kashi in 2024, representing an 18.7 percent increase from the previous year.

The most remarkable surge has been in foreign tourist arrivals, which have increased by 120 times since 2021. According to official data, only 2,566 foreign tourists visited Kashi in 2021. By 2022, the number had risen to 83,741. In 2023, it reached 2,01,904, and in 2024, it skyrocketed to 3,09,932. The trend shows no signs of slowing—by June 2025 alone, 1,87,922 foreign tourists had already visited the city.

The overall tourist footfall tells an even more striking story. In 2021, Kashi welcomed around 30.7 lakh domestic visitors. By 2024, that number had crossed 10.97 crore, and in just the first half of 2025, over 12.96 crore people had already arrived. This sharp rise has placed Varanasi among the top-performing tourism destinations in India, surpassing popular coastal and hill spots such as Goa and Shimla in visitor numbers.

Tourism officials credit this unprecedented growth to a mix of cultural revival and large-scale infrastructure development. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, inaugurated in 2021, has not only enhanced the spiritual experience for pilgrims but also transformed the cityscape with modern facilities, better crowd management, and improved access.

A look at official data reveals Varanasi’s rapid upward trajectory:

He said that Varanasi, along with Ayodhya, Mathura, and Prayagraj, is emerging as part of a “religious tourism triangle” that draws visitors year-round. He noted that Ayodhya recorded over 16 crore visitors in 2024 following the consecration of the Ram temple, while Mathura and Prayagraj also witnessed major growth in footfall. The state as a whole saw foreign tourist numbers rise from 16 lakh in 2023 to over 22 lakh in 2024, with Varanasi accounting for a significant share.

A senior official at the Department of Tourism, Dinesh Kumar said that the surge in tourist numbers has given a major boost to the local economy and created new employment opportunities. “The development of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, along with the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the growing prominence of Vindhyachal Dham, has redefined the religious tourism circuit in Uttar Pradesh,” he said adding: “The Mahakumbh 2025 has further added momentum, acting as a booster dose for the tourism industry.”

The tourism boom has brought widespread economic benefits. Local residents have found employment in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, transport services, and street vending. Initiatives like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD by the Ministry of Tourism have further strengthened tourism infrastructure, ensuring that growth is both sustainable and inclusive.

The momentum has continued in 2025, with over 12.9 crore tourists visiting Kashi in just the first six months, according to state records. The ongoing expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and the development of new convention and hospitality facilities are expected to further fuel this trend.

Experts believe that Kashi’s success story lies in the fusion of heritage and modernization. The city offers an authentic cultural and religious experience while providing world-class amenities for travelers. Improved sanitation, riverfront beautification, smart city initiatives, and 24-hour security surveillance have transformed Varanasi into a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming destination.

Tour operators and hoteliers report high occupancy rates throughout the year, a shift from the earlier trend of seasonal pilgrimage peaks. Many international visitors are now extending their stays to explore nearby destinations such as Sarnath, Mirzapur, and Chunar, creating a ripple effect across the region’s economy.

Varanasi’s transformation from a traditional pilgrimage city to a global tourism hub reflects how vision-driven governance, infrastructure planning, and cultural pride can reshape India’s tourism map. The numbers for 2024 stand as proof that Kashi is not only reclaiming its ancient glory but also setting new benchmarks in the modern travel landscape.

As one senior tourism official put it, “The world is rediscovering Kashi — not just as a sacred city, but as the soul of India’s timeless heritage.”