Top 5 Indian states with the highest foreign tourist arrivals in 2024

Top 5 Indian states with the highest foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, featuring iconic monuments and cultural landmarks that drew millions of international visitors.

India’s tourism landscape underwent a remarkable transformation in 2024, cementing its position as one of the world’s most alluring destinations for international travellers. According to the latest report released by the Ministry of Tourism, foreign tourist visits across the country increased steadily, reflecting a broader shift in travel preferences and global interest in India’s diverse offerings.

The Ministry of Tourism compiles foreign tourist visits to different states and Union Territories (UTs) based on the information received from them. In addition, all-India trends and data from sources such as the Bureau of Immigration are used to estimate tourist arrivals wherever required.

Over the long term, foreign tourist arrivals have grown steadily, though the overall CAGR from 2011 to 2024 remained modest at 0.55%. While temporary declines occurred in 2001, 2012, 2020, and 2021, the recovery in recent years has been remarkable: a surge of 124.06% in 2023 followed by a further 8.84% increase in 2024 over the previous year. This underscores India’s growing global appeal and resilience as a top travel destination.

Improved connectivity, curated cultural experiences, upgraded infrastructure, and targeted promotional campaigns have all shaped international travel patterns. From heritage-rich cities to spiritual hubs, wildlife sanctuaries, vibrant festivals, and modern business centres, travellers were drawn to destinations offering depth, diversity, and unique experiences.

Here’s a closer look at the top five states that attracted the highest number of foreign tourists in 2024, along with their most popular monuments that continue to captivate the world.

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1. Maharashtra | ~3.70 million foreign tourists

Maharashtra retained its top position with 3.70 million international arrivals, thanks to a dynamic mix of cultural, leisure, and business travel. Mumbai’s global connectivity and iconic attractions such as the Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves remained major draws. Beyond the city, travellers explored hill stations like Lonavla and Mahabaleshwar, coastal escapes in Alibaug, and the vineyards of Nashik.

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2. West Bengal | ~3.12 million foreign tourists

West Bengal welcomed 3.12 million international visitors, driven by Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage and enhanced flight connectivity. The city’s colonial architecture, literary history, and thriving arts scene enticed global travellers. Beyond Kolkata, the state’s scenic landscapes, river tourism along the Hooghly, Darjeeling’s Himalayan charm, and UNESCO-listed sites like the Sundarbans added to its appeal.

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3. Uttar Pradesh | ~2.27 million foreign tourists

Uttar Pradesh recorded 2.27 million foreign arrivals, thanks to globally recognised monuments and spiritual destinations. The Taj Mahal remained the crown jewel—an eternal symbol of love drawing millions of visitors each year. Varanasi’s ghats and spiritual ceremonies fascinated travellers seeking immersive cultural and religious journeys. Infrastructure upgrades, airport improvements, and the promotion of Buddhist and Ramayana tourism circuits further bolstered the state’s international appeal.

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4. Gujarat | ~2.27 million foreign tourists

Matching Uttar Pradesh’s numbers, Gujarat attracted 2.27 million international travellers, drawn by a blend of heritage, nature, and business tourism. The Statue of Unity remained a major international draw, while wildlife sanctuaries like Gir National Park and archaeological sites enriched the visitor experience. Festivals like Navratri, enhanced connectivity, and aggressive promotion helped the state strengthen its position.

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5. Rajasthan | ~2.07 million foreign tourists

Rajasthan continued to enthral visitors with its royal allure, attracting 2.07 million international travellers. Jaipur’s majestic forts, Udaipur’s romantic lakes, and Jodhpur’s historic blue city captivated heritage enthusiasts. Luxury resorts, desert safaris, cultural festivals, and traditional performances maintained the state’s strong tourism flow.

Most Popular Centrally Protected Ticketed Monument Among Foreign Tourists in 2024

Most Popular Centrally Protected Monuments in India Among Foreign Tourists (2024)

India’s rich heritage continues to captivate foreign travellers, with certain monuments standing out as perennial favourites. In 2024, the following five sites recorded the highest footfall among international visitors, reflecting their global recognition and cultural significance:

Qutub Minar – The towering 73-metre-high minaret in Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, continues to fascinate with its intricate Indo-Islamic architecture and historical significance.

Agra Fort – A majestic red sandstone fort near the Taj Mahal, showcasing Mughal military architecture, palaces, and courtyards. A must-visit for heritage enthusiasts.

Humayun’s Tomb – Delhi’s magnificent Mughal mausoleum and a precursor to the Taj Mahal, offering serene gardens and architectural grandeur that transport visitors back in time.

Taj Mahal – India’s most iconic monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of visitors annually with its ethereal beauty and timeless story of love.

Baori at Abhaneri – The historic stepwell in Rajasthan, known for its stunning geometric patterns and engineering brilliance, remains a unique cultural landmark for travellers exploring traditional water architecture.

These monuments are not only historical treasures but also serve as prime attractions driving foreign tourist visits across India. They represent the perfect blend of art, history, and culture that keeps travellers coming back year after year.

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India’s 2024 tourism narrative shows that international travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences—beyond sightseeing, into heritage, culture, and authentic encounters. Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan emerge as the most compelling destinations for foreign visitors, offering iconic monuments, immersive cultural experiences, and unforgettable journeys. Whether it’s the Taj Mahal, Elephanta Caves, or the Baori at Abhaneri, each state continues to welcome travellers with history, beauty, and vibrancy at every turn.