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Best Tourist State in India: Latest Rankings & Visitor Highlights

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What Makes Uttar Pradesh the No.1 Tourist State in India?

The best tourist state in India is a common topic for school and competitive exams, as well as current affairs interviews. Knowing which Indian states attract the most visitors helps students understand geography, economy, and heritage diversity. This knowledge is vital for map-based questions and boosting general knowledge for quizzes and daily awareness.


Rank State Notable Attractions Domestic Tourists (Millions, 2023) Foreign Tourists (Millions, 2023)
1 Uttar Pradesh Taj Mahal, Varanasi, Ayodhya 109.70 0.18
2 Tamil Nadu Meenakshi Temple, Mahabalipuram, Kanyakumari 115.33 0.06
3 Andhra Pradesh Tirupati, Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam 93.70 0.03
4 Karnataka Hampi, Mysore Palace, Coorg 81.33 0.07
5 Maharashtra Ajanta & Ellora, Mumbai, Shirdi 43.66 0.18

What is the Best Tourist State in India?

The best tourist state in India can be defined in different ways. It usually refers to the state with the highest number of tourists, a wide diversity of attractions, strong heritage value, and well-developed tourism infrastructure. This ranking can change each year, depending on government reports and tourism trends.


Tourism Rankings by Visitors and Attractions

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh often compete for the top spot. Tamil Nadu leads in total domestic tourist visits, while Uttar Pradesh stands out due to the Taj Mahal’s global fame. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh consistently feature in the top five, offering famous sites and vibrant city life.


Key Factors for Best Tourism State Status

  • Number of domestic and foreign tourists annually
  • Diversity and uniqueness of attractions (natural, heritage, religious)
  • Infrastructure and visitor facilities
  • State government tourism policies
  • Promotion, safety, and accessibility

Major Attractions in Top Tourist States

  • Uttar Pradesh: Taj Mahal (Agra), Varanasi Ghats, Ayodhya, Prayagraj
  • Tamil Nadu: Meenakshi Temple (Madurai), Mahabalipuram, Kanyakumari, Ooty
  • Andhra Pradesh: Tirupati Temple, Araku Valley, Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple
  • Karnataka: Hampi (UNESCO site), Mysore Palace, Bandipur National Park
  • Maharashtra: Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Mumbai Gateway of India, Shirdi

Importance of the Best Tourist State in India for Students

Knowing the best tourist state in India helps students prepare for Social Science exams, general knowledge tests, and quizzes. This topic also builds awareness of Indian culture, economic development, and social infrastructure. At Vedantu, we simplify such topics to help students with quick revision and strong exam answers.


Trends in India’s Top Tourist States (Recent Years)

After the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rise in domestic nature tourism and religious travel. Some states improved their tourist infrastructure, leading to changes in rankings. For example, Uttar Pradesh rose due to Ayodhya and Varanasi festivals, while eco-tourism sites gained popularity.


How to Use This Knowledge for Exams and General Awareness

Questions like “Name the best tourist state in India” or “List top 3 tourism states” are common in school and competitive exams. Students may also need to mark these states on maps or mention famous tourist places. Understanding both statistics and examples gives a complete and high-scoring answer.


Tips for Map Work – Tourist States in India

  • Locate Uttar Pradesh (north-central India); mark Agra or Varanasi
  • Tamil Nadu is the southernmost state; mark Chennai or Madurai
  • Maharashtra (west); identify Mumbai and Aurangabad (Ajanta–Ellora)
  • For Karnataka, Hampi and Bengaluru are good markers
  • Andhra Pradesh lies south of Odisha, mark Tirupati or Visakhapatnam

Related Topics You Can Explore


In summary, the best tourist state in India changes slightly year to year, but Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh consistently remain at the top. Understanding their attractions, statistics, and trends is valuable for exams, quizzes, and general knowledge. Stay updated with Vedantu for simplified Social Science learning and success in competitive exams.