Varanasi Surpasses Goa and Shimla to Become India’s Leading Spiritual and Cultural Hub with Unprecedented Growth in Domestic and Foreign Visitors

Published on October 7, 2025

Varanasi has now surpassed Goa and Shimla to emerge as India’s leading spiritual and cultural hub, fueled by an unprecedented rise in both domestic and foreign visitors. The city’s transformation, driven by strategic infrastructure improvements and a renewed cultural focus, has propelled it to the forefront of global tourism. With over 11 crore visitors in 2024, Varanasi’s growth outpaces established destinations like Goa and Shimla, marking a significant shift in India’s tourism landscape. This surge reflects the city’s ability to blend ancient heritage with modern attractions, making it the country’s most sought-after spiritual and cultural destination

Varanasi, once known primarily as a sacred city for pilgrims, has rapidly evolved into one of India’s most captivating and dynamic tourist destinations. With its rich cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and modern-day developments, Varanasi has positioned itself as a must-visit global hotspot, drawing millions of visitors from around the world.

Historic Surge in Visitors: Over 11 Crore Tourists in 2024

In 2024, Varanasi saw an extraordinary influx of over 11 crore visitors, marking an impressive 18.7% increase from the previous year. According to official data from the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and the Ministry of Tourism, the rise in tourism is fueled by an equal surge in both domestic and international visitors. The number of foreign tourists has increased exponentially, growing by more than 120 times since 2021. From just 2,566 foreign visitors in 2021, the number skyrocketed to 3,09,932 by 2024. The positive growth trajectory continued into 2025, with nearly 1.88 lakh foreign tourists already visiting by mid-year, solidifying Varanasi’s place on the global tourism map.

Outpacing Established Tourist Destinations

Varanasi’s meteoric rise in tourism has allowed it to surpass several traditional tourist destinations, such as Goa and Shimla. In 2024, domestic tourist numbers in the city surged from 30.7 lakh in 2021 to over 10.97 crore. The first half of 2025 alone has already brought in 12.96 crore visitors. This unprecedented growth firmly establishes Varanasi as one of India’s leading tourism destinations, appealing to both spiritual pilgrims and leisure travelers alike.

Government Initiatives Propel Growth

The significant growth in tourism is a direct result of targeted government initiatives focused on cultural revival and infrastructure development. Over the years, the government has worked tirelessly to position Varanasi as a global spiritual and cultural center. The integration of Varanasi into India’s renowned religious tourism circuit, alongside Ayodhya, Mathura, and Prayagraj, has been a game-changer. Pilgrims and tourists now flock to Varanasi throughout the year, adding to the city’s global appeal. In 2024, the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya brought in more than 16 crore visitors, further cementing the region’s importance in India’s tourism landscape.

Economic Growth and Local Prosperity

The surge in tourism has had wide-ranging economic benefits, particularly for local businesses. From hotels and restaurants to transport services and travel agencies, the tourism boom has created new employment opportunities for residents. The development of key sites like Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham and growing attention on Ayodhya and Vindhyachal have transformed Uttar Pradesh into a significant religious tourism circuit. Government programs such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD have ensured that infrastructure improvements are not just focused on the major cities but are spreading across the state, fostering sustainable growth.

Infrastructure Upgrades Enhance Visitor Experience

One of the driving forces behind Varanasi’s tourism success is its modern infrastructure, which continues to evolve to meet the needs of its growing number of visitors. The ongoing expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, along with the development of new hotels, convention centers, and hospitality facilities, is enhancing the city’s ability to host large international events and accommodate increasing tourist demand. These upgrades are helping Varanasi maintain its position as a premier global destination, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

Preserving Heritage While Embracing Modernity

Varanasi’s charm lies in its seamless blend of ancient heritage and modern amenities. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, which opened in 2021, has greatly enhanced the accessibility of the city’s spiritual landmarks, facilitating smooth pilgrim management. At the same time, projects such as the riverfront beautification, smart city initiatives, and 24/7 surveillance have improved the city’s infrastructure, making it both cleaner and safer for visitors. These efforts are ensuring that the city remains an authentic yet modern destination, offering a unique and memorable experience for travelers.

A Year-Round Destination

Unlike the past, when tourism was concentrated around religious festivals and specific pilgrimage periods, Varanasi now enjoys steady tourist inflows throughout the year. The city’s international visitors are increasingly extending their stays to explore nearby attractions like Sarnath, Mirzapur, and Chunar, thereby benefiting the regional economy. This year-round appeal is reshaping Varanasi into a must-visit destination for both Indian and international tourists, spreading tourism’s benefits across the broader region.

Varanasi: The Living Heartbeat of India’s Culture

Varanasi’s transformation from a pilgrimage destination to a vibrant, global tourism icon is a testament to the city’s evolving identity. It has successfully blended its spiritual heritage with modern-day tourism, becoming not just a place of worship but a symbol of India’s living cultural legacy. As the city’s tourism continues to grow, it reflects the power of vision-led development and the enduring appeal of India’s ancient traditions in the modern world.

Varanasi has surpassed Goa and Shimla to become India’s leading spiritual and cultural hub, driven by unprecedented growth in both domestic and foreign visitors, reflecting its transformation into a global tourism hotspot.

In a world increasingly drawn to destinations with authentic cultural experiences, Varanasi stands as a shining example of how tradition can thrive alongside modernization, ensuring that it remains an integral part of India’s tourism renaissance.