Cleartrip’s latest Unpacked report: Uttar Pradesh dethrones beaches as top state with 20 per cent spiritual tours

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh surprised many by becoming India’s most visited state in 2025, outshining Goa and Gujarat. According to Cleartrip’s Unpacked 2025 report, travellers flocked to its spiritual hubs and cultural gems for authentic experiences. Gen Z led the charge with budget-savvy trips blending faith, history, and nature. From Varanasi’s ghats to Agra’s wonders, these top tourist places in Uttar Pradesh drew record crowds. Ready to discover why it topped the charts?​

Picture yourself amid Ganga Aarti lights or Taj Mahal sunrises—which spot excites you most? This blog dives into the trends, hotspots, and stats behind Uttar Pradesh’s travel dominance. Whether solo or with family, plan your getaway to India’s 2025 favourite state today.

Uttar Pradesh tops the list of the most travelled destinations in India in 2025

1. Spiritual tourism boom: Uttar Pradesh led as the most visited state in 2025 due to rising spiritual journeys, with Varanasi and Prayagraj drawing 20 per cent more travellers for sacred sites like Triveni Sangam. Enhanced infrastructure and events like Mahakumbh anticipation boosted visits, making it a prime choice for faith-led getaways over coastal spots.​

2. Gen Z-driven surge: A massive 650 per cent growth in Gen Z bookings propelled Uttar Pradesh’s top ranking, favouring affordable, experience-rich trips via mobile apps. Young travellers prioritised cultural vibes in Agra and Ayodhya, blending history with spontaneity for unbeatable value in India’s top travel state.​

3. Search explosions in key cities: Prayagraj’s stay searches tripled and Bareilly’s quadrupled, cementing Uttar Pradesh as the best destination for 2025 domestic travel. Improved air connectivity and highways made these culturally rich spots accessible, attracting solo explorers from Delhi and Bengaluru.

Top places in Uttar Pradesh to visit

1. Taj Mahal, Agra

This UNESCO icon, a marble mausoleum of love, captivates as Uttar Pradesh’s top tourist attraction with intricate inlays and gardens. Dawn visits avoid crowds, offering serene views ideal for 2025 travellers seeking iconic photo ops and Mughal history.

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2. Varanasi Ghats

Ancient riverfront steps host rituals and boat rides, drawing spiritual seekers to this eternal city. Ganga Aarti at dusk mesmerises, making it a must-visit for immersive cultural experiences in India’s most travelled state.

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3. Ayodhya Ram Mandir

The newly consecrated temple draws millions for its architectural grandeur and devotion. Festivals amplify the vibe, positioning Ayodhya as a rising star among the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh for faith tourism.

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4. Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam

The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati offers holy dips and forts like Allahabad Fort. Triple search growth highlights it as a key draw for nature-spiritual blends in 2025.

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5.  Fatehpur Sikri

Akbar’s deserted Mughal city boasts Buland Darwaza and palaces, a UNESCO site near Agra. Explore red sandstone wonders for history buffs exploring the top Uttar Pradesh destinations.

Cleartrip’s Unpacked 2025 report highlights

1. Cleartrip’s Unpacked 2025 report key stats

Cleartrip’s Unpacked 2025 report reveals Gen Z bookings surged 650 per cent, with 65 per cent via mobile apps and budget stays dominating trends. Uttar Pradesh topped states amid 20 per cent rises to Varanasi and Andaman Islands, reflecting value-led choices, spiritual surges, and nature escapes over luxury beaches.​

2. Solo travel momentum

Solo travel gained momentum, with Delhi travellers heading to Himachal Pradesh, Jaipur, and Agra, while Bengaluru favoured Coorg, Ooty, and Kodaikanal. This metro-driven trend boosted Uttar Pradesh as a gateway hub for affordable, spontaneous cultural and hill escapes in 2025.​

3.  Prayagraj surge

Stay searches in Prayagraj tripled, welcoming 4.5 crore visitors by early 2024, ahead of Mahakumbh 2025. Attractions like Allahabad Fort, museums, Triveni Sangam, and colourful markets fuel its rise as a spiritual-nature hotspot in India’s top travel state.​

4. Bareilly’s quadruple growth

Bareilly saw stay searches quadruple, renowned for Zari Zardozi embroidery, cane furniture, and sites like Ala Hazrat and Nath Nagri. A ₹15.5 crore temple development project enhances its cultural appeal for history and craft lovers in 2025.​

5. International flair nearby

Uttar Pradesh benefits from its proximity to globally famous sites like the Taj Mahal in Agra, which draws millions of international tourists annually for its UNESCO status and iconic beauty. Meanwhile, solo travel trends from Delhi often include nearby Jaipur (in Rajasthan), creating easy combo trips that boost UP’s appeal as a heritage gateway. This “international-standard” vibe amid domestic surges positions it strongly in broader Indian travel patterns.

6. Adventure and niche spots

While Bir Billing, Lakshadweep, and Auli gained traction for adventure, Uttar Pradesh’s spiritual sites like Sarnath and Varanasi maintained an edge in diverse trends. This mix of faith and thrill kept it ahead in Gen Z’s multifaceted 2025 itineraries.​

7. Extreme booking behaviours

Travel habits in 2025, per Cleartrip data, revealed that bookings spanned ultra-cheap (₹0 ticket fare) flights to lavish ₹4.4 lakh hotel stays. Additionally, 38 lakh last-minute bookings reflected spontaneous trips, while some planned 361 days ahead for peak dates. This mix underscores value-savvy, flexible planning that favoured Uttar Pradesh’s affordable yet rich destinations.​

8. Future-proof appeal

Domestic dominance in Uttar Pradesh via affordability and culture persists, even as international spots like Vietnam rose 133 per cent. Spiritual infrastructure and events position it for continued leadership into 2026 travel trends.