Over 61 Lakh Tourists Visit UP’s Buddhist Circuit in Jan–Sept 2025

Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist Circuit , connecting Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Kaushambi, Kapilvastu, and Sankisa , recorded over 61 lakh visitors between January and September 2025, according to the state government.

Of the total visitors, nearly 59 lakh were domestic tourists , while around 2.72 lakh were international travellers , underscoring Uttar Pradesh’s growing importance as a global centre of Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tourism . The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department estimates the total footfall across these sites is likely to exceed 64 lakh by the end of 2025 .

Among the sites, Kaushambi witnessed the highest surge with over 23 lakh visitors, including nearly 3,000 international tourists, reflecting its historical significance as a place where Lord Buddha spent several monastic seasons. Kushinagar, the Mahaparinirvana site, recorded around 18.6 lakh visitors, including close to 1.9 lakh international tourists, reaffirming its status as a spiritual hub. Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, welcomed nearly 17.75 lakh visitors, including over 64,000 foreign travellers. Smaller sites such as Kapilvastu, Shravasti, and Sankisa saw over 51,000, 79,000, and 30,000 visitors respectively.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “The rising numbers reflect the deep spiritual connection these sites continue to hold for people around the world.” He credited the growth to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as well as government efforts in heritage preservation, improved facilities, and inclusive tourism experiences.

Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture, Amrit Abhijat, highlighted that the Buddhist Circuit is actively promoted at global platforms like the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Japan Tourism Expo, IFTM Top Resa, and World Travel Market London. The department also organises familiarisation visits for tour operators, monks, and media representatives from countries including Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and China.

Notably, on December 24, 2025, a Chinese delegation of 21 tourists visited Kushinagar for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, offering prayers at the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa, believed to be the cremation site of Lord Buddha.

With the growing number of visitors, the state is expected to earn significant revenue from tourism-related activities. Based on estimates, domestic and international tourist spending could generate around ₹2,500–2,600 crore, including accommodation, travel, entry fees, food, and other services, contributing to the state’s economy and infrastructure development.

The steady rise in visitor numbers continues a clear upward trend, with over 47 lakh visitors in 2023 and 61 lakh in 2024 , demonstrating global interest in Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist heritage .