LEAD NEWS: MADHYA PRADESH TOURISM RECORDS HISTORIC GROWTH IN 2025, 21 CRORE+ VISITORS, 57% GROWTH IN DOMESTIC FOOTFALL

LEAD NEWS: MADHYA PRADESH TOURISM RECORDS HISTORIC GROWTH IN 2025, 21 CRORE+ VISITORS, 57% GROWTH IN DOMESTIC FOOTFALL

* Domestic tourist arrivals increased by 57%, while international tourist arrivals grew by 9.10%

*New tourism innovations: Pranpur becomes India’s first Craft Handloom Tourism Village; Astro Villages also taking shape

*Tourism expands from heritage to wildlife, attracting growing international interest

*Wildlife tourism emerges as a major attraction for foreign visitors

*Growing global appeal of eco-tourism: An adventure-filled, passionate and tranquil journey through Tiger State Madhya Pradesh

TTT NEWS NETWORK

BHOPAL | 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

Rich history, architectural splendour and archaeological heritage continue to attract tourists from India and abroad

The natural beauty, rich culture and heritage of Madhya Pradesh have once again won the hearts of tourists not only from across India but from around the world. As a result, the state recorded unprecedented and historic growth in its tourism sector in 2025, setting new benchmarks in popularity.

In 2025, Madhya Pradesh welcomed 21,05,42,503 tourists, registering a 57% increase over the 13,41,10,274 tourists who visited the state in 2024. These figures reflect the growing interest in Madhya Pradesh as a tourism destination and highlight the immense potential across its diverse tourism segments.

Domestic Tourist Arrivals Rise by 57%, International Arrivals by 9.10%

In 2025, Madhya Pradesh recorded 21,03,59,468 domestic tourist arrivals, representing a 57% increase over approximately 13.39 crore domestic tourists in 2024. Domestic tourists accounted for 99.8% of the total tourist footfall.

Similarly, 1,83,035 international tourists visited Madhya Pradesh in 2025, compared with 1,67,709 in 2024, registering a 9.10% increase.

Five-Year Growth Journey (2021–2025)

Madhya Pradesh welcomed more than 4.88 crore tourists in 2021. The number increased to over 11.22 crore in 2023, more than 13.41 crore in 2024, and crossed 21.05 crore in 2025, reflecting the rapid expansion of the state’s tourism sector.

Top Tourism Destinations in 2025

1. Ujjain emerged as the leading destination with more than 8.40 crore visitors in 2025. Shri Mahakal Lok and the Jyotirlinga remained its key attractions.
2. Indore recorded 2,80,70,073 tourist arrivals in 2025 and emerged as a major hub for urban and leisure tourism, serving as a key tourism centre for the Malwa region.
3. Chitrakoot in Satna district welcomed 1,62,59,837 visitors, retaining its position as a major centre of religious and mythological tourism.
4. Maihar attracted 1,61,78,000 visitors to Maa Sharda Devi Dham.
5. Ratangarh Mata Temple in Datia welcomed around 1 crore visitors, emerging as a major centre of faith and Shakti worship.
6. Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda, Agar Malwa, a renowned spiritual and religious destination, attracted 51.69 lakh visitors.
7. Amarkantak in Anuppur, the sacred origin of the Narmada and Son rivers, attracted 43,17,292 visitors.
8. Jamsavli Hanuman Temple in Pandhurna welcomed 41.70 lakh visitors, emerging as a major religious and faith-based destination.
9. Shri Pitambara Peeth in Datia recorded around 40 lakh visitors, placing it among the state’s top 10 tourism destinations.

Madhya Pradesh Emerges as a Major Centre for Spiritual and Pilgrimage Tourism

Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a major centre for spiritual and pilgrimage tourism in India. In 2025, around 16.92 crore devotees visited sacred destinations across the state.

Driven by the attraction of Shri Mahakal Lok, Ujjain remained the state’s leading destination, welcoming 8.40 crore devotees, with an annual growth of 14.7%.

In preparation for Simhastha 2028, extensive promotion of the homestay scheme is underway in Ujjain to expand accommodation facilities for tourists and devotees while creating additional income opportunities for local residents. The initiative aims to connect more people with the homestay programme and promote tourism-based self-employment.

MPT Samrat Vikramaditya The Heritage in Ujjain has been developed as a blend of royal heritage and modern amenities. Located near the Mahakal Temple, the heritage property also offers traditional Ayurvedic wellness services such as Abhyanga and Shirodhara through its Dhanwantari Wellness Centre. Sound-and-light shows have also been introduced as a major attraction for visitors.

Chitrakoot registered a significant 36.2% growth, welcoming 1.62 crore visitors, while Maa Sharda Dham in Maihar recorded 20.9% growth, welcoming 1.61 crore devotees.

Ratangarh Mata Temple in Datia (1 crore), Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda (51.69 lakh), Amarkantak (43.17 lakh), Jamsavli Hanuman Temple (41.70 lakh) and Shri Pitambara Peeth (40 lakh) also emerged as major centres of faith.

To give this growth a sustainable foundation, major innovations have been undertaken in tourism infrastructure. Construction of Ekatm Dham in Omkareshwar, with an estimated investment of around ₹2,400 crore, is underway. The 108-foot statue of Acharya Shankar has already been installed, while the second phase, ‘Advaita Lok’, has been approved at a cost of ₹2,424 crore.

In Maheshwar, work has begun on the ₹100-crore Devi Ahilyabai Lok, along with plans for 18 tourism villages and 500 specially trained guides.

The Tourism Department is also strengthening air connectivity through the launch of heli-tourism services. Services are being operated on the Omkareshwar–Mahakaleshwar–Indore sector; the Kanha–Bandhavgarh–Maihar–Amarkantak–Chitrakoot sector; and the Bhopal–Orchha–Chanderi sector, enabling tourists to enjoy faster and more comfortable end-to-end travel.

Leisure Tourism Takes a New Flight in Madhya Pradesh

Around 3.37 crore tourists visited Madhya Pradesh for leisure tourism, exploring its modern cities and natural destinations.

Indore, recognised as one of India’s cleanest cities, recorded a remarkable 173.8% increase, welcoming around 2.80 crore tourists and emerging as a major hub of the Malwa tourism circuit.

The state capital Bhopal recorded a 10.72% increase, welcoming 24.62 lakh tourists, while Jabalpur recorded 23.94 lakh, Maheshwar 14.68 lakh, Bhedaghat 5.97 lakh and hill station Pachmarhi 3.11 lakh tourist arrivals.

Beyond urban and leisure tourism, Bhopal is being developed as a destination for MICE tourism. The Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre is being developed as an international convention centre at a cost of ₹99.38 crore.

In addition, the introduction of shikaras, paddle boats and water bicycles at the Bhopal Boat Club, along with the addition of more than 8,000 new hotel rooms across the state, is giving leisure tourism a new identity.

Rich History, Architectural Grandeur and Archaeological Heritage Attract Tourists from India and Abroad

Madhya Pradesh’s glorious history and archaeological heritage attracted around 59 lakh heritage enthusiasts in 2025.

Bhojpur, renowned for its magnificent Shiva temple, led this segment with 18.64 lakh visitors.

Gwalior, recognised by UNESCO as a ‘City of Music’, recorded a strong 12.4% growth, welcoming 10.12 lakh tourists, while the ‘City of Joy’ Mandu registered 9.36% growth, attracting 8.27 lakh visitors.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Khajuraho recorded 5.47 lakh visitors, while Sanchi welcomed 3.81 lakh, Bhimbetka 1.71 lakh and the historic town of Orchha 1.93 lakh tourists.

In the field of heritage conservation, the ₹99.92-crore Orchha Medieval Splendour project is underway, along with development works worth ₹300 crore in Gwalior, Chitrakoot, Datia and Amarkantak.

Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhimbetka are already part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, 15 sites from Madhya Pradesh, including Gwalior, have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List. Of India’s 69 tentative heritage sites, 15 are from Madhya Pradesh.

UNESCO nomination dossiers have also been submitted for Orchha, Mandu and Satpura Tiger Reserve.

Pranpur village, located near Chanderi in Ashoknagar district, has been developed as India’s first Craft Handloom Tourism Village. Visitors can experience traditional Chanderi weaving firsthand, watch artisans create Chanderi sarees and handicrafts, and purchase products directly from the makers.

Around 450 weaver families have preserved this traditional craft for generations, giving a boost to rural tourism and the local economy.

Tiger State Madhya Pradesh Welcomes 17 Lakh Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts

Madhya Pradesh is a unique confluence of nature, heritage and culture. Blessed with exceptional natural beauty, the state offers unparalleled experiences for wildlife enthusiasts.

With 12 national parks, 9 tiger reserves and 24 wildlife sanctuaries, Madhya Pradesh is recognised as the Tiger State, Wolf State, Cheetah State, Gharial State, Vulture State and Leopard State.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the state offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness tigers roaming freely in their natural habitat. In 2025, 17 lakh wildlife enthusiasts visited Madhya Pradesh. Major attractions included Madhai in Satpura Tiger Reserve with 4.36 lakh visitors, Panna with 4.03 lakh, Kanha with 2.55 lakh, Pench with 2.11 lakh and Bandhavgarh with 1.99 lakh visitors.

Wildlife tourism has emerged as a major attraction for international visitors. Through heli-tourism services, Kanha and Bandhavgarh have also been connected through air connectivity.

With environmental conservation as a priority, Pachmarhi has been contracted under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Green Destinations framework. To improve visitor convenience, 11 new safari vehicles and 10 canter buses have also been added to the fleet.

Wildlife Tourism Becomes a Major Attraction for Foreign Tourists

Madhya Pradesh’s rich biodiversity and national parks have emerged as major attractions for international visitors.

Of the 1,83,035 international tourists who visited the state in 2025, more than 51%—93,412 visitors—visited wildlife tourism destinations.

The number of international tourists in the wildlife tourism segment grew by 17.44%, nearly twice the state’s overall international tourist growth rate of 9.10%.

Bandhavgarh National Park emerged as the leading destination among international visitors, welcoming 31,390 foreign tourists, while Kanha National Park recorded a 25.30% increase in international visitors, welcoming 23,992 foreign tourists.

Driven by the global interest generated by Project Cheetah, Kuno National Park welcomed 6,316 international tourists for the first time.

The Fossil National Park in Dindori recorded 4,843 international visitors, while Ratangiri recorded 1,127 foreign tourist arrivals.

These figures reflect the growing global appeal of wildlife and eco-tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

Rural Tourism and Prestigious Recognition

Under community-based tourism initiatives, the number of homestays in Madhya Pradesh has increased over the past three years. In particular, 277 new homestays were registered during 2026–27, representing a significant increase over the previous year. The state currently has around 666 operational homestays.

To connect young people with the tourism industry, the Tourism Skill Mission has been established.

These initiatives of the Tourism Department have received recognition at national and international platforms.

To promote astro-tourism, the Tourism Department is developing six villages in six districts as Astro Villages. These include Gyanpura in Dhar, Dhusawani in Chhindwara, Banjha in Betul, Dhaba in Narmadapuram, Richhkudi in Damoh and Rancha in Umaria.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has honoured Sabrawani, Ladpura and Pranpur with the national Best Tourism Village awards.

Madhya Pradesh has also received several prestigious recognitions, including ATOAI’s Best State for Adventure Tourism, The Week’s Golden Banyan Award, and the international Best Sustainable State Tourism Award for the Responsible Tourism Mission, among numerous other honours.

The steps undertaken by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department towards safe, accessible and inclusive tourism development are strengthening the state’s position on the global tourism map.

Adventure Tourism, Events and Marketing

Madhya Pradesh is taking adventure tourism to new heights through a wide range of water, land and air-based activities, including skydiving, scuba diving, kayaking and birdwatching.

Events such as the Floating Festival at Gandhi Sagar, Jal Mahotsav at Hanuwantiya, Kuno Forest Festival and Chanderi Festival have gained recognition at the national level.

To promote the culinary traditions of Malwa, Nimar and Chambal, food festivals have been organised in Delhi and Bhopal.

A roadmap has also been prepared for the regular operation of high-quality tent cities at Hanuwantiya, Kuno, Chanderi and Gandhi Sagar for the next 10 years.

The arrival of more than 21.05 crore tourists in 2025 demonstrates that Madhya Pradesh is strengthening its identity as a safe, accessible and diverse tourism destination for visitors from India and across the world.

While spiritual tourism is generating local employment and livelihood opportunities, leisure, heritage and wildlife tourism are giving Madhya Pradesh a distinct identity on the global tourism map.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department continues to work towards expanding responsible, sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism, creating new opportunities for communities while strengthening the state’s position as a globally recognised tourism destination.