Madhya Pradesh Records Strong Tourism Growth in 2025, with International Visits Rising
Madhya Pradesh recorded strong growth in tourism in 2025, welcoming more than 210 million tourist visits, according to figures released by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.
Record Tourism Growth
-
Madhya Pradesh welcomed over 210 million tourist visits in 2025.
-
International arrivals reached 183,035 visitors, up 9.1% from 2024.
-
Overall tourist arrivals increased by approximately 57% year-on-year.
Wildlife Tourism Sees Strong International Demand
-
More than 51% of international visitors (93,412 tourists) visited wildlife destinations.
-
International wildlife tourism grew by 17.44%, outpacing overall international growth.
-
Key wildlife destinations:
-
Bandhavgarh: 31,390 international visitors
-
Kanha: 23,992 international visitors
-
Kuno National Park: 6,316 international visitors
-
The state recorded approximately 1.7 million wildlife visits in 2025.
Heritage Tourism Remains a Key Attraction
-
Home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
-
Khajuraho
-
Sanchi
-
Bhimbetka
-
Other major heritage destinations include Gwalior, Mandu, and Orchha.
-
Fifteen Madhya Pradesh sites are included in India's UNESCO Tentative List.
Strong Spiritual Tourism
-
Major pilgrimage destinations such as Ujjain, Chitrakoot, Maihar, and Amarkantak continued to attract large visitor numbers.
-
Spiritual tourism remained a significant driver of domestic travel.
Growth in Community & Rural Tourism
-
Pranpur (Chanderi), India's first Craft Handloom Tourism Village, promoted immersive cultural experiences.
-
Visitors can engage with traditional Chanderi weaving and local artisans.
-
Expansion of community-based tourism and homestay experiences across the state.
New Tourism Segments
-
Development of six rural Astro Villages to promote astro-tourism.
-
Focus on nature-based, rural, and community-led tourism experiences beyond traditional sightseeing.
Key Takeaway
-
Madhya Pradesh continues to strengthen its position as a diverse tourism destination, with growth driven by wildlife, heritage, spirituality, rural experiences, and community tourism, while international interest in its wildlife offerings continues to rise.
