Prayagraj, a city steeped in history and religious significance, is witnessing a surge in tourism, attracting both domestic and international visitors. This trend is driven by a combination of factors, including the upcoming Mahakumbh-2025, the recent Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya, and the city’s growing appeal as a destination for cultural exploration.
The Mahakumbh-2025, a major religious event held every 12 years, is expected to draw an estimated 40 crore pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad. The event, which will be held on the sandy banks of Sangam in Prayagraj, starting on January 13, 2025, has already led to a noticeable increase in tourist numbers.
Data from the state tourism department reveals a significant surge in visitor numbers in Prayagraj. In 2023, over 5 crore tourists visited the city. This number has already been surpassed in the first six months of 2024, with more than 4.5 crore tourists visiting the Sangam city. The influx of foreign tourists has also seen a notable increase. In 2023, 4,266 foreign tourists visited Prayagraj. This year, in just six months, the number of foreign visitors has reached 3,894.
The city’s improved air connectivity via Bamrauli Airport and enhancements to the highway between Prayagraj and Varanasi have made travel easier for tourists. The recent Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the consecration of the new idol in the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya, has also drawn tourists to Prayagraj. As an important stop on the Rampath Gaman Marg, many tourists visiting Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha have also made their way to Prayagraj.
Prayagraj’s rich historical and cultural heritage is another significant draw for tourists. Popular tourist attractions like Anand Bhawan, Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park, and Khusro Bagh continue to attract visitors. In 2023, 1,329,720 tourists visited these historical sites. In the first six months of 2024, that number has increased to 1,379,280.
The city’s religious sites, including the Sangam, are also major attractions. Last year, 2,085,791 tourists visited religious sites in Prayagraj. This number has already reached 3,317,551 in the first six months of 2024.
The annual Magh Mela, a religious fair held in Prayagraj, also contributes to the city’s tourism numbers. In 2023, 28,480,000 devotees attended the Magh Mela. This year, during the same period, that number has increased to 37,135,000.
The surge in tourist numbers in Prayagraj reflects the city’s growing appeal as a tourism destination. The city’s rich cultural heritage, religious significance, and the ongoing improvements in infrastructure are attracting both domestic and international visitors. With the upcoming Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj is poised to experience a further surge in tourism, solidifying its position as a major tourist hub in India.
