Madhya Pradesh records historic tourism surge with 13.41 crore visitors in 2024

In a historic milestone, Madhya Pradesh attracted 134.1 million (13.41 crore) visitors in 2024, an impressive 19.6% increase over 2023, a 50.6% jump from pre-pandemic levels, and a staggering 526% rise since 2020.

Branded as “Incredible Madhya Pradesh”, the state’s diverse offerings in spiritual, heritage, wildlife, rural, urban, and film tourism are drawing unprecedented attention.

“Madhya Pradesh offers a complete travel experience with its rich culture, diverse ecology, and robust infrastructure. The impressive rise in tourist footfall is a testament to strategic planning, community participation, and impactful policy implementation,” said Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism and MD of the MP Tourism Board.

Religious Tourism Leads with Over 107 Million Visitors

Spiritual destinations remained the primary attraction, drawing more than 107 million pilgrims. Ujjain led the way with 73.2 million visitors, driven by the Mahakal Lok corridor. Other pilgrimage hot spots—such as Chitrakoot, Maihar, Amarkantak, Omkareshwar, and Salkanpur—also saw strong growth.

Major projects like Omkareshwar Mahalok, Shri Ram Van Gaman Path, Devi Lok, and Hanuman Lok are further enhancing spiritual tourism infrastructure.

Heritage Tourism Rises 25%

Madhya Pradesh also saw a healthy 25% increase in heritage tourism, welcoming over 800,000 visitors in key sites.

Gwalior, recently recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, experienced a threefold surge in tourism to over 900,000 visitors. Khajuraho attracted 489,000, Bhojpur 359,000, and Maheshwar 135,000.

The state now boasts 18 UNESCO-recognized sites, including the iconic Khajuraho Temple Complex, Bhimbetka Caves, and Sanchi Stupa.

Wildlife and Nature Tourism Thrive

Wildlife tourism surged, with 1.4 million visits across national parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, and Kuno. The cheetah reintroduction at the Kuno sanctuary garnered global acclaim.

Known as the "Tiger, Leopard, Vulture, Gharial, and Cheetah State," Madhya Pradesh is home to 12 national parks, 25 wildlife sanctuaries, and 9 tiger reserves.

Nature destinations like Pachmarhi, Bhedaghat, Amarkantak, Sailani Island, and Gandhi Sagar offered trekking, boating, glamping, and other eco-adventures—drawing over 287,000 tourists to Pachmarhi alone.

Rural Tourism Blossoms

Rural tourism is gaining momentum with 63 villages now developed and over 470 homestays welcoming around 24,000 guests. Areas near Pachmarhi, Kanha, and Amarkantak are popular for authentic cultural experiences.

Chanderi’s handloom village in Pranpur has achieved international recognition, while tribal arts like Gond, Bhil, and Mandana are thriving.

Film Tourism and Cinema

Film tourism is emerging as a unique draw. Chanderi hosted shoots for "Stree 2," attracting 47,630 visitors. Maheshwar welcomed 1.35 million tourists and numerous filming teams.

The film "Homebound" was screened at Cannes. The new Film Policy–2025 and a Tourism Facilitation Cell boosted interest, with popular projects like Stree, Sui Dhaga, Dabangg 2, Padman, Panchayat, and Maharani utilizing locations like Khajuraho, Gwalior, and Mandu.

Urban Tourism Flourishes

Urban destinations too witnessed rapid growth—Indore attracted 10.2 million tourists, Jabalpur 2.3 million, and Bhopal 2.2 million in 2024.

Indore was once again ranked India’s cleanest city in the Swachh Bharat Survey, reinforcing its reputation as a modern, smart tourism hub.

Increasing International Reach

Foreign tourism also saw a rise, with 167,000 international arrivals. Khajuraho led with 33,131 foreign visitors, followed by Orchha, Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, and key wildlife sanctuaries.

Overall, Madhya Pradesh’s remarkable 526% growth since 2020 underscores its transformation into a multifaceted tourism powerhouse—offering spiritual solace, heritage wonders, wildlife safaris, rural immersion, cinematic charm, and modern urban charm.