Nath Nagari Bareilly Emerges as a Major Religious Tourism Hub, Tourist Footfall Crosses One Crore

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Bareilly: Nath Nagari Bareilly has emerged as a prominent religious tourism destination, with the number of tourists crossing the one-crore mark in 2025, reflecting the growing impact of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision to promote religious tourism across the state.

According to data released by the Tourism Department, Bareilly received over 10 million tourists in 2025, marking a significant milestone for the district. Tourist arrivals have shown a steady upward trend, increasing from 8.15 million in 2023 to 9.91 million in 2024, and surpassing 10 million in 2025. The city has also witnessed a gradual rise in foreign tourist arrivals during this period.

Officials attribute this growth primarily to the development of the Nath Corridor, improved tourism infrastructure, and government-backed initiatives such as light and sound shows and the homestay scheme, which aim to enhance visitor experience and increase the average length of stay.

Nath Corridor Transforms Bareilly’s Identity

As part of the state government’s policy to integrate religious destinations with tourism—similar to Ayodhya, Mathura, and Kashi—the Nath Corridor is being developed by connecting seven Nath temples in Bareilly under the Smart City project. The first phase of the corridor has been completed, while work on the second phase is progressing rapidly. Officials believe that once fully completed, the Nath Corridor will further boost tourist inflow.

Focus on Increasing Tourist Stay

Beyond increasing footfall, the state government is focusing on encouraging tourists to stay longer in the city. Preparations are underway for light and sound shows, and accommodation capacity is being expanded through the homestay policy. Authorities say that longer tourist stays will directly benefit local businesses, including hotels, transport services, handicrafts, and other allied sectors, thereby strengthening the local economy and employment opportunities.

Seasonal Tourism Trends

Tourism officials noted that tourist movement peaks between January and March and September to December. In January alone, Indian tourist arrivals rose from 6.20 lakh in 2023 to 7.76 lakh in 2025. The months of November and December have emerged as the most favorable for tourism, with over 1.05 million Indian tourists visiting Bareilly during this period in 2025.

Methodology of Tourist Estimation

Deputy Director of Tourism Ravindra Kumar said that tourist numbers are compiled based on data collected from hotels, religious sites, and videography-based surveys, which form the basis for the district’s annual tourism assessment. He added that the nearly 20 percent growth in tourist numbers is a positive indicator for Bareilly’s future as a religious tourism hub.

With continued infrastructure development, cultural events, and policy support, Nath Nagari Bareilly is rapidly positioning itself as the next major religious tourism center in Uttar Pradesh, contributing to both spiritual tourism and regional economic growth.