Amer Palace attracted the highest number of international visitors
Rajasthan recorded 61.99 million tourist visits during the first quarter of the year from January to March, reaffirming its position as one of India’s leading tourism destinations. The state received 61.29 million domestic tourists and 698,458 international tourists reflecting its enduring appeal among both Indian and overseas travellers.
In a press statement, Rajasthan Department of Tourism says tourism trends for the first quarter reveal distinct travel preferences among domestic and international visitors. While Indian travellers overwhelmingly favoured the state’s religious and pilgrimage destinations, international visitors continued to be drawn to Rajasthan’s forts, palaces, UNESCO World Heritage monuments, living heritage and wildlife attractions.
It adds that religious tourism remained the strongest pillar of domestic travel. Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Sikar emerged as Rajasthan’s most visited destination, attracting 6.8 million pilgrims during the three-month period. It was followed by Kaila Devi Temple in Karauli with 4.74 million visitors, Sanwaliya Ji Temple in Chittorgarh with 2.87 million visitors and Pushkar in Ajmer with 1.88 million visitors.
Abhaneri’s iconic Chand Baori continues to attract visitors
Jaisalmer dominated the state’s domestic tourism rankings, with five attractions featuring among the top 10 destinations. Jaisalmer Fort and Ramdevra each attracted 1.69 million visitors, followed by Sam Sand Dunes with 1.60 million visitors, Patwon Ki Haveli with 1.57 million visitors and Tanot Mata Temple with 1.50 million visitors. Ajmer Sharif Dargah also featured among the top 10 with 1.49 million visitors, highlighting Rajasthan’s unique blend of Hindu and Sufi pilgrimage destinations.
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According to the statement, international travellers showed a different pattern of preferences. Amer Palace in Jaipur emerged as the most visited attraction with 91,422 overseas visitors, followed by Jantar Mantar in Jaipur with 80,820 visitors, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur with 38,834 visitors, City Palace in Udaipur with 36,850 visitors and Saheliyon Ki Bari in Udaipur with 34,480 visitors. Wildlife tourism also maintained its appeal, with Ranthambore National Park attracting 30,829 international visitors.
Pushkar Lake remains one of Rajasthan’s leading pilgrimage destinations, attracting 1.88 million visitors
The statement adds that other popular destinations among international tourists included Jagdish Temple in Udaipur with 30,550 visitors, Chand Baori in Abhaneri with 29,030 visitors, Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur with 26,117 visitors and Ranakpur Jain Temple with 25,593 visitors, reflecting Rajasthan’s continued global appeal for its royal architecture, cultural heritage, living traditions and biodiversity.
“An analysis of tourism trends for January-March 2026 clearly indicates distinct travel preferences among domestic and international visitors. While Indian travellers overwhelmingly favoured Rajasthan’s revered religious and spiritual destinations, international tourists continued to be captivated by the State’s magnificent forts, royal palaces, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, living heritage, and wildlife attractions,” says Daleep Singh Rathore, Joint Director, Department of Tourism, Rajasthan.
“The latest tourism figures demonstrate how Rajasthan has evolved beyond being solely a heritage destination. Today, the State offers a vibrant blend of religious tourism, cultural experiences, desert adventures, wildlife safaris, and world-renowned heritage, creating a diverse tourism ecosystem that continues to strengthen the State’s economy. This unique combination firmly establishes Rajasthan as one of India’s most distinctive and globally competitive tourism destinations,” adds Rathore.
