Rajasthan has once again reaffirmed its position as one of India’s premier tourism destinations, recording an impressive 61.99 million tourist visits during the first quarter of 2026 (January–March). According to the latest tourism statistics, the State welcomed 61.29 million domestic tourist visits and 698,458 international tourist visits, reflecting Rajasthan’s enduring appeal among both Indian and overseas travellers.

According to Mr. Daleep Singh Rathore, Joint Director, Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, 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.

Religious tourism remained the strongest pillar of domestic travel. Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Sikar emerged as Rajasthan’s most visited destination, attracting nearly 6.8 million pilgrims during the three-month period. It was followed by Kaila Devi Temple in Karauli with 4.74 million visitors, while Sanwaliya Ji Temple in Chittorgarh ranked third with 2.87 million visitors. Pushkar secured the fourth position, reaffirming its significance as one of India’s most important pilgrimage destinations.

Jaisalmer demonstrated the remarkable diversity of Rajasthan’s tourism landscape by securing five places among the State’s Top 10 domestic destinations—Jaisalmer Fort, Ramdevra, Sam Sand Dunes, Patwon Ki Haveli, and Tanot Mata Temple. The continued presence of Ajmer Sharif Dargah in the Top 10 further highlights Rajasthan’s unique spiritual landscape, where Hindu and Sufi pilgrimage destinations together form the backbone of domestic tourism.

Rathore noted that international visitor preferences presented a distinctly different pattern. Amer Palace, Jaipur, emerged as the most visited site among overseas travellers with 91,422 visitors, followed by Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, City Palace, Udaipur, and Saheliyon Ki Bari, Udaipur. Wildlife tourism also maintained its global appeal, with Ranthambore National Park featuring prominently among the State’s leading attractions for foreign visitors.

Other internationally favoured destinations included Jagdish Temple (Udaipur), Chand Baori (Abhaneri), Jaswant Thada (Jodhpur), and the magnificent Ranakpur Jain Temple, underscoring the continued international fascination with Rajasthan’s royal architecture, cultural heritage, living traditions, and rich biodiversity.

Rathore stated that 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.