Heritage Hotspots You Can’t Miss : India’s 10 Most Visited ASI Monuments in FY 2024-25

The headquarters of ASI collects the visitor data from all these circles, consolidates the information, and submits it to the Ministry of Tourism for planning, reporting, and policy purposes. And the most most visited ticketed sites in FY 2024–25, as per the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 are as follows:

What the Data Shows

According to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 released by the Ministry of Tourism, the Taj Mahal in Agra remains the uncontested leader among ASI monuments in terms of visitor numbers. In the fiscal year 2024-25:

Taj Mahal, Agra recorded over 6.26 million domestic tourists and around 645,000 foreign visitors. https://shiboy.bloggazzo.com/36543792/heritage-hotspots-you-can-t-miss-india-s-10-most-visited-asi-monuments-in-fy-2024-25
The Sun Temple, Konark came in second among domestic visitors, with approximately 3.57 million Indians visiting. The Times of India+1
Delhi’s Qutub Minar took the third position among domestic tourists with roughly 3.20 million Indian visitors, plus about 220,000 international visitors. The Times of India+1

These numbers reflect a strong resurgence in travel interest, heritage tourism, and domestic exploration. Several other monuments also made it to the top 10 list. Let’s explore them.

Top 10 ASI Monuments by Visits (FY 2024-25)

Here are India’s 10 most visited ASI monuments in FY 2024-25, particularly popular among domestic travellers. (Some also attract large numbers of international tourists.)

Rank	Monument	Location	Key Highlights
1	Taj Mahal	Agra, Uttar Pradesh	Built by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its marble architecture, reflective pools, changing hues at different times of day. The Times of India+1
2	Sun Temple, Konark	Odisha	13th-century temple shaped like a sun chariot with detailed stone carvings and sculptural wheels; aligns with sunrise. The Times of India
3	Qutub Minar	Delhi	73-metre tall brick minaret, richly carved, surrounded by historic ruins like the Iron Pillar and Alai Darwaza. The Times of India+1
4	Red Fort	Delhi	Mughal palace-fort of red sandstone, symbol of India’s independence, impressive gateways and halls, evening sound & light show draws visitors. The Times of India
5	Bibi Ka Maqbara	Aurangabad, Maharashtra	Called the “Taj of the Deccan,” smaller, wistful mughal mausoleum, quieter but charming and photogenic. The Times of India
6	Ellora Caves	Aurangabad, Maharashtra	Rock-cut cave temples combining Hindu, Buddhist, Jain art. The Kailasa Temple is especially unique. The Times of India
7	Golconda Fort	Hyderabad, Telangana	Historic fort with royal palaces, acoustics, panoramic views; legends, gardens and dramatic light & sound shows. The Times of India
8	Agra Fort	Agra, Uttar Pradesh	Mughal fortress of red sandstone, significant in India’s history; close to Taj Mahal so often paired in visits. The Times of India
9	Fort Aguada	Goa	Portuguese colonial fort overlooking the Arabian Sea; strategic location and beautiful views attract many. The Times of India
10	Charminar	Hyderabad, Telangana	Four-arched monument built in 1591; a cultural symbol; surrounded by bazaars, Hyderabad’s old-city life adds to the experience. The Times of India

(Note: The list is drawn primarily from domestic visitor numbers; some monuments also see strong international visitor presence.)

Why These Monuments Are So Popular

Several factors contribute to why these specific ASI monuments are the most visited:

Historical & Cultural Significance: Sites like the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort have strong historical stories and majestic architecture that resonate across India and abroad.
Accessibility: Many of these monuments are well connected via air, train, and road. Cities like Agra, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa are already well-visited tourism hubs.
UNESCO & Heritage Recognition: Monuments with heritage status often receive more publicity, funding, and better maintenance, making them attractive for tourists.
Photogenic & Experiential Value: Sunsets, architectural details, surrounding gardens, sound & light shows, and bazaars (in cases like Charminar) enhance the visitor experience.
Increased Domestic Tourism: Since the pandemic, more Indians are travelling within the country. Heritage tourism has benefited greatly from this trend. The Times of India+1

Observations & Trends

In FY 2023-24, ASI-protected monuments saw around 530.9 lakh (53 million) domestic visitors, up from about 480 lakh in 2022-23. Scribd+2The Times of India+2
Some monuments saw dramatic year-on-year growth in visitor numbers (e.g. Charminar increased by ~38%) indicating rising interest beyond just the usual places. The Times of India+1
Revenue and visitor numbers did not always rise proportionally—footfall growth is often easier than increasing earnings. temp.dailypioneer.com

Tips for Visiting These Monuments

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight.
Check ticket timings, guided tour options, and sound & light show schedules if applicable.
Wear comfortable footwear and carry water; many of these sites involve walking across large areas.
Respect rules: no littering, don’t touch sculptures, follow photography guidelines.
Consider off-season or weekdays to enjoy quieter experiences.

FAQs: Most Visited ASI Monuments

Q1: Which ASI monument had the highest number of visitors in FY 2024-25?
The Taj Mahal, Agra led by a large margin, with approx. 6.26 million domestic tourists and ~645,000 foreign visitors. The Week+1

Q2: What are some heritage sites besides the Taj Mahal that are gaining popularity?
Sites like Sun Temple, Konark, Qutub Minar, Delhi, Golconda Fort, Charminar, and Ellora Caves are showing rising visitor numbers. The Times of India+2The Week+2

Q3: Do international visitor numbers match domestic ones?
No. Domestic visitor numbers are far higher for most ASI monuments. Foreign visitor numbers are significant for a few (e.g. Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Agra Fort), but domestic tourism remains the main driver. The Times of India+1

Q4: Has visitor footfall increased recently?
Yes. There has been a meaningful increase in footfall at many heritage sites. For example, Charminar saw a ~38% rise in domestic visitors from 2022-23 to 2023-24. The Times of India+1

Q5: How can travelers avoid crowds at popular monuments?
To avoid large crowds at ASI monuments: go during off-peak hours (early morning/late afternoon), visit on weekdays, explore lesser-known monuments, and plan ahead for special shows or events. Also, check if sites have online ticketing or timed entries.