The Eastern Voice correspondent
Patna. Bihar’s tourism sector has reached a major milestone by securing 9th place in India for foreign tourist arrivals. Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta said the state’s strong post-pandemic recovery has been driven mainly by major heritage, religious, and cultural destinations such as Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda.
The tourism figures show significant growth. In 2020, Bihar recorded 59.52 lakh total tourists, including 3.08 lakh foreign visitors. By 2025, the total number had risen to over 6.62 crore, while foreign tourist arrivals increased to 7,43,888. The growth has continued in 2026, with 3.42 crore total visitors, including 5,50,548 foreign tourists, recorded in the first five months alone.
To support this growth, the state has approved tourism projects worth ₹1,301 crore for the 2025–26 financial year. Major infrastructure plans include the development of the Vishnupad and Mahabodhi-Rajgir-Nalanda Corridors under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. A three-year deadline has also been set to complete the Maa Janki Temple at Punauradham, along with major improvements to roads, safety, and visitor facilities.
