Which Nationality Visits India the Most? Top Tourists and Why They Come

When it comes to foreign tourists in India, international visitors who travel to India for culture, adventure, or spiritual reasons. Also known as overseas travelers to India, they come from all over the world—but one group stands out in number, spending, and repeat visits. The United Kingdom sends the most visitors to India each year, according to official tourism data. Why? It’s not just history—it’s family ties, affordable luxury, and a deep fascination with everything from Himalayan treks to South Indian backwaters. Millions of British travelers return year after year, not as sightseers, but as repeat visitors who know where to find quiet temples, authentic food, and hidden hill stations.

Right behind the UK come the United States, American travelers drawn to India’s spiritual retreats, yoga centers, and adventure tourism. Also known as US tourists in India, they’re often younger, more budget-conscious, and eager to explore beyond the Taj Mahal. Many start in Delhi or Jaipur, then head to Rishikesh for yoga, Kerala for backwater houseboats, or Ladakh for high-altitude biking. Their trips are longer, often lasting weeks or months, and they’re the second-largest group spending on premium stays and guided treks. Then there’s Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—neighboring countries with strong cultural and family links. They make up a huge chunk of short-term visitors, especially to border states like West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. But in terms of international tourism revenue and long-haul travel, the UK and US lead.

What pulls them here? It’s not just one thing. For the British, it’s the nostalgia of colonial-era train rides and the comfort of English-speaking guides. For Americans, it’s the search for mindfulness, yoga certification courses, and the thrill of climbing Kuari Pass or rafting in Rishikesh. The Indian government’s push for visa-on-arrival and digital tourism portals has made it easier than ever. And let’s not forget the temples—Tirupati alone welcomes over 50 million pilgrims a year, many from overseas. The India tourism industry, the network of travel operators, hotels, and local guides serving foreign visitors. Also known as travel infrastructure in India, it’s built to handle these flows, especially in North India, where cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur are safe, clean, and well-connected.

It’s easy to assume tourists come for the Taj or Bollywood, but the real draw is the quiet moments: sipping chai at a Jaipur rooftop at sunrise, watching monks chant in a Tibetan monastery in Dharamshala, or eating fresh fish curry on a Kerala beach with no one else around. These aren’t Instagram moments—they’re life-changing ones. That’s why people keep coming back.

Below, you’ll find real travel stories from people who’ve been there—what they ate, where they stayed, which routes worked, and which ones didn’t. Whether you’re from the UK, the US, or somewhere else entirely, these posts will help you plan a trip that’s more than just a checklist.