Uttar Pradesh is set to showcase its spiritual tourism credentials at the 47th PATA Travel Mart 2025, held from 26–28 August at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The northern Indian state will present its flagship campaign, Embark on your Bodhi Yatra in Uttar Pradesh, inviting global travellers to explore the Buddhist Circuit and its rich cultural heritage.
The Lord Buddha statue at the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Kushinagar
The PATA Travel Mart is one of Asia-Pacific’s most influential travel trade events, bringing together international tourism stakeholders for conferences, networking and business-to-business exchanges. Uttar Pradesh Tourism aims to position the state as a leading destination for spiritual, cultural and heritage tourism.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh described the state as “a sacred odyssey where Lord Buddha lived and preached,” highlighting key sites such as Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Sankisa and Kaushambi. These destinations offer visitors the chance to meditate in ancient monasteries, walk among historic stupas and engage with the teachings of the Buddha in their original setting.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department, emphasised the state’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage and curating meaningful travel experiences. “Uttar Pradesh is a cornerstone of India’s Buddhist Circuit,” he said, “where the journey from renunciation to enlightenment unfolds across sacred landscapes.”
Beyond its Buddhist legacy, Uttar Pradesh is home to iconic sites including the Taj Mahal in Agra, the ghats of Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Lucknow and Prayagraj. Cultural festivals such as Dev Deepawali, Mahakumbh and Taj Utsav further enrich the state’s appeal.
With international airports in Delhi and Lucknow, and strong regional connectivity, Uttar Pradesh offers a diverse and accessible tourism experience. Its presence at PATA 2025 signals a strategic push to attract global travellers seeking spiritual depth and cultural immersion.
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