Uttar Pradesh has earned international recognition by being named the Best Spiritual Tourism Destination at the 2025 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, held in Lisbon, Portugal. The award highlights the state’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions and its emergence as a hub for faith-driven travel. Renowned for its rich diversity of ancient Hindu, Sikh, and Islamic sacred sites, Buddhist circuits, and cultural richness, Uttar Pradesh continues to attract visitors from around the world seeking spiritual experiences and cultural insight.
Puneet R Kundal, Ambassador of India to Portugal, accepted the award on behalf of the state during a ceremony at the Troia Design Hotel. This global recognition positions Uttar Pradesh as a celebrated spiritual and cultural destination, reaffirming its stature as the “Land of Faith and Divinity.”
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh hailed the award as a moment of pride for the state and its people. “This award is a reflection of Uttar Pradesh’s unmatched spiritual and cultural heritage that continues to inspire global travellers,” he stated. “It reinforces our commitment to preserving sacred traditions while creating world-class experiences for pilgrims and tourists alike.”
Uttar Pradesh is a vibrant melting pot of diverse religions and cultures, embodying India’s incredible diversity. Known historically as the heartland of India, its strategic location has made it a meeting point for numerous spiritual and cultural movements, creating a rich and syncretic society. The state has played a pivotal role in the development of major Indian religions and remains home to significant communities of various faiths. Here, ancient traditions coexist harmoniously with newer influences, reflecting the enduring unity within India’s cultural mosaic. The presence of important several spiritual and religious sites reflects the state’s rich, intertwined religious history and its role as a centre for spiritual pilgrimage across multiple faiths.
The state is Uttar Pradesh is home to several revered cities in Hinduism—including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, and Chitrakoot. Deeply rooted in mythology and history, the state holds immense significance for Hindus, being the birthplace of Rama and Krishna. Its sacred sites and ancient temples attract countless devotees, making it one of the foremost destinations for pilgrimage and spiritual exploration.
The state is also rich in Islamic spiritual heritage, with important pilgrimage centres such as the dargah of Sufi saint Salim Chishti in Fatehpur Sikri, which draws devotees from across the world. Agra houses significant mosques like the Jama Masjid and Moti Masjid, while Jaunpur is renowned for the Atala Masjid. Aligarh features the Baba Barchi Bahadur Dargah, a revered site for people of all faiths. Varanasi, a major Hindu pilgrimage city, is also home to the Gyanvapi Mosque, highlighting the region’s religious diversity.
Uttar Pradesh is equally important to Sikhism, with several historic gurdwaras linked to the Sikh Gurus. Agra contains Guru Ka Tal, commemorating Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom, and Gurdwara Dera Sahib, marking where the ninth Guru’s head was cremated. Lucknow hosts the Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara and Baba Gurditta Ji Gurdwara, while Fatehpur Sikri is home to the Gurdwara Guru Ram Das, honoring the city’s native fourth Sikh Guru. These sites reflect the state’s rich, intertwined religious history and its role as a centre for spiritual pilgrimage across multiple faiths.
Uttar Pradesh holds profound significance for Buddhists, as several pivotal events in the life of the Buddha took place here. Key Buddhist sites include Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon; Kushinagar, the location of his Parinirvana (passing away); Sravasti, home to the famous Jetavana Monastery; and Kapilvastu, believed to be his childhood residence. Other notable sites include Kaushambi, known for the Ghositarama Monastery, and Sankisa, where the Buddha is said to have descended from heaven.
The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards (commonly known as the Seven Star Awards or SSLHLA) are prestigious annual accolades recognising excellence within the global hospitality sector. Established in 2013 by Khalil El-Mouelhy—who serves as Chairman, President, and Founder of both the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards and the Seven Stars Media Corporation—these awards honour outstanding achievements in luxury hospitality and lifestyle. Winners are selected by a distinguished panel of experts with extensive experience in the luxury hospitality and lifestyle industries, ensuring that the awards reflect the highest standards of quality and service.
What award did Uttar Pradesh recently win in the field of tourism?
Uttar Pradesh was named the Best Spiritual Tourism Destination at the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2025, held in Lisbon, Portugal.
What makes Uttar Pradesh a significant spiritual tourism destination?
The state is home to numerous sacred cities and pilgrimage sites important to Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Sikhism, including Varanasi, Ayodhya, Kushinagar, and Fatehpur Sikri.
Who presented the Best Spiritual Tourism Destination Award to Uttar Pradesh?
The award was accepted on behalf of Uttar Pradesh by Puneet R. Kundal, the Ambassador of India to Portugal, during the ceremony.
What impact does this award have on Uttar Pradesh’s tourism?
The international recognition enhances Uttar Pradesh’s reputation as a premier destination for faith-based and cultural tourism, attracting more global travellers and pilgrims.
What are the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards?
The Seven Stars Awards recognise excellence in luxury hospitality and lifestyle. Established in 2013, they celebrate top destinations and services chosen by expert judges.