Hyderabad: Historic landmarks Golconda Fort and Charminar are among the top 10 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monuments with the highest domestic footfall in 2023-24. According to the latest ASI data, Golconda Fort ranked sixth with 16.08 lakh visitors, while Charminar stood at ninth place, attracting 12.9 lakh domestic visitors.
According to the survey, the footfall increased for both monuments. For Golconda Fort, the footfall stood at 15.27 lakh in 2022-23, while for Charminar it was 9.29 lakh.
“The inclusion of Golconda Fort and Charminar in the top 10 underscores Hyderabad’s prominence as a historical and cultural hub. Golconda Fort, known for its architectural grandeur and acoustic marvels, remains a major attraction for tourists, while Charminar, a symbol of Hyderabad’s heritage, continues to draw visitors despite urban congestion around it,” the report said.
The report highlights the increasing interest in India’s historical sites, with the Taj Mahal in Agra maintaining its position as the most-visited monument, drawing 60.99 lakh Indian tourists. Konark’s Sun Temple followed in second place with 31.97 lakh visitors, while Delhi’s Qutub Minar ranked third with 31.24 lakh footfall. Other notable monuments on the list include the Red Fort in Delhi (27.94 lakh), Ellora Caves in Aurangabad (17.41 lakh), Agra Fort (12.95 lakh), and Pune’s Shaniwarwada (12.61 lakh).
Overall, the domestic footfall at ASI-protected monuments rose from 4.8 crore in 2022-23 to 5.3 crore in 2023-24, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for historical tourism across the country.
