Lucknow, Dec. 30 -- : Uttar Pradesh's Buddhist Circuit has witnessed a sharp rise in tourist footfall in 2025, with over 61 lakh visitors travelling to key Buddhist destinations in the state during the first nine months of the year. The steady increase highlights the growing appeal of the circuit among domestic pilgrims as well as international Buddhist travellers. Tourism department data show that between January and September 2025, around 59 lakh domestic tourists and nearly 2.72 lakh foreign visitors visited six major Buddhist sites-Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Kaushambi, Kapilvastu and Sankisa. Officials estimate that total footfall may cross 64 lakh by the end of the year. Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, emerged as the most visited site, drawing about 18.6 lakh tourists, including nearly 1.9 lakh foreign visitors. Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon near Varanasi, recorded close to 17.75 lakh visitors, with over 64,000 international tourists. Kaushambi saw a significant surge, attracting more than 23 lakh visitors, while Shravasti, Sankisa and Kapilvastu recorded moderate but steady footfall, with Kapilvastu seeing strong foreign interest. Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Amrit Abhijat said sustained international promotion, Bodhi Yatra initiatives and familiarisation tours have contributed to the rise, reinforcing the circuit's global spiritual and tourism significance....