In a fresh effort to tap into India’s booming wellness travel market, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has invited entrepreneurs and investors to set up wellness centres and resorts across the state. The government believes the sector has the potential to become one of UP’s strongest tourism pillars, especially as travellers increasingly seek experiences centred around healing, relaxation and traditional therapies.
The push is part of the UP Tourism Policy 2022, which focuses on building infrastructure around Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. Officials say the state wants to position itself as a major destination for wellness tourism—not just for Indian travellers but for international visitors who often combine spiritual travel with health-oriented stays.
Under the policy, wellness centres must include at least five therapy rooms, while wellness resorts should be spread over a minimum of one acre and feature at least 20 guest rooms. These facilities are expected to come up around some of UP’s most important spiritual and heritage destinations, including Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Sarnath, Shravasti and Chitrakoot. By integrating wellness with religious and cultural circuits, the government hopes to create a more holistic tourism experience.
To encourage participation, the state is offering a comprehensive incentive package that includes capital subsidies, interest reimbursements, stamp duty waivers, and exemptions on land conversion and development charges. Officials say they want to remove as many hurdles as possible for new businesses and give young entrepreneurs the confidence to invest.
The timing of this initiative aligns with the global surge in wellness tourism, a sector that has expanded rapidly in recent years as travellers look for retreats that promise physical healing, mental peace and lifestyle transformation. UP’s cultural and spiritual landscape gives it a natural advantage, and the government believes the addition of wellness infrastructure could significantly elevate the state’s tourism profile.
As part of this broader vision, the state also plans to host an annual International Yoga Conclave, which will bring together practitioners, trainers and wellness brands from India and abroad. The hope is that this will further cement UP’s identity as a centre for holistic well-being.
For entrepreneurs, the opportunity is substantial. With millions already flocking to the state’s temples, riverfronts and heritage sites every year, adding wellness facilities could open up new streams of revenue—while creating jobs for therapists, yoga instructors, dieticians and hospitality professionals.
UP Tourism officials say the message is clear: the state is open for investment, ready to support new ideas, and keen to build a modern wellness ecosystem that complements its ancient traditions.
