Before delving into the incredible variety and vibrancy of experiences across the subcontinent, it's useful to have an at-a-glance overview of India in figures to better appreciate its sheer scale, dynamism, and diversity. At Shanti Travel, after two decades of crafting journeys through India, we've learned that understanding these numbers enriches the travel experience.
Population & Demographics
- 1,260,000,000 inhabitants (estimated 2024: over 1.4 billion, projected to become the world's most populous country)
- Second most populous country globally
- 17.5% of the world’s population resides in India
- 45% of the population under 20 years old, making it one of the world's youngest societies
- More than 2000 ethnic groups and 8 major religions
- 30 million gods and goddesses reflected in local beliefs and temple iconography
- Over 24 official languages and 1,653 dialects, with Hindi and English most widely used for communication in travel and commerce
- 29 states and 7 union territories
Urbanization, Cities & Society
- 36.9% of Indians live in cities (2024), a number steadily rising with ongoing urban migration
- Over 46 cities with populations above one million
- 3 megacities (Delhi: ~28 million, Mumbai: ~22 million, Kolkata) each with more than 15 million inhabitants
- Delhi alone sees 1,400 new vehicles registered daily
- 150 cremations held each day in Varanasi, one of the holiest sites for Hindus
Economy, Technology & Infrastructure
- Tourism GDP exceeded US$231 billion in 2023, expected to top ₹22 trillion in 2025, contributing to nearly 7% of national GDP
- Travel & Tourism industry employs over 48 million people
- India is the top exporter of generic drugs and 2nd globally in beef exports
- 2nd largest tea producer worldwide, with annual per capita tea (chai) consumption at 40 litres
- More than 900 million internet users by 2025, with 55% internet penetration—urban and rural digital access expanding fast
- About 660 million smartphone users, making mobile technology a daily travel companion
- 4G usage dominates, but 5G adoption rising quickly, especially in metro cities
Transportation Networks
- 7,000 km of coastline, offering access to more than 200 ports
- 24 peaks over 7,000 meters—including Kangchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world
- 63,974 km of railway (one of the largest, busiest rail networks globally), with nearly 14 million daily passengers
- Over 130 operational airports, including 34 international gateways
- National highways stretching over 150,000 km, continuously expanding
- Annual air passenger traffic: over 400 million, projected to exceed 500 million soon
Culture & Heritage
- 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (ranging from Ajanta Caves to Kaziranga National Park)
- Home to one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, dating back over 5,000 years
- Millions of local and national festivals celebrated each year—diversity is unmatched
Did You Know?
- The Indian diaspora is the largest in the world, with more than 17 million Indians living abroad.
- More than 300,000 foreign visitors participate in the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, whenever it is held.
- India is expected to cross 1 billion domestic journeys annually, reflecting travel as a vital part of modern Indian life.
Practical Takeaways for Travelers
- Digital connectivity is excellent in urban and many rural areas: eSIMs and local SIMs are easy to acquire for internet-savvy visitors.
- Urban centers are modernizing rapidly, but local traditions and languages remain strong—embrace the diversity for the richest travel experience.
- Festival calendars are always packed; attending a local celebration can be a highlight but book accommodation in advance during major events.
At Shanti Travel, we believe that seeing India through these numbers helps travelers prepare for the awe-inspiring scale and rhythm of everyday life here—essential for both first-time and returning visitors who wish to travel deeper.
