Spiritual Tourism Takes Center Stage
On World Tourism Day 2025, new data highlights a robust recovery in India’s travel industry. According to Justdial, domestic travel searches have increased by 47 percent and international searches by 44 percent between January and August this year compared to the same period in 2024. These numbers reflect not only a resurgence in demand but also a shift in how Indians are choosing to travel. Spiritual destinations, hill retreats, and short-haul overseas getaways have emerged as top preferences.
Faith-Led Travel Gains Momentum
Faith-led travel has become one of the most significant drivers of tourism within the country. Searches for Chardham packages have surged by 73 percent, while Kedarnath saw a 39 percent increase and Ayodhya rose by 40 percent. Pilgrimage centers such as Shirdi and Ashtavinayak also experienced modest but steady growth, with increases of 10 percent and 6 percent respectively.
The renewed interest is being fueled by high-profile religious developments and large-scale cultural projects. The inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the expansion of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and the continuing draw of the Kumbh Mela have placed spiritual destinations in the spotlight. Once seen largely as religious sites, many of these centers are now attracting visitors who view them as cultural and heritage landmarks, especially among younger generations.
“Temples have always been central to rural and heritage economies. What has changed is visibility, thanks to projects like Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the Kumbh Mela, and digital outreach. Today, around 65 percent of devotees at major temples fall within the 18 to 38 age group, showing how Gen Z is embracing spiritual tourism in large numbers,” said Giresh Vasudev Kulkrni, Founder of Temple Connect and the International Temples Convention & EXPO.
Kulkrni also noted that technology is becoming part of this shift. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now used in temple ecosystems for surveillance, parking, crowd flow, and queue management. Rather than replacing the local workforce, AI is seen as complementing it by enhancing efficiency and safety in spaces that see high volumes of visitors.
Scenic Retreats Rise in Popularity
Alongside the rise of spiritual journeys, India’s scenic landscapes are drawing renewed attention from travelers. Searches for travel packages to Kerala jumped by 82 percent, while Munnar and Kashmir followed closely with increases of 80 percent and 78 percent. The figures point to a growing preference for destinations that offer both natural beauty and cultural richness.
Traditional hill stations, long-time favorites for domestic tourists, continue to hold their charm. Shimla saw a 57 percent increase in searches, Darjeeling rose by 60 percent, Ooty by 51 percent and Manali by 53 percent. Even destinations that have long been staples of Indian leisure travel, such as Goa and Mahabaleshwar, maintained their popularity with gains of 27 percent and 21 percent respectively.
The trend extends beyond specific locations. Generic searches for “hill stations” grew by 26 percent, signaling the continued appeal of mountain retreats for both quick weekend breaks and longer holidays. Together, the data suggests that India’s travelers are increasingly looking for getaways that combine accessibility, relaxation, and an immersive connection with nature.
International Travel Makes a Strong Comeback
While domestic travel remains the backbone of India’s tourism recovery, international journeys are making a strong comeback. Searches for international packages rose by 44 percent across the country. Short-haul destinations were particularly popular, led by Nepal with a 78 percent rise, followed by Thailand at 70 percent and Dubai at 41 percent.
Alongside leisure, religious and cultural travel abroad continues to play a role. Searches for Umrah packages grew by 7 percent during the same period, reflecting how faith continues to influence both domestic and overseas travel decisions.
Why Travel is Surging
Several factors are fueling this sharp rise in demand. Higher disposable incomes are enabling more families to travel regularly. The slowdown in overseas student migration has redirected household spending towards domestic holidays. Affordable flight and package options have made short-haul international trips more accessible. At the same time, social media has amplified interest, particularly among younger travelers, by turning religious, cultural, and leisure destinations into aspirational experiences.
