From The Ghats Of Varanasi To The Hills Of Mussoorie, Spiritual Tourism Continues To Surge

In 2024, the Char Dham yatra broke all records, with the number of devotees who thronged the holy shrine of Kedarnath standing at 1,55,584 within six days of its opening. This was a massive 61% increase from 2023, when 91,838 travellers had made their way for the yatra. They braved the elements, long queues and even unruly crowds for the darshan of their deity. A similar story is unfolding at every pilgrimage town in India.

India has long been a destination for spiritual seekers, but in recent years, the concept of spiritual tourism has gained significant traction, with faith-based tours making up almost 60% of India’s domestic tourism market. And the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in January, which saw who’s who of the country descend to the city, is a prime example that this trend will continue to emerge at the forefront of India’s tourism industry. But why has faith seen a resurgence in travel?

To a certain extent, India’s GenZ and millennials are driving this industry. “We have observed a strong demand for spiritual travel experiences among the younger demographic in India. To cater to this demand our Pilgrimage Plus portfolio incorporates engaging local experiences with darshans, like cuisine trails, wellness retreats and outdoor adventures. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts are combining their spiritual getaways with thrilling experiences like white-water rafting and night trekking with the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Customers are travelling to Lucknow for food trails, Vaishno Devi and Kathadi – close to Rameswaram for water sports,” shares Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited.

Hotels Jump On The Religious BandwagonTo cater to this growing segment of travellers, hotels in India are also rolling out the red carpet of experiences, offering customisable packages that include workshops, guided meditations, and spiritual talks. At the forefront of this are boutique properties like Pilibhit House in Haridwar, a part of the IHCL SeleQtions portfolio, which has strategically positioned itself as one of the most incredible retreats for your spiritual sojourn in the city. It has the largest private ghat in Haridwar, where you can attend the vibrant evening aarti without jostling with the crowds on the public ghats. “At Pilibhit, our in-house pandit conducts a special Navgraha puja for the hotel guests. This pooja is performed to appease the nine planets and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. We also curate astrology/genealogy sessions, where you can learn more about your family history and lineage through a personalised genealogy session that is conducted within the premise of the hotel. Additionally, a guided heritage tour of the city’s many temples, shrines and ghats is one of our most popular spiritual offerings,” shares Vikas Nagar, manager at Pilibhit House.

This surge of tourists has also catalysed the economy of Varanasi; hotels, both big and small, are popping up around the city, offering a mix of heritage and spirituality especially to youngsters. At Bedzzz Varanasi, a sociotel (for social hotel) retreat by Leisure Hotels, spiritual group tours are a big buzz with youngsters who often come to occupy the dorms. Many travellers also add a day trip to Sarnath. “We offer unforgettable experiences for spiritual travellers; think guided tours of iconic temples like Kashi Vishwanath, serene sunrise boat rides on the Ganges, and much more. Our guided excursions to Sarnath and other significant Buddhist sites come with carefully curated, tailor-made itineraries to enhance their journey. “Beyond the organised tours, we offer an environment that encourages introspection, whether through informal group discussions in our common areas, moments of quiet in our thoughtfully designed spaces, or participation in local ceremonies and events,” shares Sanjay Sood, Chief Operating Officer, Leisure Hotels Group. The idea is to foster a sense of community to like-minded travellers on a journey of self-discovery.

High Up In The HillsThe rise of spiritual tourism hasn’t left the highest reaches of India untouched. Even in destinations like Nainital, Binsar, Shimla (which are quintessential summer getaways), the demand for spiritual and wellness experiences has increased. For instance, most travellers to Mussoorie would earlier spend their days walking along the picturesque promenade of Mall Road. Today, many want a slice of the hill town’s religious side.

Piyush Kapoor, General Manager at Jaypee Residency Manor, says his team ensures experiences that help their guests connect with the spiritual essence of the region. “We develop tailored packages that include guided meditation, yoga retreats, and visits to local spiritual sites like Jwalaji Temple and Kellogg Memorial Church. These experiences are designed to provide our guests with meaningful connections to the region’s rich spiritual heritage. Another key offering is our guided meditation session held in serene outdoor settings, allowing guests to connect with nature while finding inner peace,” he adds. Also Read: Add These Unique Experiences To Your Varanasi Bucket List