MakeMyTrip’s latest report on pilgrimage travel trends 2024-25 indicates robust growth across India’s leading pilgrimage destinations. The data reflects an increase in bookings, traveler footfall, and interest in spiritual tourism, signaling a resurgence of domestic religious travel.
According to the report, popular pilgrimage cities such as Varanasi, Tirupati, Amritsar, and Shirdi have seen a notable rise in visitor numbers. The growth is driven by a combination of improved travel infrastructure, convenient booking options, and increasing interest in spiritual experiences among younger travelers.
MakeMyTrip emphasizes that digital convenience has played a crucial role in the surge. Online booking platforms allow travelers to easily plan their trips, compare accommodations, and access transportation services. This accessibility is particularly appealing for families and senior citizens who prioritize comfort and efficiency during religious journeys.
The pilgrimage travel trends report also highlights emerging destinations that are gaining attention. Lesser-known temples, monasteries, and sacred sites are witnessing increased footfall, suggesting that travelers are seeking unique and less crowded spiritual experiences. This shift reflects a broader trend of exploring off-the-beaten-path locations in the spiritual tourism segment.
Travelers are not only visiting traditional pilgrimage cities but also participating in organized tours and festivals. Seasonal events, cultural programs, and religious fairs contribute significantly to bookings. MakeMyTrip reports that these immersive experiences are attracting both domestic and international tourists interested in authentic spiritual and cultural encounters.
The report shows that travel preferences are evolving. Many travelers are now seeking holistic experiences, combining religious visits with wellness activities, local cuisine exploration, and heritage sightseeing. This trend has prompted travel companies to offer curated packages that cater to diverse interests while maintaining a focus on spiritual significance.
Infrastructure development has also supported growth in pilgrimage travel. Improved road networks, increased flights, and modernized train services have made reaching remote or previously difficult-to-access pilgrimage sites more convenient. Enhanced accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury stays, have further encouraged longer stays and repeat visits.
MakeMyTrip’s pilgrimage travel trends 2024-25 indicate a positive economic impact for local communities. Increased visitor numbers generate revenue for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and small businesses near sacred sites. This growth also supports employment in the hospitality and travel sectors, strengthening regional economies.
Safety and hygiene remain top priorities for travelers. Following lessons from the pandemic, pilgrimage destinations have improved sanitation, crowd management, and health facilities. These measures have increased traveler confidence, encouraging more people to undertake religious journeys.
International tourists are also contributing to the upward trend. Spiritual tourism in India is attracting visitors from across Asia, Europe, and North America who are eager to experience India’s rich cultural and religious heritage. MakeMyTrip notes that interest in authentic spiritual experiences, combined with convenient travel arrangements, has contributed to the growth in international arrivals.
Analysts suggest that the strong growth in pilgrimage travel trends 2024-25 reflects broader shifts in tourism. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing meaningful experiences over leisure-only trips, with spiritual journeys offering both personal fulfillment and cultural enrichment.
The MakeMyTrip report further emphasizes that continued investment in infrastructure, safety, and curated experiences will be key to sustaining growth in pilgrimage tourism. By offering well-planned travel solutions and promoting lesser-known sites, the industry can ensure a balanced distribution of visitors while preserving the sanctity of these locations.
For travelers planning religious journeys in 2024-25, the report highlights the opportunities for immersive and diverse experiences across India’s pilgrimage cities. The trend suggests that spiritual tourism will remain a growing segment, contributing to cultural exchange, local economies, and the overall revival of domestic travel.
MakeMyTrip’s findings confirm that pilgrimage travel trends are not only resilient but expanding, reflecting changing traveler priorities and an increasing appreciation for India’s spiritual heritage. With ongoing improvements in accessibility, comfort, and safety, pilgrimage cities are poised to see continued growth in the coming years.
