- Sacred Cities Draw Record Crowds
- Tourism Revenues Rise Sharply
- Spiritual Travel Gains Momentum
Article Today, New Delhi:
India’s spiritual tourism sector has witnessed strong growth in recent years. An increasing number of people are travelling to pilgrimage centres not only for religious observance but also for mental peace. Improved temple infrastructure and better connectivity have played a key role in this rise. As a result, faith-based travel has emerged as a major contributor to the domestic tourism economy.
Ayodhya Sets New Records
Ayodhya has emerged as a leading pilgrimage destination following the consecration of the Ram temple. During 2024, the city received about 164.4 million visitors. In December alone, footfall was estimated at nearly 60 million. The transformation of civic infrastructure has significantly improved visitor experience. In addition, foreign tourists have also begun including Ayodhya in their travel plans.
Kashi and Mathura Draw Millions
Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, continues to attract pilgrims in large numbers. In 2024, nearly 110 million visitors travelled to the city for the Ganga aarti and the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Meanwhile, Mathura and Vrindavan together welcomed around 90 million devotees. These destinations remain central to India’s religious travel circuit.
Southern States see steady rise
Spiritual tourism growth is not limited to northern India. Southern States have also reported a significant increase in pilgrim arrivals. Tamil Nadu recorded about 306.8 million tourists in 2024. Karnataka followed closely with 304.5 million visitors. Andhra Pradesh registered around 292 million tourists, marking a growth of nearly 14 per cent over the previous year. Improved amenities at major temples have supported this trend.
Heritage Tourism strengthens Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s heritage and cultural appeal has further boosted tourism numbers. Visitor arrivals rose from 179 million in 2023 to over 230 million in 2024. Forts, palaces, and desert landscapes continue to attract both domestic and international tourists. Consequently, employment opportunities in hospitality and allied sectors have expanded across the State.
Central India Sees Pilgrimage Surge
In Madhya Pradesh, pilgrimage centres have recorded heavy footfall. The Mahakaleshwar temple at Ujjain received about 73.2 million visitors in 2024. Officials expect particularly high numbers during major festival periods. Meanwhile, despite harsh weather conditions, Kedarnath was visited by around 1.6 million pilgrims, highlighting the strength of religious faith.
Uttar Pradesh Leads Nationally
Uttar Pradesh emerged as the top State for tourism in the country. It recorded about 646.8 million visitors, the highest nationwide. This surge has significantly strengthened the State’s revenue base. Meanwhile, other States are also investing in facilities to attract pilgrims and tourists.
Economic Impact Widens
Overall, domestic tourism in India grew by around 18 per cent over the year. Increased footfall has boosted revenue for hotels, transport operators, and local businesses. Authorities report that arrangements during the New Year period ensured smooth movement of pilgrims. Therefore, the outlook for spiritual tourism remains strong, with further growth expected in the coming years.
