Prayagraj: India has witnessed a significant 21.4% rise in inbound travel for spiritual purposes, according to the latest reports from Atlys, a leading visa processing platform. This surge is largely driven by major religious events such as the Maha Kumbh and other key festivals, which attract millions of tourists annually.
Nearly 48% of all spiritual travel visa applications are linked to these large-scale religious events and pilgrimages, with the ongoing Maha Kumbh being one of the most prominent.
Maha Kumbh Mela and tourism boost
As one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, the Maha Kumbh, which takes place once every 12 years, is expected to draw around 42 million pilgrims. This extraordinary event offers a unique opportunity for both domestic and international visitors to immerse themselves in India’s rich spiritual heritage.
The rise in spiritual tourism is also being fuelled by increasing interest from countries like the US and the UK, with many seeking authentic, transformative experiences.
Women, who make up 66% of millennial spiritual travellers, are leading this shift. Young people, in particular, are opting for spiritually meaningful vacations over traditional sightseeing, marking a significant change in travel trends.
Another notable trend is the growing popularity of group travel in spiritual tourism. Applications for group spiritual travel have risen by 35%, as more visitors seek to bond with like-minded individuals while participating in customs and rituals at holy sites.
With events like the Maha Kumbh attracting record crowds and a rising global interest in its spiritual significance, India is strengthening its position as a top destination for spiritual tourism. The combination of improved infrastructure and changing travel patterns ensures that India will remain a leading hub for spiritual journeys in the years ahead.
India has seen a 21.4% rise in inbound spiritual travel, driven by major events like the Maha Kumbh, which is expected to draw 42 million pilgrims. With growing interest from countries like the US and UK, and a rise in group travel, India is solidifying its position as a spiritual tourism hub. Business Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
