Considering spiritual tourism not just a trend but an "evolving way of travel", Mr Gahoi shares that the surge in spiritual tourism can be attributed to a renewed interest in cultural and spiritual roots, increased accessibility to these destinations, and a post-pandemic shift toward meaningful travel. "Improved infrastructure, government initiatives like the PRASAD scheme, and the global appeal of spiritual hubs like Amritsar, Tirupathi and even Indore, which is in proximity to the famous Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, have further contributed to this growth," he says. Additionally, he mentions, "Festivals and religious events attract travellers seeking spiritual and cultural immersion, making these destinations a top choice for both domestic and international tourists." Even Ramee Group is planning to expand its roots to destinations like Dwarka and Ujjain this year.

At Kings Hotel and Resort, the owner, Shreyas Kudalkar, has also observed similar trends and says that 30-35% of their guests have been visiting the property, present in Karnala, Maharashtra, for spiritual reasons. "This trend is especially noticeable during festivals or special religious occasions," Mr Kudalkar says, adding that people are looking for ways to relax and find peace in today’s busy world, with India offering a "great place for spiritual activities like yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda". 

On the other hand, Mr. Kudalkar counts social media as a reason to make people learn about spiritual travel. Undoubtedly, the spur in travel, not just spiritual, has been an evident phenomenon in India, and the growing culture of the social media content creation has further escalated the tourism sector like never before. On international tourists coming to India for similar reasons, Mr. Kudalkar opines, "Finally, many tourists are interested in experiencing India’s culture and spirituality firsthand, which has led to more people choosing India for their spiritual journeys."

Along with tourism, which saw a spur in the post-pandemic time, the discussions around mental health, too, gained popularity in Indian society — which can be seen as interlinking with each other. Counselling Psychologist and author Sohini Rohra believes that the rise comes from “people feeling a need for something deeper in their lives”. “In today’s fast-paced, stressful world, many are turning to spiritual destinations for peace, purpose, and healing. For some, it’s about reconnecting with their roots and exploring India’s rich traditions. For others, it’s about escaping the noise and finding clarity. Practices like yoga and meditation, which have gained global popularity, also draw seekers from around the world. Ultimately, people are looking for community, healing, and a way to fill the void modern life often leaves behind,” she says. 

Ms. Rohra, who also travels for spiritual reasons, however, mentions that the surge encounters many challenges as well. “Many sacred places are becoming overly commercialised, losing their essence. Sometimes, people exploit spirituality for profit, misleading seekers who are genuinely looking for guidance,” she says. Adding to it, she also highlights the tendency for people “to engage with spirituality superficially, treating it like a trend instead of a meaningful practice.” “These issues can overshadow the true purpose of spiritual journeys,” she further adds. Casting light on another major issue being faced by the locals, Ms. Rohra says, “The surge in visitors often harms the environment and strains local resources.” 

According to a recent report by real estate services firm Colliers, Amritsar in Punjab; Ayodhya and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh; Dwarka in Gujarat; Puri in Odisha; Shirdi in Maharashtra; and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh are also the regions driving real-estate growth. On the other hand, NLB Services had mentioned recently that religious tourism in India has been on an upward trajectory, with the projections being a CAGR of over 16% between 2023 and 2030.