Pilgrimage Travel Boom: Top Destinations, Luxury Stays & Tips for FY24-25
Pilgrimage Tourism Is on the Rise
Religious tourism in India is experiencing an unprecedented surge in FY24-25. From the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to the ever-popular Vaishno Devi and Kedarnath, domestic and international travelers are booking trips months in advance. According to industry reports, pilgrimage tourism is expected to contribute over ₹1.3 lakh crore to India’s economy this financial year.
This boom is driven by improved infrastructure, better connectivity, luxury hospitality options, and a growing desire among millennials and Gen Z to combine spirituality with leisure travel.
⤷ Top Pilgrimage Destinations for FY24-25
Here’s a list of the most popular and trending pilgrimage spots this year:
| Destination | State | Why Visit in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Ayodhya | Uttar Pradesh | Ram Mandir inauguration has made it a spiritual hotspot with new hotels and facilities. |
| Kedarnath | Uttarakhand | Rebuilt infrastructure, helicopter services, and better crowd management. |
| Vaishno Devi | Jammu & Kashmir | New ropeway facilities and night-time darshan options. |
| Shirdi | Maharashtra | Smart temple management system for faster darshan. |
| Tirupati Balaji | Andhra Pradesh | Expanded accommodation options and VIP darshan facilities. |
| Dwarka & Somnath | Gujarat | Part of the Char Dham Yatra, seeing increased luxury tour packages. |
⤷ Luxury Stays & Spiritual Retreats
Gone are the days when pilgrimage meant only budget dharamshalas. Today’s travelers are seeking comfortable and luxurious stays near temple towns.
- Luxury Hotels: Chains like Taj, ITC, and Radisson have opened properties near Ayodhya, Rameshwaram, and Tirupati.
- Wellness Retreats: Resorts now offer yoga sessions, ayurvedic massages, and sattvic dining for spiritual rejuvenation.
- Boutique Stays: Homestays with temple views are trending for travelers looking for an authentic cultural experience.
⤷ Connectivity & Infrastructure Improvements
The government is investing heavily in pilgrimage infrastructure:
- New Airports: Ayodhya’s Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is fully functional.
- Expressways & Highways: Better road connectivity to Kedarnath, Mathura, and Dwarka.
- Digital Booking Systems: Online portals for darshan passes and queue management.
⤷ Market Trends & Traveler Behavior
- Spiritual Millennials: Young professionals are combining pilgrimage with weekend getaways.
- Family Travel Packages: Tour operators are offering all-inclusive luxury packages.
- Foreign Tourist Influx: NRIs are flying in for special darshan and spiritual tourism packages.
Example:
MakeMyTrip reported a 70% rise in bookings for pilgrimage destinations in Q1 FY24-25, compared to last year.
⤷ Tips for a Seamless Pilgrimage Trip
- Book Early: Accommodation near major temples sells out fast during peak season.
- Check Weather: Kedarnath and Badrinath routes can be affected by rain and landslides.
- Use Official Apps: Download government apps for darshan slots (like Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra for Ayodhya).
- Plan Off-Peak Visits: Early mornings or weekdays offer less crowded darshan experiences.
- Consider Helicopter Services: For Kedarnath or Vaishno Devi yatras, book chopper tickets well in advance.
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