There has been a remarkable rise in inbound travel to India for spiritual purposes, primarily driven by the Maha Kumbh 2025, according to a report released on Wednesday. Visa processing platform Atlys has reported a 21.4 percent increase in inbound travel for spiritual reasons.
The surge in visa applications is predominantly from travelers in the UK and the US, highlighting global interest in India’s spiritual offerings. Data indicates that nearly 48 percent of all spiritual travel visa applications are linked to major events and pilgrimages like the Maha Kumbh.
Group inbound travel applications have surged by 35 percent, reflecting a growing preference for communal spiritual experiences. The sacred trinity of Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar continues to dominate destination preferences.
Although spiritual travel was once mainly associated with older generations, millennials are now leading the trend, with 66 percent of this segment being women. This shift indicates a broader move toward female-led spiritual exploration, according to the report.
Over the past decade, global interest in spiritual tourism has steadily risen, positioning India at the forefront with its rich spiritual heritage and diverse cultural tapestry.
“India’s spiritual legacy has always captured global attention, but we’re now seeing an embrace of these sacred journeys by travelers seeking both adventure and self-discovery,” said Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys.
The Maha Kumbh and similar festivals are no longer just for traditional pilgrims; they’re appealing to a broader audience looking for meaningful experiences.
The Maha Kumbh, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, is currently underway and is expected to attract more than 400 million pilgrims. More than 92.4 million devotees have already taken the sacred bath (“Amrit Snan”) in Triveni Sangam, according to the latest data estimation by the Uttar Pradesh government.
On Tuesday (January 21), around 431,800 devotees visited the Maha Kumbh Nagar, underscoring the event’s massive draw and significance in the spiritual landscape.
With this growing trend, India’s spiritual tourism sector is set to flourish, attracting a diverse range of global travelers seeking profound spiritual experiences and cultural enrichment.
