Spiritual Travel
World Heritage Day Spotlight: How Religious Tourism Dominates India’s Travel Landscape
18 April is celebrated as World Heritage Day across the globe. The day is aimed at reminding us to protect and celebrate our shared cultural history. This year’s theme, ‘Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts,’ highlights the need to safeguard important monuments and traditions. India, known for its many sacred places, benefits greatly from religious tourism, which helps preserve this rich heritage.
India’s religious sites include ancient temples, grand mosques, revered churches, and monasteries. These places are not only spiritual centres but also showcase the country’s diverse culture and architecture. Many of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists each year.
Religious tourism supports both heritage preservation and the economy. On this World Heritage Day, India’s religious tourism sector shows how faith can unite people, keep traditions alive, and deepen appreciation for the nation’s monuments and stories.
India’s religious tourism sector has witnessed a significant growth in recent years. In 2022, more than 1,433 million (143.3 crore) people travelled within the country for religious reasons, while over 6.6 million international tourists visited renowned pilgrimage sites.
Uttar Pradesh alone recorded a staggering 64.90 crore tourists in 2024, with religious destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura leading the surge. The newly inaugurated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya attracted 13.55 crore domestic visitors between January and September 2024, surpassing even the Taj Mahal in popularity.
This trend is not limited to Hindu sites. India’s spiritual map encompasses Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Christian, and Islamic pilgrimage centres as well. From the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the dargahs of Ajmer and Nizamuddin, to the Buddhist circuit of Bodhgaya and Sarnath, the country’s religious diversity draws devotees from across the globe.
Religious tourism is a key driver of India’s tourism industry, accounting for over 60% of domestic travel. The sector generated approximately Rs 1.34 lakh crore in revenue in 2022 and is projected to reach $59 billion by 2028. The temple economy itself is now valued at Rs 6 lakh crore globally. Major religious events, such as the Maha Kumbh Mela, Mahashivratri, and Dev Deepavali, inject vitality into local economies, supporting hotels, restaurants, transport services, and markets.
The ongoing surge is also expected to contribute around Rs 2 lakh crore to the Indian economy. By 2028, religious tourism is expected to create around 140 million jobs, underscoring its importance as a pillar of employment and entrepreneurship.
Recognising the potential of religious tourism, the Indian government has implemented several schemes to upgrade infrastructure and amenities at pilgrimage sites. The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme, launched in 2014–15, focuses on the integrated development of pilgrimage destinations in a sustainable and planned manner.Initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have improved sanitation and hygiene at key religious sites, while the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) works to preserve and develop heritage and religious locations.
Modern management practices, digital ticketing, and guided tours are increasingly being adopted to cater to the evolving preferences of pilgrims, with 31 per cent of spiritual travellers now opting for organised experiences.
The profile of the religious tourist is changing. Younger travellers and women are participating in larger numbers, and there is a growing demand for group and experiential travel. This shift is driving the sector towards greater professionalism and innovation.
With religious tourism expected to contribute Rs 2 lakh crore to the economy and continue its upward trajectory, India’s spiritual destinations remain not only centres of faith but also engines of economic growth and cultural exchange.
For centuries, India’s temples have been more than architectural marvels—they are living repositories of history, faith, and community. With thousands of temples dotting the landscape, each with its own story, the experience of temple travel is as much about self-discovery as it is about art, culture, or devotion. In 2025, as spiritual travel and heritage tourism rise, India’s top temples are drawing seekers from across the world, eager to connect with the country’s vibrant tapestry of beliefs.
Why Temples Still Matter
According to a 2024 report by the World Travel & Tourism Council, heritage and spiritual tourism in India is projected to grow at over 10% annually, driven by a rising interest in experiential journeys, architectural wonders, and immersive rituals (WTTC, 2024). Unlike conventional sightseeing, temple visits offer a layered experience—inviting travelers to participate in age-old traditions, learn local history, and witness the convergence of the sacred and the everyday.
The Breadth of India’s Temple Landscape
India’s top 100 temples reflect extraordinary diversity—not only in architecture and ritual, but in the stories they preserve. From the intricate Dravidian towers of Tamil Nadu to the soaring shikharas of North India, from remote Himalayan shrines to sun-drenched coastal sanctuaries, each temple is a microcosm of its region’s spiritual and cultural identity.
While it’s impossible to cover all 100 in depth, here are a few that illustrate the range and resonance of India’s sacred sites:
Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
One of Hinduism’s holiest shrines, Kashi Vishwanath stands at the heart of Varanasi—India’s eternal city on the Ganges. Pilgrims believe a visit here can liberate the soul. The temple’s bustling corridors, the rhythmic chants, and the morning rituals on the riverbank create an atmosphere thick with centuries of devotion.
Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 11th-century Chola masterpiece is celebrated for its massive granite tower and exquisite murals. Beyond its scale, Brihadeeswarar is a living center of Tamil culture—hosting classical dance festivals and daily rituals that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Jagannath Temple (Puri, Odisha)
Famed for its annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), Jagannath Temple draws millions each year. The temple’s kitchen, reputed to be the largest in the world, feeds thousands of devotees daily, reflecting the ethos of service at the heart of the tradition.
Kedarnath Temple (Uttarakhand)
Perched high in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Accessible only on foot for much of the year, the temple’s remote setting adds to its aura of mystery and resilience. Many travelers recount the trek as a transformative journey in itself, marked by moments of solitude and awe.
Meenakshi Temple (Madurai, Tamil Nadu)
A riot of color and sculpture, the Meenakshi Temple complex is both a spiritual center and a hub of South Indian art and craft. Daily processions, music, and dance fill the temple grounds, making it a living celebration of the divine feminine.
Golden Temple (Amritsar, Punjab)
Also known as Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is Sikhism’s most sacred site. With its gleaming gold dome reflected in the Amrit Sarovar (holy tank), and its community kitchen serving free meals to all visitors, the temple stands as a symbol of equality and hospitality.
Konark Sun Temple (Odisha)
Shaped like a chariot and adorned with intricate carvings, the 13th-century Sun Temple at Konark is both an architectural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors are drawn not only by its artistry, but also by the sunrise rituals and the annual dance festival celebrating Odisha’s heritage.
Virupaksha Temple (Hampi, Karnataka)
Located amidst the ruins of Vijayanagara, the Virupaksha Temple is an active pilgrimage site surrounded by UNESCO-listed monuments. Its gopurams (gateway towers) and mural-covered halls are a testament to South India’s artistic and spiritual legacy.
Kamakhya Temple (Guwahati, Assam)
Perched atop Nilachal Hill, Kamakhya is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas. Known for its powerful Tantric rituals and vibrant Ambubachi Mela, the temple is a focal point for devotees seeking blessings of the Mother Goddess.
Ranakpur Jain Temple (Rajasthan)
Famous for its 1,444 intricately carved marble pillars, this 15th-century Jain temple is celebrated for its harmony and craftsmanship. The cool, meditative interiors offer a striking contrast to the surrounding Aravalli hills.
Themes and Takeaways
Behind each temple lies a web of legend, ritual, and human endeavor. The experience is rarely just architectural—it’s participatory. Travelers are invited to join morning aartis, witness age-old festivals, and connect with local communities who are both guardians and storytellers.
A 2023 survey by India’s Ministry of Tourism found that 68% of international spiritual travelers value personal stories and hands-on rituals over passive sightseeing (Ministry of Tourism, 2023). For many, a single visit can spark a journey of self-inquiry, empathy, and respect for India’s living heritage.
The Journey Continues
From the snow-clad shrines of the Himalayas to the coastal sanctuaries of the south, India’s top temples are not just relics—they are dynamic spaces where history, faith, and culture meet. As spiritual travel evolves in 2025, these sites remain both gateways and destinations—offering the possibility of renewal, reflection, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Jaipur, July 19 (IANS) With its sweeping landscapes, sacred rivers, vibrant culture and world-class heritage, Madhya Pradesh is no longer just the ‘Heart of India’ — it’s becoming the heartbeat of global tourism.
This message rang loud and clear during the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s roadshow held at Jaipur’s Jai Mahal Hotel on Friday.
Speaking to a packed event of tourism stakeholders, filmmakers, and hospitality professionals from both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Additional Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Bidisha Mukherjee, highlighted the state’s soaring popularity.
In 2024 alone, Madhya Pradesh welcomed 134.1 million tourists, with 70 million visiting for religious and spiritual experience, to Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas, Chitrakoot, Maihar, and Amarkantak, the sacred origin of the Narmada River.
But spiritual tourism is just one facet of Madhya Pradesh’s appeal.
“We want to showcase the hidden gems of Madhya Pradesh to the world,” Mukherjee said.
“From majestic temples to dense jungles, from tribal art to local cuisine — we’re creating experiences, not just sightseeing tours. We’re building a sustainable, immersive, and community-led tourism model that speaks to the soul of every traveller.”
In an interesting pitch, she proposed an exciting expansion of the iconic Golden Triangle tourism circuit which she said can work miracles if turned into an arch.
“Imagine tourists travelling from Agra to Gwalior, then exploring the Orchha-Gwalior-Datia belt,” she said.
“Those coming from Chittorgarh can easily explore Mandsaur, Ujjain and Omkareshwar — blending Rajasthan’s desert heritage with Madhya Pradesh’s water sports and adventure tourism offerings in a single trip.”
She also added that Madhya Pradesh is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhimbetka — and 15 others on India’s tentative list, making up a quarter of the country’s UNESCO sites.
Madhya Pradesh also boasts a vibrant cultural identity, with tribal traditions like the Bhagoria dance, Gond paintings, and the Narmada Parikrama pilgrimage recognised on India’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, she said.
With titles like Tiger State, Leopard State, Cheetah State, and even Vulture and Gharial State, Madhya Pradesh has something for every nature lover, Mukherjee added.
It is a wildlife haven and with all these products, the number of tourists soared from 11.41 crore to 13.42 during 2023 to 2024, she said.
With the upcoming Tourism Policy 2025, Madhya Pradesh is also rolling out the red carpet for investors, she added.
The policy offers attractive incentives, including 90-year land leases, low stamp duties, and e-tender processes for accessing land, wayside amenities, and heritage properties.
Ultra-mega tourism projects with investments more than Rs 100 crore can even be allocated land directly.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism officials also said: “It is not tourists who are flocking to Madhya Pradesh — the film industry is also being lured to the state. With a dedicated Film Facilitation Cell, shooting permissions are now fast-tracked. Since the launch of its film policy, more than 400 film and OTT projects have been shot in Madhya Pradesh, including Stree, Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Sui Dhaaga, Laapataa Ladies, Padman, Dhadak 2, Panchayat, Kota Factory, Gullak, and Citadel.”
No surprise then that the Indian government named Madhya Pradesh the “Most Film-Friendly State” for 2017–2020, she added.
Mukherjee concluded with a smile, saying: “Madhya Pradesh offers ‘sab kuch jo dil chahe’. The world is welcome to discover it.”
–IANS
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