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Shrinecation travel trend: 5 popular destinations where Gen Z and millennials are heading for spiritual gateways | Travel

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Updated on: Jul 10, 2025 12:03 pm IST

The young travellers are choosing destinations where they can engage more spiritually, not just for rituals but also for self-discovery. 

Spiritual pilgrimage destinations, which were once thought to be the domain of older generations like parents and grandparents, are now drawing the attention of younger travellers like Gen Z and millennials who are keen for rich, cultural and spiritual experiences. It is more than ritual, but helps to rejuvenate with cultural experiences that help to take a break from the digitally hyper-connected world the youth are preoccupied with nowadays. 

Destinations like Varanasi are preferred by young travellers who are looking for calm, spiritual gateways. (Shutterstock)

Pardeep Kumar Siwach, Deputy General Manager, Accommodation at Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, shared with HT Lifestyle how Gen Z and millennials are more and more drawn to holy and spiritual travel destinations, seeking not just blessings but also a mindful, calming experience. 

Explaining about the trend of shrinecation, Pardeep elaborated, “Gen Zs and millennials, often navigating high-stress, hyper-connected lives, are increasingly seeking spaces that offer peace with purpose. Enter ‘Shrinecations,’ where spiritual discovery meets immersive travel. This evolving trend reflects a shift towards mindful, culturally-rooted experiences, often elevated by elements of comfort, aesthetic appeal, and personal renewal.” 

Pardeep shared 5 spiritual destinations that are popular among young travellers nowadays:

1. Guwahati

  • Sitting atop Nilachal Hills, the Kamakhya Temple draws travellers who seek divine feminine energy and scenic beauty.
  • After exploring the temple, sail along the Brahmaputra at sunset, and explore the vibrant lanes of Urzan Bazaar.
  • Feast on authentic Assamese flavours, like tangy fish curries, and local thalis, then relax at a luxury retreat with pools, spa sessions, and valley view dinners.

 

2. Varanasi

  • Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, offers a different yet equally profound kind of awakening.
  • Take boat ride at dawn.
  • Visit the ancient, holy temples like Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple, Maa Annapurna temple, Kaal Bhairav temple, Durga kund temple, and Sankat Mochan temple.
  • Watch the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat during sunset.
  • Explore the narrow alleys and try the sweet lassi and street snacks like kachori and chaat.

 

3. Rishikesh

  • Rishikesh invites stillness, where the mountains echo mantras and the river flows with meditative grace.
  • Beautiful temples grace Rishikesh, which locals and travellers praise as the yoga capital of the world.
  • Experience the Ganga Aartis, join yoga or meditation sessions.
  • Savour plant-based café fare and freshly pressed juices, or try local chaat near Laxman Jhula for a dash of flavour.

 

4. Amritsar

  • Visit the Golden Temple, the holy Sikh shrine, which is also renowned for langar.
  • Next, visit Jallianwala Bagh, which stands as a powerful reminder of India’s freedom struggle.
  • After exploring, indulge in Amritsari kulcha and jalebi at Kesar Da Dhaba.
  • For shopping, look for phulkari outfits, juttis and local handicrafts.

5. Bodh Gaya

  • Bodh Gaya is a sacred town where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
  • Try Tibetan momos and regional Bihari cuisine.

Sharing some tips about budget travel, Pardeep concluded, “Plan in advance and book as early as possible. Travel in the off-season, use public transport, and enjoy local food to make your trip memorable.’

ALSO READ: 5 popular monsoon trek trails in Karnataka and Maharashtra based on difficulty level: Easy to moderate and challenging

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Spiritual Travel

Bilaspur Set to Transform into Himachal’s Ultimate Adventure and Spiritual Hub

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Move over, Manali and Shimla! Bilaspur is gearing up to become the state’s next big tourism hotspot, blending adrenaline-pumping adventures with serene spiritual experiences. The district administration has rolled out ambitious plans to develop water, land, and aerial tourism, promising something for thrill-seekers, pilgrims, and nature lovers alike.

A Sky-High Attraction: The Glass Bridge

Imagine walking on a transparent bridge, suspended high above breathtaking landscapes—Bilaspur’s upcoming Glass Bridge at Bharari will do just that! Designed to rival global attractions, this engineering marvel will offer daredevils an unforgettable experience while giving tourists a reason to extend their stay. Officials confirm the blueprint is ready, and construction will kick off soon after final approvals.

Sailing Through Scenic Routes: The Water Metro

Pilgrims visiting Maa Naina Devi will soon have a faster, more scenic journey thanks to the proposed Water Metro, connecting Bhakra Ghat to Kosariya Ghat. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about turning travel into an experience. Devotees and tourists can hop on boats, enjoy the tranquil waters, and even transport their vehicles via waterways.

Jet Skis, Kayaking & More: Water Sports at Nakrana

Bhakra Dam’s pristine waters are about to get a lot more exciting! The district is eyeing water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and boating to attract adventure junkies. The best part? Pilgrims heading to Naina Devi can now add a splash of adventure to their spiritual trip.

Bharari – The New Stopover Destination

Strategically located near Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, Bharari will soon feature modern tourist hubs with food plazas, parking, rest areas, and info centers. No more cramped pit stops—just smooth, comfortable breaks for travelers.

Listening to Locals: Boaters Get a Voice

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar made sure local boat operators were heard during inspections, promising quick fixes to their concerns. This people-first approach ensures tourism growth benefits everyone.

Bilaspur’s transformation isn’t just about flashy infrastructure—it’s about jobs for youth, better travel experiences, and putting this hidden gem on India’s tourism radar. With projects set to launch soon, the district is poised to become a must-visit for those seeking adventure, spirituality, and untouched natural beauty.



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Shiva Tribe Debuts in Gurgaon’s Tikli-Raiseena: IMPC’s Bold Step to Merge Spirituality, Rural Tourism, and Modern Family Wellness

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VMPL

New Delhi [India], August 4: In the lush rural landscape of Tikli-Raiseena near Gurgaon, a new chapter in India’s spiritual and rural tourism ecosystem quietly unfolded. The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC) launched its ambitious spiritual wellness initiative–Shiva Tribe–an experience-driven, immersive space designed to reconnect Gen Z and modern families with India’s timeless spiritual roots.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Haryana’s Aravalli fringes, Shiva Tribe is more than a mandir–it is a curated journey of self-discovery, holistic wellness, and cultural revival, seamlessly merging ancient wisdom with modern aspirations. The inaugural three-day Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav was held in July, graced by spiritual luminaries including Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Dayanand Ji Maharaj, and dignitaries such as Haryana’s former Minister Shri Om Prakash Dhankar. Business leaders, rural development advocates, and spiritual patrons attended in significant numbers–signaling a rising interest in faith-based tourism models.

Spiritual Tourism: India’s Growing Wellness Sector

India’s spiritual tourism market is undergoing a silent revolution. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the wellness and spiritual tourism segment is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. With over 330 million domestic religious tourists recorded annually and rising international interest in authentic Indian experiences, initiatives like Shiva Tribe have the potential to create high-value, low-impact tourism models in rural belts–generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing local economies.

“In today’s fragmented lifestyle, families are searching for meaningful escapes–not just vacations. Shiva Tribe is that sacred pause–a place to reconnect, reflect, and realign, together,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, mentor of the project and a key voice in India’s contemporary spiritual movement.

A New Blueprint: Spirituality Meets Community Living

Unlike traditional spiritual centers, Shiva Tribe offers a complete spiritual-eco retreat–including weekend live devotional music by its in-house ‘Shiva Tribe Band’, yoga sessions, mantra-infused meditations, Vedic rituals, and stay facilities for families. It’s a full-circle experience designed to inspire urban youth and families alike to step into a more conscious, value-driven lifestyle.

“Here, spirituality is not a sermon–it’s an experience,” said Shri MP Singh, project visionary and founder of ShivaTribe. “We want to build a network of such community-driven centers across rural India, using temple heritage as a catalyst for rural rejuvenation and youth engagement.”

Rural Regeneration Through Faith

The Tikli model aligns with India’s rural tourism policy goals by transforming underexplored rural regions into mindful tourism destinations. With over 60% of India’s population residing in villages, initiatives like this leverage India’s spiritual capital to promote rural entrepreneurship, handicrafts, organic farming, and ecotourism–creating a sustainable rural economy rooted in culture and community.

IMPC’s Broader Mission

The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC), known for initiatives like the Mahasangam Yatra, Trisul Yatra and Shiv-Shakti Kendras, is rapidly becoming a bridge between India’s ancient temple traditions and its digital future. Its work focuses on temple modernization, spiritual leadership development, and community revival–backed by collaborations with scholars, saints, and civic leaders.

By anchoring the Shiva Tribe initiative in Tikli, IMPC demonstrates how faith-based community models can attract tourism, foster economic inclusion, and support national goals like ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Digital Bharat’.

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(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)



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Spiritual Travel

10 oldest temple towns in India for spiritual getaways – The Times of India

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10 oldest temple towns in India for spiritual getaways  The Times of India



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