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Places of religious tourism earned ₹ 1,34,543 crore in 2022, reveals govt data

The number of domestic tourists that visited places of pilgrimage were 1,433 million in 2022, while 6.64 million foreign tourists visited india.

The places of religious tourism earned ₹ 1,34,543 crore in 2022, up from ₹ 65,070 crore in 2021, data released by the ministry of tourism said.

While the ministry of tourism does not maintain the revenue generated through religious centres, it does have an account of foreign exchange earnings.

In 2018, the revenue was ₹ 1,94,881 crore, followed by ₹ 2,11,661 crore in 2019 and a significant dip due to the pandemic in 2020 to ₹ 50,136 crore.

Also Read: Tourism sector in focus as govt looks to boost jobs

The number of domestic tourists that visited places of pilgrimage were 1,433 million in 2022, while 6.64 million foreign tourists visited India.

In 2021, the numbers stood at 677 million and 1.05 million, respectively.

“Development of tourism is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration, however, Ministry of Tourism under its scheme viz. National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) provides Financial Assistance to the State Governments/Union Territories for creation of pilgrimage and/or heritage tourism infrastructure at the pre-identified destinations across the country,” the ministry of tourism said.

It has approved a total number of 45 projects in the country under PRASHAD Scheme for an amount of ₹ 1586.10 crore so far.

PRASHAD scheme was launched in 2014-2015 under the ministry of tourism.

The scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience.

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Religious tourism- what is it and how does it work?

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Religious tourism makes up a big part of the tourism industry worldwide. Learn more about religious tourism, what it is and how it works in this article….

What is religious tourism?

Why is religious tourism important, missionaries, religious sightseeing, religious tourism in india, religious tourism in the philippines, religious tourism in italy, religious tourism in israel, religious tourism in turkey, religious tourism in poland, religious tourism- further reading.

Religious tourism is a branch of tourism which involves people travelling for religious purposes (like a pilgrimage ) or to see things of religious importance (sightseeing). It is also known as faith tourism. It also incorporates missionaries. Religious tourism isn’t just for religious people, of course. Many people who engage in religious tourism are actually of no religion themselves!

Religious tourism is an important branch of tourism for many reasons. It allows people to connect to their religion in a way they might otherwise not be able to – for example, a Muslim person living in a predominantly Christian country or area may have little opportunity to visit a mosque. They may also not have the chance to meet other Muslims very often. By visiting a place where Islam is the prominent religion, they might be able to build a better connection with their religion. 

It also provides a way for humanity to preserve our common heritage. All religions are practised in different places across the globe, as humanity has spread through the centuries. By visiting religious monuments and locations, we are able to learn more about the histories behind different religions, making religious tourism a great form of educational tourism too.

Religious tourism also helps to provide funding for the upkeep and preservation of religious sites. Entry fees to places like the Vatican are useful when it comes to repairs and paying for the staff who maintain the physical aspect of the Catholic Church. As well as this, as more people visit certain areas, governments are forced to ensure that roads, water supplies and infrastructure are taken care of.

Religious tourism activities

There are various activities which can come under the arm of religious tourism. One major one is a pilgrimage. I have an in-depth article about this, which you can read here . A pilgrimage is an often lengthy trip to a place of particular significance to your religion. An example of this is Muslims visiting Mecca, or Catholics heading to Lourdes. You can find some other religious tourism activities below…

A missionary is a person sent on a mission by their religion. They are sent to an area in order to promote this religion, and also provide services that this area may need. The most famous missionaries are members of the evangelical church, a branch of Christianity. The term comes from the Bible, when Jesus himself used it to refer to sending his disciples to preach the gospel in his name. However, the term’ missionary’ can be used in relation to any religion.

The most popular form of religious tourism is sightseeing. This is something which many people do, regardless of their particular religion. Every year, over 5 million people visit the Vatican – and they are not all Catholics heading there to pray or connect to the religion. They are also people who are interested in art and architecture, or history buffs, or people who want to tick ‘visiting the world’s smallest country’ off their bucket list.

The same goes with people visiting other religious sites. They may not necessarily be religious themselves. Many are, of course, and visit these sites for reasons similar to why people go on pilgrimages. They want to connect with other people of the same religion, or visit a place that is important to the religion itself.

There are many places you can go if religious sightseeing is something you enjoy. You’ll find some popular ones below!

Religious tourism destinations

Pretty much every town and city across the globe has a church, mosque, temple, cathedral or synagogue (and so on) – which means religious tourism can take place anywhere. There are some places, however, where it is much more prominent than others.

Religious tourism in India is huge. Spirituality is a massive part of Indian culture , with the main religion being Hinduism. 79.8% of the population identify as Hindu, with 14.2% practising Islam and 2.3% being Christians. Sikhism and Buddhism, while not as popular in India now, were both actually founded here.

With that in mind, there are many places of religious importance to visit in India. 

Haridwar and Varanasi are two famous religious places in India, and have been since ancient times. They are two sites with a lot of significance in Hinduism. Haridwar is where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills, and there is a nightly river worshipping ceremony held here. Tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps of the sacred ghat here. Varanasi is believed to have been the home of Lord Shiva, a prominent figure in Hinduism. Varanasi sees many pilgrims visiting in order to purify themselves by bathing in the River Ganges at sunrise.

There are also hundreds of beautiful churches, temples and mosques across the country which make for wonderful sightseeing.

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country. 83% of residents are Roman Catholic, with other branches of Christianity being the next popular religion followed by Islam. There are many Catholic sites you can visit as a religious tourist. These include:

• Monasterio de Tarlac, San Jose, Tarlac – with its statue very reminiscent of Christ the Redeemer in Rio
• National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Marilao, Bulacan – with healing flower water in its basement
• Tatlong Krus, Paete, Laguna – the site of three tall white crosses with breathtaking views, a popular pilgrimage site
• Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan – a replica of the grotto at Lourdes, with 14 Stations of the Cross
• Manila Cathedral – inside the walled historic city of within the modern city of Manila

When it comes to religious tourism, Italy is one of the best places. You’ll find so many churches, cathedrals, museums and historic religious sites to visit whether you are religious or not. Being the location of the Vatican, which is the heart of the Catholic Church, it comes as no surprise! Statistics show that Italy is home to at least 1,500 shrines, 30,000 churches, and 700 diocesan museums. As well as this, there are a large number of monasteries and convents across the country.

Assisi is one of the most important places in Italy for religious tourism. This is where St Francis (patron saint of Italy) lived! His remains are buried at the basilica here.

Loreto is another important destination. People come here to visit the Basilica della Santa Casa, home to some of the relics of the holy house of Nazareth. Legend says this is the house where Mary would have grown up – and where she would have received the message of Jesus’ birth.

Rome , of course, is where you can go to visit the Vatican. St Peter’s Square is an incredibly important destination for religious tourism, as people flock here to catch a glimpse of – or be blessed by – the Pope.

More than half of tourists visiting Israel are religious tourists. Home of the Holy Land, it is no wonder that so many Christians and Jews come here. Recent statistics show that:

• 90% of all Christian tourists visited Jerusalem
• 89% visited Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee
• 86% visited Nazareth
• 85% visited the Dead Sea area
• 83% visited Capernaum 
• 86% of pilgrims visited Bethlehem

Within these regions, there are so many places to see which are of religious importance to Christians and the people of the Jewish faith. These include Via Dolorosa, the Western Wall, Mount of Olives, the Church of the Nativity, the Church of the Annunciation and many more.

There is a lot of religious tourism in Turkey too. Here there are many churches, mosques, mausoleums, crypts and so on. Religious tourists can visit the ‘first church in the world’, which is the Church of Saint Peter. Located near Antakya, it is a cave carved into the mountainside. Saint Nicholas lived in Turkey, too, so there are various locations linked to him – including the alleged site of his burial in Demre.

It’s not just Christianity that is so present in Turkey. There are so many Islamic sites of importance across the country too. Istanbul is home to the only remaining items of clothing of the prophet Muhammad; there are beautiful mosques in every area of the country, and you’ll be able to hear the call to prayer wherever you are.

Poland is another destination which is popular for religious tourism. One very popular site is the Pauline Monastery on Jasna Góra in Częstochowa. This is where tourists can find the blessed icon of the Black Madonna, worshipped globally. Wadowice is the birthplace of Pope John Paul II – and there is a lot of information about him in Krakow too, as the two places are relatively close. Generally, the country has many beautiful churches and monasteries. These make for brilliant sightseeing trips, a major part of religious tourism as stated above.

If you have enjoyed this article, I am sure that you will love these too!

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Next stop: The land of God

With the inauguration of the ram temple in ayodhya on january 22, the country is seeing a rise in spiritual tourism. according to experts, this phenomenon will see further growth as more and more travellers are looking to add religious destinations to their holiday list.

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Samidha graduated with a bachelor’s in mass media from Sophia College, Mumbai, right before joining Forbes India, where she writes about various startups across industries, and also works on News by Numbers–a way of news story-telling through infographics. She is also part of the web team which oversees social media and organizes various annual events for the publication. Samidha is a film buff and enjoys all kinds of cinema–all the way from cringy bollywood films to those of Tarkovsky.

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• India emerges as global pilgrimage destination with ‘flourishing spiritual tourism’ in 2023

Post Covid, especially, spiritual tourism has taken center stage with a significant increase in the numbers of travellers worldwide. In 2022 alone, India had witnessed an astounding 1,433 million domestic tourists undertaking pilgrimages, while 6.64 million foreigners made their way to the country's sacred sites, contributing considerably to tourism recovery.

• Gagneet Kaur ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Jun 15, 2023 at 04:44 PM IST

Gujarat’s Vadnagar to become culture & tourism hub; buddhism trail, circuits slated: Official

The historic town is undergoing a massive transformation as the Ministry of Culture is leading the holistic development of the town, planned in four phases. Plans are afoot to push tourism through the Archaeological Experiential Museum, tourism circuits, trails and redevelopment projects. Vadnagar is strategically located near other popular attractions like the Sun Temple of Modhera and Rani ki Vav.

• By Gagneet Kaur ,
• Published On Jun 15, 2023 at 04:44 PM IST

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Religious Tourism and Sustainable Development: Perspectives from Hill States in India

• First Online: 17 January 2021

Cite this chapter

• Dhwani Gambhir 6 ,
• Ahmad Mohd Khalid 7 &
• Seema Sharma 7  

Part of the book series: World Sustainability Series ((WSUSE))

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Sustainable Development is the prime global concern encompassing economic, social and environmental aspects. The attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries is pivotal to the cause. Leisure, including tourism, has a deep connection with the SDGs’ agenda. Tourism influences not only the well-being and quality of life of people, but also has a significant socio-economic and environmental impact. It is one of the fastest growing industries. Religious and spiritual tourism is a niche segment in the tourism industry. It has been prevalent around the world since ancient times. It plays a significant role in developing countries, such as India, which has a rich, multi-cultural and religious heritage. Religious tourism must be promoted in a manner that assists in sustainable development. A case for the North-Indian hilly states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, popularly known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’—Abode of the Gods, is presented. The states have a significant share of the religious and spiritual tourism in India. A qualitative and descriptive study using primary and secondary sources discusses the impact of this niche segment on the sustainability aspects in these states. In addition, suggestions to promote religious tourism while maintaining socio-economic and ecological balance in such difficult terrains are presented.

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Gambhir, D., Khalid, A.M., Sharma, S. (2021). Religious Tourism and Sustainable Development: Perspectives from Hill States in India. In: Lubowiecki-Vikuk, A., de Sousa, B.M.B., Đerčan, B.M., Leal Filho, W. (eds) Handbook of Sustainable Development and Leisure Services. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59820-4_18

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Religious tourism in India

Statistics report on religious tourism in India

This report presents a range of statistics and facts on religious travel in India with a focus on initiatives to promote pilgrim tourism by the government. Although not an exhaustive list of all places of faith in the country, information on key destinations and sites has been curated.

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Table of contents.

• Premium Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism GDP in India FY 2023, by type of visitor
• Premium Statistic Distribution of direct travel and tourism GDP in India FY 2023, by spending type
• Basic Statistic Share of tourists India 2019-2028, by expenditure

Pilgrim-focused initatives

• Premium Statistic Tourism promotion and publicity expenditure India FY 2021-2025, by type
• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditure for Swadesh Darshan India FY 2021-2025
• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditure for PRASHAD India FY 2021-2025
• Premium Statistic Funding value for Swadesh Darshan in India FY 2015-2019

Hajj pilgrims

• Premium Statistic Number of foreign and domestic Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia 2022
• Premium Statistic Quota of foreign Hajj and Umrah pilgrims Saudi Arabia 2023 by country of origin
• Premium Statistic Number of Indians departing to Saudi Arabia 2009-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of Hajj pilgrims from India 1990-2023

Monuments of religious significance

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors to ticketed monuments India FY 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors to Sarnath monuments India FY 2022
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors to Bhubaneshwar monuments India FY 2022
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors to monuments around Bhopal India FY 2022
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors to Dharwad and Hampi circle monuments India FY 2022
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors to Bengaluru and Goa monuments India FY 2023

Cities with spiritual destinations

• Premium Statistic Number of tourist visits in UP Buddhist circuit India 2019-2021, by destination
• Premium Statistic Number of tourist visits of Rishikesh in India 2016-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of tourist visits of Kedarnath in India 2016-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of tourist visits to Varanasi India 2021, by destination
• Premium Statistic Number of tourist visits to Ayodhya India 2021, by destination
• Premium Statistic Number of tourist visits to Mathura India 2017-2021

Siginificant religious sites

• Premium Statistic Estimated daily pilgrims India 2022, by select temple
• Premium Statistic Number of tourist visits of Vaishno Devi in India 2016-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of daily pilgrims to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams 2022-2024
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourist visits to Guruvayoor India 2018-2022

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The growth trajectory of religious tourism in key markets

Emerging Markets | Tourism

– Faith-based travel generates significant tourism revenue in key markets

– MENA countries are developing transport and cultural offerings to improve capacity

– Religious events represent key drivers of arrivals to some regions

– Technology can help improve connectivity and access to faith-based offerings

With many emerging markets diversifying their tourism offerings , faith-based tourism is set to become a key segment for a number of markets worldwide.

An estimated 330m people travel for religious reasons each year, according to the UN Word Tourism Organisation, forming a significant market for countries with attractions of spiritual or sacred value. These trips include pilgrimages as well as sightseeing trips to important historical and religious sites throughout the year. Additionally, a 2017 study reported that some 25% of travellers expressed interest in this form of tourism, whether for spiritual or non-spiritual reasons.

Global revenue from faith-based tourism is projected to total $15.1bn in 2023, according to market analysis firm Future Market Insights, and this figure could reach $41bn by 2033.

In addition to supporting job creation and local economies, religious tourism is helping to spur investment in logistics infrastructure, preservation and wider recreational offerings around the world.

Boosting connectivity

In areas that already experience sizeable inflows of religious tourists, new strategies and infrastructure projects are helping to prevent over-tourism while enabling capacity for growth.

In India, which boasts important sites for a number of faiths, religious tourism flows have reached record highs, with some tour companies registering growth 15% above pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels. Pilgrims include both domestic and foreign tourists, as well as those from the country’s significant diaspora population.

International arrivals to Saudi Arabia are currently driven by individuals participating in the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The Kingdom hosted 17.3m international tourists in 2019. Of that number, an estimated 2.49m Muslims gathered in Makkah for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, marking what is thought to be the largest gathering of humans in history.

While numbers fell during the pandemic, they have since begun to recover, and some 1m people participated in 2022. Saudi Arabia aims to host 30m religious tourists in 2030, part of a wider goal to attract 100m domestic and international tourists annually in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

To improve the visitor experience and mitigate the undesirable effects of over-tourism, construction projects such as the $35bn redevelopment of King Abdulaziz International Airport aim to improve local capacity to accommodate arrivals. Slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026, the expansion plans include a dedicated Hajj terminal.

The $16bn Makkah Metro project, meanwhile, will open four new metro lines to connect sites of religious importance in Makkah.

The Kingdom is working to promote the Umrah pilgrimage − which can be performed throughout the year – in an effort to mitigate overcrowding and other key issues. The Saudi Arabia Tourism and Research Centre estimates that foreign Umrah arrivals have tripled since 2005. Starting from mid-2022 visitors who receive a tourist visa through the country’s newly launched e-visa programme are allowed to perform the Umrah.

Other countries in MENA are engaged in the restoration and preservation of sites with historical and spiritual importance to the three Abrahamic religions, which could help boost international tourist arrivals. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced last summer that it would renovate the town of Al Wadi in the Sinai Peninsula, home to the fortified monastery of Deir El Wadi which dates to the 6th century.

These developments come as part of a wider tourism initiative known as the Great Transfiguration Project, which aims to develop sites in the Sinai Peninsula to attract spiritual and recreational tourism to the area. First announced in 2020, plans include further development of the area around St Catherine’s Monastery to improve tourism offerings, as well as the operation of an international airport with flights to Cairo and Athens.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has begun work on the first phase of a tourism trail from Mt Nebo to the Jordan Valley, which was first announced in 2021. The trail includes sites of spiritual significance for Christians, as well as adventure, cultural and medical offerings.

Regional resilience

Faith-based tourism represents a key driver of regional growth, with religious attractions responsible for a large portion of arrivals in certain markets, especially during pilgrimages and other festivals.

The Indian state of Gujarat, for example, saw tourist inflows reach 44.8m in 2017, with 36% of that number coming for spiritual purposes. India is also home to the Kumbh Mela, an important religious festival in Hinduism that is considered one of the largest religious gatherings globally. In 2019 the festival attracted 200m visitors to Uttar Pradesh State, with some 50m participating during the celebration’s most auspicious day.

Some states in Mexico, a top global performer in tourism, are targeting religious tourism as a strategic growth segment. The state of Jalisco, home to attractions such as the Cathedral Basilica of San Juan de los Lagos, ranks second behind Mexico City in terms of preferred destinations for religious tourists, attracting 11m arrivals each year and some $330m in tourism earnings.

Festivities surrounding patron saint days are key drivers of tourism revenue for hotels, restaurants and other local services. The Zapopan Religious Festival held on October 12, for example, attracts between 1m and 2m tourists to the region each year.

On a national scale, Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism estimates that 40m people a year participate in pilgrimages, generating close to MXN20bn ($1.12bn) in revenue.

In Brazil, another global centre for religious festivals, various states have established itineraries to drive visits to religious sites, such the churches of Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country hosts more than 200 religious events each year, including the procession of Círio de Nazaré in the city of Belém, Pará State, which was attended by 2.5m people in 2022. In 2019 religious tourism drew an estimated $15bn into Brazil’s economy.

Technological transformation

Mirroring the acceleration of digitalisation during the pandemic, technology is beginning to both support and influence the development of religious tourism.

Backed by TBO.com, a global travel distribution technology platform, Saudi Arabia-based Zamzam.com is an online travel agency platform dedicated to religious travel. The company specialises in Umrah travel services, including a range of offerings such as visas, flights and sightseeing packages.

In September 2022 Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched Nusuk, an official digital platform to facilitate the planning of visits to Makkah and Medina for religious purposes, in line with the Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Programme.

In early 2023 Saudi national telecom provider stc installed 92 broadcast towers in the Holy Mosque in Makkah, as well as seven communication towers over an area of 1.5m sq metres, part of efforts to boost the digital infrastructure in the city and provide greater connectivity to pilgrims.

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The Religious Tourism Boom

Ankit Saxena

Jul 25, 2023, 12:20 PM | Updated 01:05 PM IST

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Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app .

• Pilgrim paths are attracting more travellers than Goa beaches.

More than 60 per cent of tourism in India is associated with religious and spiritual tourism.

In recent years, travel in India has witnessed a significant transformation, with pilgrimage tourism emerging as a popular trend.

Holy sites across the country are now attracting devotees in unprecedented numbers. The surge is coming from both: devotees from all parts of India as well as devotees from across the globe.

Recently unveiled data for the year 2022 depicts a surge in religious tourism across major destinations in India.

The graph above shows that pilgrim paths are attracting more travellers than Goa's beaches, which is generally regarded as the top choice for recreational travel for many tourists.

The popularity of pilgrim travel among all sections of the population is not unexpected. Some of the events associated with some temples even rank among the largest religious gatherings in the world.

The number of domestic tourists that visited places of pilgrimage was 1,433 million in 2022, while 6.64 million foreign tourists visited India. In 2021, the numbers stood at 677 million and 1.05 million, respectively.

Some of the other sites that receive thousands of daily worshippers include the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Tirumala’s Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh.

The surging popularity of religious and spiritual sites as tourist destinations can be attributed to the significant improvements and thoughtful planning invested in recent years.

These sacred places have been curated to provide new and enriching features, elevating the overall experience for visitors. Additionally, the increased religious sentiments play a crucial role in attracting people from diverse backgrounds.

On the other hand, destinations like Goa, while still offering attractive amenities, have maintained a more consistent appeal over time.

Recognising The Significance Of Religious Sites In India

The focused efforts and development plans for these sacred sites have not only led to their growth but also fostered a widespread awareness of their religious and cultural significance.

The anticipation of proposed and further transformations has also kindled the interest of travellers from both domestic and international regions.

Recognising the substantial economic and cultural advantages that spiritual tourism can bestow upon the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced initiatives like PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) in 2015.

These schemes have been aimed at enhancing and revitalising pilgrimage destinations, acknowledging their importance in attracting visitors and boosting the overall tourism industry.

Last year, the number of visitors to Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi soared to around seven crore after its renovation, a substantial increase from the approximately eighty lakh visitors the previous year.

The Sri Kashi Vishwanath Dham project was conceived with the vision of creating a convenient pathway to connect Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the sacred banks of the River Ganga.

On 8 March 2019, the foundation stone of the project was laid by the Prime Minister.

Earlirt, the main temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple, located on the left bank of the river Ganga, was surrounded by narrow and cramped lanes.

Despite being a significant place of worship in the city, and the country, it struggled to accommodate the enormous crowds, which poured in throughout the year, especially during festive times.

On a typical day, around 3,000 to 5,000 people visited the temple, while on special occasions like Mahashivratri and Shravana masa , the numbers could surpass one to three lakh.

The project's goal was to make the temple easily accessible to even the elderly and disabled, with the implementation of ramps, escalators, and other modern facilities.

Phase-1 of the project includes the inauguration of 23 buildings, intended to offer various amenities to the pilgrims visiting Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

These facilities include Yatri Suvidha Kendra , Tourist Facilitation Centre, Vedic Kendra, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala , City Museum, Viewing Gallery, and Food Court, among others.

While the development of Kashi corridor has opened up doors to increasing visitors, it is worth noting that Mathura and Ayodhya, are still in process or early stages of development as per the aspirations for these sites.

Despite this, they are already witnessing a significant rise in tourist numbers each passing year.

Vrindavan and Ayodhya — Prominent Holy Destinations

For Vrindavan, Mathura, the vastly improved connectivity with surrounding regions has made it easily accessible to a broader audience.

The construction of the six-lane wide Yamuna Expressway has played a significant role in this transformation, providing a convenient route for an increased number of devotees, from Delhi NCR, to travel and visit the holy site for a day.

Similarly, the Agra Lucknow expressway and the emerging network of expressways across Uttar Pradesh state have further enhanced accessibility to Vrindavan.

With a focus to transform Ayodhya into a model temple town before the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi  Temple opens its doors to devotees in 2024, the government has been focused on wide-scale development for the town — envisioned to become a prominent destination on the global religious map.

The current numbers of pilgrims are expected to increase on massive scale and for the same, the UP government, and the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has been spearheading infrastructure and planning advancements in the city in order to cater to the anticipated surge and new opportunities — particularly in tourism and allied sectors.

The government is ensuring that the city is developed as a modern yet traditional and culturally rich, religious city. 

Given the current policies and increasing awareness, it is poised to evolve into a well-structured, fully developed sector.

Numerous religious tourist routes or circuits have been identified and are continually being enhanced, recognising the growing importance of pilgrim tourism as an integral aspect of India's tourism industry.

• Religious Tourism
• Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi
• Ayodhya Development Authority
• Kashi Vishwanath Dham
• PRASAD Scheme
• Pilgrim Tourism

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Pilgrimage Tourism In India

Explore faith, culture, and history through religious tourism experiences in india..

India, a big country has been a land where many religions have flourished for years and centuries. A number of these religions have originated here, with many others finding their way to the country from across the world. With an abundance of religious places to travel, India is the perfect destination for pilgrimage tourism. Not only attracting dedicated devotees, these holy places in India also bring in tourists from all over the world who come to the country on their journey of spiritual tourism. From temples, to shrines, mosques, and churches, India has pilgrimage destinations belonging to multiple religions. A pilgrimage tour, unlike other tours does not involve much adventure and chaos, but rather, offers a chance to slow down and reflect on oneself. Although, depending on the pilgrimage destination, the journey may turn out to be challenging, with greater rewards at the end. India, primarily has followers of religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Islam, among others, sites of which provide visitors a relaxing and serene atmosphere. Out of these, the Indian subcontinent has been blessed with the origin and development of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, over centuries, leading to their spread across the world, with Christianity and Islam, having made themselves home here, accumulating ardent devotees for them as well.

Popular Pilgrimage Tour Packages

Char Dham Yatra Package

12 Jyotirlinga Tour

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Hemkund Sahib Yatra

Badrinath Kedarnath tour

Gangotri Yamunotri Yatra

South India Temple Tour

Tirupati Balaji Tour

Hindu Pilgrimage Tour

South India Religious Tour

Top trending pilgrimage destinations in india.

• North India
• South India
• Central India

Trending Pilgrimage Sites in North India

The northern part of India has a plethora of pilgrimage destinations to visit and explore. Owing to the mix of religions that exist amidst it, north India has numerous temples, churches, mosques, and places of worship belonging to different religions that one can visit on a pilgrimage tour to the region. Popular religious destinations that you can visit include the Chota Char Dham of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand. Other holy places include Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Golden Temple in Punjab, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, Ranakpur Jain Temple in Rajasthan, and the Nizamuddin Dargah Sharif in Delhi.

Trending Pilgrimage Sites in South India

South India also has some of the best religious places to visit in India. The region finds itself among followers of various religions, many of which traveled to the country through its coasts, which helped enable the spread of it throughout India. Religious destinations belonging to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Jainism are what can be seen prominently, including destinations such as Rameshwaram, and the Church of Our Lady of Good Health in Tamil Nadu, Gomteshwar Temple in Karnataka, Sabarimala, Paradesi Synagogue, and the Dharmanath Jain Temple in Kerala, and Tirupati Balaji in Andhra Pradesh.

• Rameshwaram

Kanchipuram

Chidambaram

Trending pilgrimage sites in west india.

India's west is home to some of the most fascinating pilgrimage destinations that you can explore on your visit to the region with the Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat, one of the more popular religious destinations visited by the followers of Hinduism. Other popular pilgrimage destinations in west India include the Palitana Jain Temples, and the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple of Gujarat, and the church of Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier, making it a prominent attraction for christians of the country and abroad. Maharashtra in the region is also known for housing the largest synagogue in India, the Ohel David Synagogue.

Gandhinagar

Bhimashankar

Trending pilgrimage sites in north east india.

The country's northeast region is made up of eight states that span across the country's border and touch along the countries of China, Nepal, and Tibet, among others, due to which an exchange of culture can often be seen. Regardless, the northeast also has some of India's important destinations for pilgrimage tourism and include places such as the Kamakhya Devi Temple, and Umananda Temple at Assam, Pemayangtse Monastery at Sikkim, the second largest monastery of Asia- Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, and the largest church in Asia- the Zünheboto Sümi Baptist Church.

Dakshineswar Temple

Tripura Sundari Temple

Trending pilgrimage sites in central india.

Central India consists of the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and involve numerous temples and places of worship that can be included on your itinerary of pilgrimage tourism to the region. Some of the more popular destinations that can you can explore in these states include the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Kal Bhairav Temple, Sanchi Stupa, and the Omkareshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh, Maa Bamleshwari Temple, and the Bhoramdeo Temple in Chhattisgarh.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Kal Bhairav Temple

• Sanchi Stupa

Omkareshwar Temple

Maa Bamleshwari Temple

Bhoramdeo Temple

Popular hindu pilgrimage sites in india.

Bhimshankar Temple Maharashtra

Dwarka Gujarat

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Tamil Nadu

Puri Odisha

Rameshwaram Tamil Nadu

Vaishno Devi Temple Jammu & Kashmir

Ujjain Madhya Pradesh

Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu

Kedarnath Uttarakhand

Gangotri Uttarakhand

Mathura Uttarpradesh

Yamunotri Uttarakhand

Popular Sikh Pilgrimage Sites in India

Anadpur Sahib Punjab

Goindwal Sahib Punjab

Golden Temple Punjab

Hemkund Sahib Uttarakhand

Paonta Sahib Himachal Pradesh

Takht Shri Harimandir ji Patna Sahib Bihar

Sirhind Punjab

Taran Taran Punjab

Popular christian pilgrimage sites in india.

Arthunkal Church Kerala

Aruvithura Church Kerala

Champakulam Church Kerala

CSI Cathedral Church Kottayam Kerala

Popular buddhist pilgrimage sites in india.

Rajgir Bihar

Sanchi Madhya Pradesh

Vaishali Bihar

Kushinagar Uttarpradesh

Nalanda Bihar

Sravasti Uttarpradesh

Ajanta Ellora Caves Maharashtra

Amaravati Andhra Pradesh

Bavikonda Buddhist Complex Andhra Pradesh

Nagarjunakonda Andhra Pradesh

Bodh Gaya Bihar

Salihundam Andhra Pradesh

Sarnath Uttarpradesh

Thotlakonda Andhra Pradesh

Popular jain pilgrimage sites in india.

Jain Temple Gummileru Andhra Pradesh

Ellora Jain Cave Basadi Maharashtra

Dallina Vardamana Mahaveera Jain Temple

Shantinath Jain Tirth, Maharashtra

Shri Mahaveer Jain Temple Rajasthan

Karandai Jain Temple Tamil Nadu

Thirupanamur Jain Temple Tamil Nadu

Palitana Jain Temples Gujarat

Samosaran Mandir in Palitana Gujarat

Mannargudi Mallinatha Swamy Jain Temple Tamil Nadu

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Delhi

Saavira Kambada Basadi Moodbidri Karnataka

Ranakpur Jain Temple Rajasthan

Sheetalnathji Jain Temple Calcutta

Vasai Jain Temple Kutch Gujarat

Bawangaja Temple Madhya Pradesh

Dharmanath Temple Kerala

Kulpakji Temple Telangana

Shikharji Temple (Parasnath Hills) Jharkhand

Sonagiri Temple Madhya Pradesh

Dilwara Temple Rajasthan

Gomateshwara (Bahubali) Temple Karnataka

Popular muslim pilgrimage sites in india.

Dargah Hazratbal Jammu and Kashmir

Dargah of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti Ajmer

Hazi Ali Dargah Maharashtra

Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Delhi

Piran Kaliyar Sharif Haridwara

Best Time for Pilgrimage Tourism in India

India is blessed with numerous pilgrimage sites that can be explored comfortably on a pilgrimage tour to the country. The best time to visit for pilgrimage tourism in India can be determined according to the pilgrimages that take place through the year. Some of the popular pilgrimages that take place include the Kedarnath Yatra that takes place between the months of April to November, Amarnath Yatra between July and August, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, between May and September, Char Dham Yatra between the months of May to November, and the Jagannath Yatra that happens in June/July following the Hindu calendar.

Popular Pilgrimage Tour Packages by Religion

• Kerala Beach
• Andaman Beach
• Odisha Beach
• Maharashtra Beach
• Tamil Nadu Beach
• Puducherry Beach

Ashwem Beach

Turtle Beach

Patnem Beach

Bambolim Beach

Calangute Beach

Vagator Beach

Anjuna Beach

Sinquerim Beach

Candolim Beach

Aguada Beach

Morjim Beach

Arambol Beach

Miramar Beach

Palolem Beach

Agonda Beach

Varca Cavelossim

Betalbatim Beach

Colva Beach

Majorda Beach

Bogmalo Beach

Benaulim Beach

Betul Beach

Kovalam Beach

Varkala Beach

Marari Beach

Alappuzha Beach

Bekal Beach

Beypore Beach

Cherai Beach

Fort Kochi Beach

Corbyn's Cove Beach

Elephant Beach

Radhanagar Beach

Vijaynagar Beach

Wandoor Beach

Chandipur Beach

Gopalpur On Sea

Aryapalli Beach

Ramchandi Beach

Astaranga Beach

Beleswar Beach

Paradeep Beach

Talasari Beach

Balaramgadi Beach

Baliharachandi Beach

Pati Sonapur Beach

Balighai Beach

Chandrabhaga Beach

Harnai Murud Beach

Velas Beach

Srivardhan Beach

Bordi Dahanu Beach

Ganpatipule Beach

Diveagar Beach

Guhagar Beach

Velneshwar Beach

Harihareshwar Beach

Vengurla Beach

Kihim Beach

Tarkarli Beach

Shiroda Beach

Alibaug Beach

Marine Drive Beach

Kashid Beach

Marine Beach

Mahabalipuram Beach

Kanyakumari Beach

Covelong Beach

Elliot's Beach

Ariyaman Beach

Kunthukal Beach

Dhanushkodi Beach

Olaikuda Beach

Pamban Beach

Sangumal Beach

Promenade Beach

Paradise Beach

Serenity Beach

Auroville Beach

Explore best india pilgrimage tour packages.

Uttarakhand Pilgrimage Tourism

Karnataka Pilgrimage Tourism

Gujarat Pilgrimage Tourism

Tamil Nadu Pilgrimage Tourism

Kerala Pilgrimage Tourism

Rajasthan Pilgrimage Tourism

Himachal Pilgrimage Tourism

Odisha Pilgrimage Tourism

Sikkim Pilgrimage Tourism

Uttar Pradesh Pilgrimage Tourism

Ladakh Pilgrimage Tourism

Madhya Pradesh Pilgrimage Tourism

India pilgrimage tourism information travel guide.

Isn't life actually this way? In the process of learning about themselves and their Creator along with the purpose they are meant to serve with their life, people learn about vice and virtue. However, even after receiving spiritual education since the day of their conception, they fall into the rut of committing mistakes and sins, which later leads to performing penance as they prefer. Taking a sacred journey—a pilgrimage tour is only one of the many, yet the most preferred way of redemption, especially when it is India that a pilgrim is wandering to. The land of versatility - India is second to none, especially when it becomes an object of study, analysis, and attention, all because of the different religions to which it serves as an amalgamating pot. Every religion has its significance and a proposed way of life to live it as ideally as possible. It is possible to get a glimpse of each of them and revel in the rich knowledge, the way followers of different faiths try to connect with their Creator at various pilgrimage sites in India.

Muslims can spread their praying carpets, close their eyes chanting hymns from the Quran with palms spread in worship of Allah Almighty in any of the great mosques found in different corners of the country. Hindus can embark on an arduous journey to holy places like Vaishno Devi, Amarnath, and Chardham, or they can join their hands in devotion and perform various rituals during their visit to temples where God is believed to have manifested Himself in different forms and incarnations like Jyotirlingas, Saktipeeths, etc. Sikhs can choose among the different Gurudwaras set up by their Gurus, beginning with Guru Nanak, just as the Christians can find a Church that serves their spiritual and religious needs. Jain Tirthankars, on the other hand, have left enough worshiping sanctities where peace is sought after by followers of Jainism, like the monasteries, gompas, and stupas that stand proud to guide those who seek to be guided by the preaching and teachings of Buddhism. Pilgrimage holidays proffer the piece of life that seems lost in materialism sometimes, with entertainment as well along with enlightenment as a part of holy festivals/processions one participates in.

The mind can still search for answers to questions that most of them dread to ask for the fear of being lost in the lack of wisdom beyond religious constraints. The answer comes in the form of Sufi sites of worship, Baha'i way of thinking, Spiritual Ashrams, places like Shirdi and Puttaparthi, etc., that might give just the peace you longed for. Nothing happens without cause, and a pilgrimage tour in India only strengthens faith in life, humanity, and God. Take one today to acknowledge the fact yourself!

Hindu Pilgrimage

With more than half of the country's population following Hinduism, India finds itself in abundance with Hindu pilgrimage destinations. The land of Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu, among many other gods of Hinduism, the country has numerous temples and places of worship dedicated to them. Finding mentions in the holy scripts of Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the vedas, pilgrimage destinations in India attract a number of devotees over the year for their religious and spiritual significance. As a result, there are many religious circuits that are formed to aid devotees in their religious tourism. Some of the important religious tours that are taken up by the devotees of Hinduism include the Char Dham Yatra, which includes covering the pilgrimage sites of Badrinath-Kedarnath, Dwarka, Jagannath Puri, and Rameshwaram; Chota Char Dham covering the sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath; and other sites like Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, and Varanasi. Apart from these, the riverfronts of Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, are also some of the major holy places in India and are known for organizing the holy gathering of the Kumbh Mela, attracting sages, ascetics, devotees, and enthusiastic visitors alike. Having no dearth of Hindu pilgrimage sites to visit in the country, these sites also offer a chance to learn more about the history and culture of India.

Buddhist Pilgrimage

Originated over 2,500 years among the Indian subcontinent, Buddhism now stands as one of the major religions of the world. When it comes to it, India has been at the center of cultivation and spread of the religion. It was in India, that the Buddha attained enlightenment, gave his first sermon, lived as a monk spreading his teachings, and later attained mahaparinirvana and passed away, leaving the earthly abode. These places, therefore, are considered very holy and in high reverence by the Buddhists who include this on a Buddhist pilgrimage tour to the country, and also form part of the popular attractions of the Buddhist circuit. Important destinations that are covered as part of Buddhist tourism include Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kushinagar, among many others. Apart from these, India is also home to other sites of importance that include monasteries such as Namgyal, Tawang, and Hemis monasteries, and historic, excavated sites of Nalanda, Sankisa, Sanchi Stupa, and the Diamond Triangle of Odisha. These pilgrimage destinations belonging to Buddhism not only are important from a religious point of view, but are also important milestones that help us better understand history. A pioneer of Buddhism that gave way to understanding the world in a different light, the Buddha made it his mission to lessen the pain caused by the sufferings of the world.

Jain Pilgrimage

Based on the principles of nonviolence, Jainism is another religion that finds its roots in India. Established by Rishabdeva,the first Tirthankara, or Jain spiritual leader, the religion was then followed and carried forward with 23 other Tirthankara, with the 24th one being Vardhman Mahavira who is credited with re-establishing the religion and providing the foundation for the modern day practice of Jainism. In India, there are many religious destinations that can be visited as part of a Jain Pilgrimage Tour that covers some significant and popular pilgrimage destinations spanning across the country. Some of these places include, Ranakpur Jain Temple, and Dilwara Temple in Rajasthan, Gomateshwara Temple in Karnataka, and the Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir in Delhi, and the Palitana Temple in Gujarat. Practicing values of nonviolence and kindness to all living beings, influence of Jainism can be seen in India’s culture and ways of life as well. These Jain temples not only create an aura of devotion and spirituality but are also some of the country’s most beautiful holy places to visit, especially notable among them is the Gomateshwara Statue in Karnataka, which is known for being 18 meter in height and is made out of a single piece of rock, attracting devotees and tourists alike.

Sikh Pilgrimage

Sikhism, as a religion, was founded in the 15th century by their spiritual guru, Guru Nanak who established the religion to spread a message of love and equality among all humans, regardless of any and all differences, and called for the worship of the one true God. After Guru Nanak, Sikhism had been carried forward by nine other gurus, who dedicated their life in spreading the message of Guru Nanak. Sikh Pilgrimage Tourism includes the various Gurdwaras or Sikh places of worship that are spread across the country. These gurdwaras are known for being welcoming to everyone and serve as a place of comfort and refuge. Some of the popular religious destinations to visit on a Sikh pilgrimage tour include the Shri Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple, Anandpur Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, and the Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib. Out of these, the Golden Temple (Shri Harmandir Sahib) is the gurdwara that is the most prominent one and attracts thousands of people every year, from all walks of life. Practice of Sikhism mainly focuses on making sure everyone gets treated equally no matter what, setting the foundation of the religion, which are followed by Sikhs in their daily lives and in their places of worship.

Christian Pilgrimage

Unlike the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, Christianity is one religion that has been brought to India from across the world. It was during multiple phases that the religion was introduced to the country, which now finds itself to be one of the six religions to be followed in India. Christian Pilgrimage Tour in the country involves visiting the important churches and chapels that are significant markers for the followers of Christianity. Some of the best places to visit for a Christian Pilgrimage Tour include the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Tamil Nadu, Santhome Cathedral Basilica in Tamil Nadu, and the Christ Church in Shimla. Many of these pilgrimage destinations are important places of worship and are known for storing the relics and remains of prominent saints and disciples of Jesus Christ, one whom after the religion is based. Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, for example, is known for keeping the remains of St. Francis Xavier, a christian missionary and saint, who is considered to be extremely blessed. Since a lot of these churches were made during the period of colonization, glimpses of contemporary architecture from their home countries can be seen and make for a beautiful sight.

Muslim Pilgrimage

Islam is another abrahamic religion that finds its followers in India. Even though India sees a majority following Hinduism, Islam still has a good number of devotees with it being the second most followed religion in the country. Pilgrimage, for muslims are an important affair, given the pilgrimage site of Hajj in Saudi Arabia that is considered a principal pilgrimage to be undertaken by the followers. In India too there are a number of mosques and places of worship that have existed for centuries now, and are often some of the popular places to visit even for regular tourists. Popular muslim religious destinations in India include the Jama Masjid in Delhi, Haji Ali Dargah in Maharashtra, Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan, and the Nizamuddin Dargah Sharif in Delhi. Being a foreign religion that has stayed in the country for over centuries, glimpses of it can be seen in India's food, language, clothing, and different aspects of its culture. These pilgrimage sites form an essential part of India's history, due to the majority being made by rulers who once ruled its land, giving us an account into the past as well.

Jewish Pilgrimage

Another one of the abrahamic religions that have found its way to India is Judaism. Judaism is a religion that believes in the one true God and is followed by the Jewish people, a population that has accumulated in India over many centuries. The Jewish places of worship are referred to as synagogues and can be found all over the country. Today, the majority of Jews can be found in Cochin, Mumbai, and West Bengal who are categorized into different types such as Cochin Jews, Bene Israel Jews, and the Baghdadi Jews, respectively. As such you can find many synagogues dedicated to prayer and worship at these places. The popular Jewish pilgrimage destinations in India for a pilgrimage tour include the Paradesi Synagogue at Kerala, Maghen David Synagogue, and the Beth El Synagogue in West Bengal, and the Ohel David Synagogue in Maharashtra. These synagogues are some of the best religious places to visit in India and offer a chance to understand the culture, lifestyle, and history of the jews of India. Especially popular among them is the Ohel David Synagogue in Maharashtra's Pune, which is considered to be the largest of the synagogues in India., and is worth a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to some frequently asked questions, what makes india a significant destination for religious & pilgrimage tourism in the world.

India is a country with numerous religions and has as many as seven major religions, which give rise to plenty of religious places to explore for a religious and pilgrimage tour.

What are the major religions in India?

Major religions in India include the following:

What are the top famous pilgrimage destinations in India?

The top famous pilgrimage destinations in India include:

• Golden Temple
• Jama Masjid (Delhi)
• Churches Of Goa

What are the must-see religious festivals in India?

Must see religious festivals in India include:

• Krishna Janmashtami
• Ganesh Chathurthi
• Eid-ul-fitr

What are the must visit pilgrimage sites for Hindu pilgrims in India?

Must visit pilgrimage sites for Hindu pilgrims in India include:

• Jagannath Puri

What are the must visit pilgrimage sites for Muslim pilgrims in India?

Must visit pilgrimage sites for Muslim pilgrims in India include:

• Jama Masjid
• Ajmer Sharif Dargah
• Haji Ali Dargah
• Nizamuddin Dargah Sharif
• Dargah Hazratbal
• Fatehpuri Masjid
• Taj-ul Masjid

What are the must visit pilgrimage sites for Sikh pilgrims in India?

Must visit pilgrimage sites for Sikh pilgrims in India include:

• Golden Temple (Shri Harmandir Sahib)
• Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib
• Akal Takhat
• Anandpur Sahib
• Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib
• Takhat Patna Sahib
• Takhat Shri Damdama Sahib

What are the must visit pilgrimage sites for Jain pilgrims in India?

Must visit pilgrimage sites for Jain pilgrims in India include:

• Ranakpur Jain Temple
• Dilwara Temple
• Gomateshwara Temple
• Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
• Palitana Temple
• Kulpakji Shwetambar Jain Mandir
• Dharmanath Jain Temple

What are the must visit pilgrimage sites for Buddhist pilgrims in India?

Must visit pilgrimage sites for Buddhist pilgrims in India include: