Spirituality – a single word encapsulating a million emotions. India has long been a land of spiritual teachings and the land of some of the world’s oldest religions. Though it might seem that the newer generation of Indians is drifting away from spirituality, the reality is quite the opposite. Spiritual tourism in India is not only a reality, but also thriving more than ever.
Let’s understand what spiritual tourism is and what are some of the best destinations in India for the same.
Spiritual Tourism In India: All That You Need To Know
What Is Spiritual Tourism?
To define, spiritual tourism, sometimes called religious tourism, is a kind of tourism focused on seeking spiritual growth by visiting places of worship.
It is also concerned with seeking personal enlightenment by participating in acts of spiritual growth, like yoga, meditation, and other spiritually-inclined acts.
Participating in a Kumbh Mela, a Haj pilgrimage, or visiting the Vatican, and many others are considered to be acts of spiritual tourism.
Importance Of Spiritual Tourism
As per data from the Ministry of Tourism, in 2022, 1,433 million domestic tourists visited various pilgrimage sites across the country. This signals towards the ever-increasing demand in spiritual tourism.
With a majority Hindu population and thousands of temples and shrines across the country, it only makes sense why India is going all in for spiritual tourism.
You might think that religious and spiritual tourism are the same, however the former focuses solely on visiting religious sites, while the latter also focuses on one’s spiritual growth and emphasizes on mental, emotional, and spiritual energies of an individual.
The two are quite different from each other but often overlap at times.
Best Destinations For Spiritual Tourism In India
Varanasi
Varanasi, also called Kashi or Benaras, is one of the oldest cities on Earth!
The city has been a cradle of the Hindu religion, home to some of the oldest Hindu temples in India. Varanasi is a favorite among spiritual travelers, thanks to plenty of temples and ghats that also find mentions in Hindu mythology.
The city is not just known for its striking temples, but also for its delicious food and the spiritually soaked culture. Spend some time here and you’d understand why!
Notable places for spiritual tourism in Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Annapurna Temple, Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Dashashvamedh Ghat.
Ujjain
Situated on the banks of the shipra River, Ujjain is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. The historic city in Madhya Pradesh is known for housing the temple of the Mahakaleshwar Mahadev – one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Besides that, Ujjain has plenty of other temples that make it a go-to for many spiritual travelers. The city also hosts the Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years.
Notable places for spiritual tourism in Ujjain: Harisiddhi Temple, Kalbhairava Temple, Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Kandariya Mahadev Temple, and others.
Nashik
Located on the scenic Godavari, Nashik is also host to the Kumbh Mela. Nashik is a city steeped in various lores of the Hindu mythology.
The city is known for its relevance in the Indian epic Ramayana, thought to be where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman spent a considerable part of their exile.
Nashik is also home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Trimbakeshwar Temple. This makes Nashik one of the most sought after spiritual tourism destinations in India.
Notable places for spiritual tourism in Nashik: Kala Ram Temple, Muktidham Temple, Godavari Ghats, Panchavati, Tapovan, Mangi Tungi Temple, and others.
Gokarna
This small town in South India is known for being a famous summer destination as well as an ideal spiritual getaway from the bustling city life.
Gokarna is not as popular as other cities in India for its spiritual tourism, but is nonetheless a great destination for those seeking solace in nature.
Home to the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple as well as several yoga/meditation schools, Gokarna must definitely be on your list if you travel with a spiritual purpose.
Notable places for spiritual tourism in Gokarna: Koti Teerth, Maha Ganpati Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Naga Church, Sirsi, Sri Rama Temple, and many others.
Rishikesh
How can one talk about spiritual destinations in India and not talk about Rishikesh?
The city is one of the most beloved cities – not just among Indians but also among foreign tourists.
It is home to Ganga, plenty of yoga and meditation facilities, as well as some of India’s most famous temples. If you’re visiting India for spiritual tourism, you must definitely halt at Rishikesh – you won’t regret it!
Notable places for spiritual tourism in Rishikesh: Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Shri Bharat Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple, River Ganga, and others.
Not just these cities, but several other cities like Haridwar, Pushkar, Rameshwaram, and others are famous as spiritual destinations in India.
Summing Up
Spiritual tourism in India is booming at an exponential rate – in fact, did you hear about the 66 crore visitors that made it to the 2025 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela?
This only hints towards the rapid increase in people opting for spiritual tourism. This form of tourism is not just limited to visiting temples and other places of worship, but also reconnecting with yourself in more ways.
FAQs
What Are The Benefits Of Spiritual Tourism?
Spiritual tourism has the following benefits:
- It empowers local economy
- It preserves local culture and traditions
- It improves one’s mental and emotional well-being
Where Is The Best Spiritual Place To Visit In India?
Here are some of the best spiritual places to visit in India:
- Bodh Gaya
- Kedarnath
- Gangtok
- Haridwar
- Varkala
- Pushkar
- Rameshwaram
- Madurai
- Dwarka
What All Is Included In Spiritual Tourism?
Spiritual tourism includes visiting places of religious or spiritual interest. People visiting such places engage in meditation, prayer, rituals, and other acts of self-enlightenment and gaining access to their inner consciousness.
