Spiritual Travel Surges in India: Searches for Allahabad, Varanasi, and Other Sacred Cities Skyrocket in Early 2025
Are you considering a spiritual retreat? You’re in good company. A sharp rise in travel interest toward India’s sacred destinations has marked the beginning of 2025, according to digital travel platform Agoda.Between January and March this year, both Indian and international travelers showed heightened enthusiasm for cities steeped in religious and cultural heritage. Among the top trending destinations were Allahabad, Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Rishikesh, all experiencing significant growth in accommodation searches.
Allahabad’s Meteoric Rise: From Under the Radar to Top 15
One of the most notable changes was the resurgence of Allahabad as a travel hotspot. The city, which did not make Agoda’s top 50 domestic destinations in early 2024, soared to 11th place in 2025. For international travelers, it now holds the 15th spot. This surge is largely attributed to the return of the Mahakumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, held every 12 years.Accommodation searches for Allahabad witnessed an astounding 233% increase in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.“This interest in India’s spiritual destinations indicates a growing trend in how people travel, with more travellers looking for cultural connection and personal meaning,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director, India Subcontinent at Agoda.
Domestic Tourists Flock to Ayodhya, Rishikesh, and Vrindavan
Other spiritual destinations also saw a rise in popularity among Indian travelers:
Ayodhya climbed 11 spots to rank 25th
Rishikesh moved up 9 positions to 19th
Vrindavan rose 8 places to 24th
Even Manali, known more for its scenic beauty than spiritual appeal, jumped 9 places to 21st, showing a broader trend of domestic travel resurgence
Varanasi and Amritsar: Favorites Among International Visitors
For travelers from abroad, Varanasi and Amritsar have become prominent choices. Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, surged 9 spots to reach 6th place in Agoda’s international rankings.Other spiritual and culturally significant cities that saw increased foreign interest include:
Amritsar – up 8 spots to 14th
Agra – climbed 7 spots to 12th
Coimbatore – moved up 7 places to 22nd
These movements highlight the rising global appeal of India’s spiritual and heritage-rich cities.
A Spiritual Travel Boom Fueled by Yatras and Festivals
With the Chardham Yatra and Amarnath Yatra set to begin in the coming months, the trend of spiritual travel in India is expected to continue its upward trajectory.This shift toward meaningful and culturally immersive travel experiences suggests a growing desire among tourists to reconnect with traditions, spirituality, and self-discovery.Key Takeaways:
Allahabad searches rose by 233%, driven by Mahakumbh Mela
Varanasi ranks 6th among international travelers
Ayodhya, Rishikesh, and Vrindavan are seeing growing interest from domestic tourists
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