January 22, New Delhi Maha Kumbh 2025 has been the main driver of the incredible increase in inbound spiritual tourism to India, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
Inbound travel to the nation for religious reasons has increased by 21.4%, according to Atlys, a firm that processes visas.
Travelers from the US and the UK are mostly responsible for the increase in applications, highlighting the interest in India’s spiritual offerings throughout the world.
Nearly 48% of all visa applications for spiritual travel are related to significant pilgrimages and events, like as the Maha Kumbh, according to the statistics.
According to statistics, applications for group inbound travel have increased by 35%, indicating a rising desire for group spiritual experiences.
Destination choices are still heavily influenced by the holy trinity of Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.
According to the survey, spiritual travel was once mostly attributed to older generations, but millennials are now at the forefront of this trend, with women making up 66% of this group. This suggests a larger shift toward female-led spiritual exploration.
India is at the forefront of spiritual tourism because to its rich spiritual tradition and complex cultural tapestry, which has led to a steady increase in interest worldwide over the last ten years.
“India’s spiritual legacy has always captured global attention, but we’re now seeing an embrace of these sacred journeys by travellers seeking both adventure and self-discovery,” Mohak Nahta, founder and chief executive officer of Atlys
The Maha Kumbh and related celebrations are become popular with a wider range of people seeking fulfilling experiences rather than simply traditional pilgrims.
Over 40 crore people are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh, one of the biggest religious events in the world, which is presently in progress.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s most recent data estimate indicates that over 9.24 crore devotees have bathed in Triveni Sangam’s holy bath (known as “Amrit Snan”).
On Tuesday, January 21, around 43.18 lakh pilgrims went to Maha Kumbh Nagar.
