According to recent search data from the digital travel platform, interest from both domestic and international travelers in India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage has increased during the last quarter of the year. agoda,

For check-ins between October and December, agoda recorded a significant increase in searches for spiritual centers across the country, reflecting India’s growing attraction towards iconic religious sites and cultural experiences. Compared to the same period in 2023, inbound searches for these destinations have increased by 4%, while domestic searches have increased by 10%.

Among domestic travellers, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai have emerged as exceptional destinations for spiritual exploration. These southern cities form a “spiritual cluster”, especially during the festive season, and are therefore set to dominate the travel landscape in 2024. While Bangalore is famous for its beautiful ISKCON temple, Hyderabad is home to the iconic Chilkur Balaji Temple, also known as “The Temple of Balaji”. Visa Balaji” Temple. In Chennai, sites like the Kapaleeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathyswami Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu are favorite with travelers.

Internationally, Kochi and Varanasi are gaining attention as major spiritual destinations. While Kochi has always been a travel favourite, with its beautiful backwaters and mythological traditions, Varanasi, often considered the spiritual heart of India, invites travelers with its ancient ghats and timeless rituals. Tourists from the United States, Singapore, Japan and Australia are contributing significantly to this inbound interest, highlighting India’s global appeal during the festive period.

Commenting on the growing trend, Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director, Indian Subcontinent and Ministry of External Affairs at agoda, said, “As the year draws to a close, the festive season provides the perfect opportunity for travelers to connect with the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of India. The growing interest in spiritual destinations across India reflects travelers’ growing preferences for more enriching and culturally intense experiences.”

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