Spiritual Travel Booms in India: Varanasi & Allahabad Searches Skyrocket 200%

India is seeing a big rise in spiritual travel, especially in the first few months of 2025. New data from the travel website Agoda shows that more and more people are searching for places to stay in the country’s holy and cultural cities.

Thinking about taking a spiritual trip this year? You’re not the only one. In early 2025, there’s been a big increase in spiritual tourism across India. Cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Allahabad, and Rishikesh have become popular with both Indian and international travelers. The travel site Agoda points out that this development reflects a new behavior – individuals are searching for vacations rich in spiritual and cultural activities. This trend is particularly relevant to the Sanatangyan community which appreciates deep-rooted experiences related to ancient India.

A Surge in Spiritual Travel

Starting from January 2025, there has been a shift in trends with more people interested in visiting the highly spiritually and religiously significant places such as Allahabad, Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Rishikesh. People are not visiting these places for leisure purposes, but rather for something much more profound and significant. This kind of travel connects with the ideas of Sanatangyan, which focuses on inner peace, tradition, and spiritual growth.

Allahabad, in particular, has seen a remarkable transformation. In early 2024, it didn’t even make Agoda’s top 50 list for domestic travel. As of 2025 it’s now the 11th most popular place for Indian travelers and 15th for international visitors. One big reason for this jump is the return of the Mahakumbh Mela after 12 years — a massive spiritual event that truly reflects core Sanatan values like togetherness, spiritual cleansing, and deep devotion.

233% Growth in Allahabad Bookings

According to Agoda's data, searches for stays in Allahabad surged by an incredible 233% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same time in 2024. This isn't just a statistic — it shows a clear trend. Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the India Subcontinent at Agoda, notes, “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.”

More people today are seeking journeys that offer transformation and inner peace — something Sanatangyan teachings have long emphasized.

Ayodhya, Rishikesh, and Vrindavan Rise in Popularity

It’s not just Allahabad that’s making waves. Other sacred cities are climbing the ranks quickly:

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, jumped 11 places to rank 25 among domestic destinations.

Rishikesh, the global yoga capital, moved up 9 places to number 19.

Vrindavan linked to Lord Krishna’s divine stories, moved up 8 places to rank 24th. Even Manali, which is usually known for its nature rather than temples, has seen more spiritual visitors, now ranking 21st.

These destinations are more than places — they’re experiences that align with the eternal values of Sanatangyan philosophy: self-realization, harmony with nature, and devotion.

Foreign Travelers Embrace India’s Sacred Circuit

Interestingly, it’s not just Indians exploring these spiritual sites. International interest in cities like Varanasi and Amritsar has surged as well:

Varanasi, often called the spiritual capital of India, jumped 9 spots to become the 6th most searched city by foreign visitors.

Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, moved up 8 spots to rank 14th. Agra and Coimbatore also became more popular.

This growing global interest shows a shared search for meaning. People are looking for something deeper within themselves. This journey goes beyond borders. It’s similar to the universal truths found in Sanatangyan traditions.

India's spiritual tourism sector is on the rise for 2025. Varanasi, Allahabad, Ayodhya, and Rishikesh, the sacred cities, are now receiving the highest number of tourists in India and overseas. This growth is fueled by a collective yearning to seek attributes of tangible culture. It shows a bigger change in travel, where people are seeking transformation rather than just sightseeing. As the Sanatan philosophy becomes more known worldwide, India’s sacred places are turning into more than just tourist spots. They are becoming paths to personal and spiritual growth.