Pilgrimage travel is emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of India’s tourism industry, with accommodation bookings across 56 destinations rising by 19% in FY 2024-25, according to MakeMyTrip’s Pilgrimage Travel Trends 2024-25 report.

The study highlights that spiritual journeys are no longer limited to traditional centres alone. While Varanasi, Ayodhya, Puri, Amritsar, and Tirupati continue to see strong demand, newer destinations such as Khatushyam Ji in Rajasthan, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, and Thiruchendur in Tamil Nadu are also witnessing double-digit growth. In fact, 34 destinations recorded double-digit growth, and 15 saw bookings rise by more than 25%, pointing to broad-based momentum.

Short, purpose-driven travel dominates

The report notes that more than half (53%) of all pilgrimage travellers opted for single-night visits, compared to 45% in leisure travel. Two-night stays accounted for 31%, while longer stays of four nights or more made up less than 5% of bookings. “Pilgrimage travel has always been part of our culture, but what we see now is its scale and consistency across the country,” said Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip.

Interestingly, nearly two in three pilgrimage bookings were made within six days of departure, underlining the last-minute booking behaviour typical of Indian travellers.

Premium stays and group travel on the rise

While budget rooms priced under Rs 4,500 accounted for the bulk of bookings, demand for premium accommodation is rising sharply. Bookings in the Rs 7,000–10,000 range grew by 24%, while those above Rs 10,000 were up 23%. At the same time, group travel has a stronger presence in pilgrimage, making up 47% of trips compared to 38.9% in leisure destinations.

The surge in demand has spurred a wave of new hotels, homestays, and apartments, with more than a third of accommodation supply in pilgrimage destinations added in the past three years. Premium supply has also grown rapidly, with 63% of available upscale rooms launched during this period.

INDIA, 10th September 2025: Travel today is no longer just about reaching a destination. It’s about creating shared memories, strengthening bonds and investing in experiences that truly matter. With Indian travellers increasingly prioritising meaningful moments, mindful indulgence and shared adventures, one of the world’s leading online travel platforms, Booking.com reveals insights into the evolving psyche of Millennial and Gen Z travellers, who are seeking deeper connections and mindful indulgence more than ever before.

“Today’s Indian traveller is driven by a desire for meaningful connection. This is a behavioural shift that’s redefining what a journey is, whether it’s for the 68% of Gen Z planning solo trips to recharge or the 92% of Gen Z parents covering vacation costs for their families. They are balancing the thrill of discovery with the comfort of companionship. Travel is more than just about reaching a destination; it’s about investing in memories with your loved ones, something that is reflected across all generations. Booking.com is committed to empowering every traveller to find their perfect, personalised journey.” said Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com.

Family, Friends & Beyond: The New Travel Companions

Indian travellers are reshaping the way they journey together, with millennials strengthening family bonds and Gen Z widening the circle to include parents, partners and friends.

Family first: 62% of Indian millennials prefer travelling with their immediate family (spouse/children), higher than the APAC average of 53%.
Paying it forward: A majority of travellers are willing to cover trip costs for their loved ones. 89% of millennials and 88% of Gen Z are willing to pay for a partner’s, parent’s trip or their children’ trip.
Friendship journeys: The circle is widening with 83% of Gen Z are willing to pay for friends’ holidays, compared to 75% of millennials and 58% of Gen X.
Responsible travellers: 92% of Gen Z parents have paid for vacations (fully/partly) for their family, ahead of millennials (84%), Gen X (71%) and Baby Boomers (66%).
These insights highlight how modern travel is deeply rooted in connection, care and shared experiences

Smart Splurges: Balancing Indulgence with Mindfulness

While Indian travellers across generations are showing a rising appetite for travel spend compared to their APAC counterparts – yet they remain sharply mindful of value and budgeting.

Spending surge: 42% of millennials and 89% of Gen Z in India plan to spend more on travel this year, above the 24% APAC average.
Gen X steps up: 35% of Indian Gen X expect to increase travel spend—more than double the 15% APAC average.
Splurge for memories: 65% of millennials and 57% of Gen Z admit they’d “lavishly blow their budget” for a truly unforgettable holiday.
Mindful choices: 82% of Gen Z and 88% of millennials say travel is a priority, but they are careful to find the best options within their budget.
Pocket-sized adventures: Both millennials (77%) and Gen Z (70%) believe taking multiple short trips is a smarter use of budget than one long holiday, reflecting a desire for more frequent getaways.

Curiosity Meets Comfort: Adventure with Assurance

Indian travellers are blending the desire for adventure with the need for safety and familiarity—seeking experiences that balance wellness, culture, and safety.

Solo escapes: 68% of Gen Z and 65% of millennials plan solo trips to relax and recharge.
Motivations differ: Gen Z are motivated by adventure (46%) and food (45%), while millennials lead towards cuisine (50%), cultural immersion (48%) and adventure (48%).
Safety first: A top priority for both millennials (72%) and Gen Z (66%) when choosing a destination, followed by value for money (millennials 66%, Gen Z 61%) and good weather (millennials 64%, Gen Z 61%).
Familiar comfort: The appeal of a trusted destination is strong, with nearly 70% of both generations planning to revisit a place they already know.

Indians across generations are making travel a mindful priority, seeking value through multiple shorter escapes and unforgettable experiences. Balancing new adventures with the reassurance of safety, culture and familiarity, they see journeys not just as trips but as investments in connection and meaningful discovery.

The wave of student and youth protests in Nepal has snowballed into a major crisis, crippling normal life in Kathmandu and spilling across the border to India’s tourism sector.

The agitation began as a campaign against corruption but escalated sharply after the government imposed a social media ban, triggering violent clashes in the capital.

Police opened fire on demonstrators, leaving at least 19 dead, which further fuelled public anger. Under mounting pressure, the Nepalese government was forced to lift the ban and issue a late-night statement appealing for calm.

The unrest has cast a shadow over India’s Durga Puja holiday season, particularly in West Bengal, where Nepal is a popular tourist destination. Travel operators reported mass cancellations within hours of the violence breaking out.

“Over a hundred bookings were cancelled as soon as news of the unrest spread,” said Samrat Sanyal, General Secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network (HHTDN). He added that cross-border traders, too, face mounting financial losses.

At border checkposts, drivers waiting for passengers have been left stranded after the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) issued a high alert, halting all vehicle crossings. Some locals have even expressed intent to join the protests, with one resident declaring, “The Gorkhas are not afraid.”

For many holidaymakers, the situation has thrown plans into disarray. Suman Ghosh, a banker from Kolkata, said he had already booked air tickets and hotels for his family but was now considering cancelling the trip.

“The prevailing situation is not safe for my family. I don’t know whether I will get my refund. My travel agent hasn’t responded,” he said.

Industry voices warn of deep losses during what is usually a peak travel period. Anil Punjabi, a member of the National Committee of the Travel Agents Federation of India, called the developments “disastrous for the tourism industry”, noting that tourism is “the first to be hit and the last to cure”.

He said Bengal typically sends 12,000 to 15,000 tourists to Nepal every Puja season, each spending around Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000, but this year most are now seeking refunds or scrambling for alternatives.

The mood across the travel sector remains bleak, with operators ruling out recovery during the festive season. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced concern over the turmoil in Nepal and its impact on border districts, while stating that the Centre has yet to reach out to her government.

She urged residents to maintain peace along the border as uncertainty lingers over the neighbouring country.

– Ends