Economic Impact of Spiritual Tourism in India

India has always been known for its deep spiritual roots, with temples, ashrams, and sacred sites spread across the country. But beyond devotion, spiritual travel has grown into a major part of India’s tourism and economy. In 2022, more than 1,433 million people traveled within India for religious reasons, and over 6.6 million international tourists visited popular pilgrimage sites. This growing movement isn’t just about faith, it's big business. Religious tourism earned India around ₹1.34 lakh crore in 2022. And the momentum is only increasing. By 2028, the industry is expected to generate $59 billion in revenue and create around 140 million jobs. Places like the Golden Temple in Punjab, Vaishno Devi in Jammu & Kashmir, Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, and the newly opened Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are seeing huge crowds daily, some welcoming over a lakh visitors a day. These visits support not just the temples but also local hotels, restaurants, transport services, and markets. India's temple economy is now valued at ₹6 lakh crore globally. With over 60% of domestic travel being religious, it’s clear that faith-based tourism is one of the strongest pillars of the travel industry. Events like the Kumbh Mela, Mahashivratri, and Dev Deepavali draw millions, bringing life and business to every corner they touch. What’s changing is how people travel. Many now prefer guided tours and organized experiences. Around 31% of spiritual travelers choose guided tours to better understand the significance of the sites they visit. Temples are also embracing modern management to handle the growing number of visitors. As interest in spirituality rises, India’s spiritual tourism is not just about tradition anymore, it's about transformation. It’s a journey of the soul that’s also helping fuel the country's economy. Many companies are emerging in this growing segment, and Trip To Temples is one of the leading company providing a divine experience to pilgrims. For booking your yatra to the temples throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, reach us by Clicking here.