MakeMyTrip Reports Surge in Pilgrimage Travel

Pilgrimage travel is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of India’s travel and tourism industry. According to MakeMyTrip’s Pilgrimage Travel Trends 2024-25, accommodation bookings across 56 pilgrimage destinations grew by 19% in FY24-25.

The data highlights a strong, broad-based momentum, with 34 destinations recording double-digit growth and 15 destinations growing by over 25%. This surge underscores how spiritual journeys are becoming a powerful driver of India’s travel demand.

Pilgrimage Destinations Witness Widespread Growth

The growth is not confined to traditional hubs alone. Major centres like Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Puri, Amritsar, and Tirupati continue to attract large numbers of pilgrims. Meanwhile, emerging destinations such as Khatushyam Ji (Rajasthan), Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), and Thiruchendur (Tamil Nadu) are also registering strong momentum, expanding the spiritual travel map of India.

Short, Purpose-Led Stays Define Pilgrimage Journeys

Pilgrimage travel in India is primarily characterized by short, purpose-driven stays:

53% of travellers opt for single-night visits (compared to 45% in leisure travel).
31% choose two-night stays, while 11% opt for three nights.
Longer stays of four nights or more contribute less than 5%.

This trend highlights the focused, spiritual nature of these journeys, in contrast to leisure travel which often includes extended stays.

Group Travel Stronger in Pilgrimage Segment

Pilgrimage travel also reflects a collective spirit, with 47% of trips made in groups, compared to 38.9% in leisure travel. Families, friends, and community groups often undertake these journeys together, reinforcing pilgrimage as a shared cultural and spiritual experience.

Premiumisation in Pilgrimage Travel Gains Momentum

While a majority (71%) of accommodation bookings in pilgrimage destinations are for rooms priced below ₹4,500 per night, premium bookings are growing rapidly.

Rooms priced between ₹7,000–10,000 grew by 24%.
Bookings above ₹10,000 grew by 23%.
Homestays and apartments now contribute nearly 10% of total room nights.

This shift reflects how pilgrimage is evolving into a more premium experience, with travellers increasingly seeking comfort and convenience alongside spiritual fulfilment.

Expansion of Hotels and Homestays in Pilgrimage Hubs

The rising demand has spurred a wave of new accommodation supply across pilgrimage destinations.

More than one-third of all hotel rooms available today were launched in the past three years.
Premium supply has expanded rapidly, with 63% of current premium accommodation launched in the same period.
Homestays, apartments, and hostels are also growing, with both new entrants and existing properties tapping into this demand.

This expansion demonstrates how businesses are actively investing in spiritual destinations to meet the needs of today’s pilgrims.

Pilgrimage + Leisure: A Blended Travel Experience

A key shift in behaviour is the blending of spiritual and leisure experiences.

52% of holiday packages on MakeMyTrip were purely pilgrimage-focused.
48% combined pilgrimage and leisure destinations, offering a balanced and fulfilling travel experience.

This trend shows how modern travellers are seeking holistic journeys that combine devotion with relaxation and exploration.

Pilgrimage Travel and the Late-Booking Trend

In line with broader Indian travel behaviour, pilgrimage trips are often booked very close to departure.

63% of bookings are made within six days of travel, highlighting spontaneity and last-minute decision-making among travellers.

MakeMyTrip’s Efforts to Serve Pilgrimage Travellers

To strengthen its offerings, MakeMyTrip has introduced several initiatives for spiritual travellers:

Loved by Devotees Collection: Curated hotels and homestays near places of worship, marked with a special tag for ease of access and amenities.
Festival Highlights: Over 200 festivals across 56 pilgrimage destinations listed for better trip planning.
600+ Holiday Packages: Ranging from purely spiritual journeys to blended itineraries that include leisure, offering greater choice and convenience.

Speaking on the growing trend, Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said: “Pilgrimage Travel has always been part of our culture, but what we see now is its scale and consistency across the country. We are seeing steady growth, fuelled by stronger connectivity and Indians across all age groups and income segments planning pilgrimage-led trips. This growing demand is broadening traveller expectations and prompting the industry to innovate in ways that better serve the unique needs of the pilgrim traveller.”

Final Word

With strong demand, expanding infrastructure, and evolving traveller preferences, pilgrimage travel is poised to remain one of the most dynamic growth drivers of India’s tourism sector. By blending tradition with modern travel expectations, pilgrimage journeys are increasingly becoming both spiritual and experiential.

Travel Tip: If you are planning a pilgrimage in 2025, consider booking early for peak festivals and explore blended travel packages that combine spirituality with leisure for a truly enriching experience.