Travel is No Longer Just About Sightseeing: The Rise of Spiritual and Cultural Tourism in India
Last Updated: September 25, 2025, 20:13 IST
As global travel continues to evolve, a new wave is redefining the way people journey across the world: spiritual and cultural tourism. Once considered a niche market, this sector has surged in popularity, with travelers seeking experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing to foster connection, immersion, and personal renewal.
From Visiting to Belonging
“Journeys are no longer about simply visiting a place, but about immersing in its living heritage, connecting with its stories, and finding renewal along the way," observes Princess Mrinalika M Bhanj Deo, Owner & Director of The Belgadia Palace in Mayurbhanj. This shift is evident at her palace, where guests arrive not just for boutique comfort but for deeper encounters with the local culture.
Visitors delight in watching the hypnotic rhythm of Chhau dance under the night sky, learning from artisans as they craft vibrant Sabai grass products, or exploring sacred forests that resonate with spiritual significance. The palace also offers local cuisine, featuring millet-based tribal recipes and royal Odia dishes passed down through generations.
Crafting Culture, Sustaining Heritage
For Princess Mrinalika, crafts serve as a vital touchpoint between travelers and tradition. Guests often spend time with local women weaving Sabai grass into contemporary homeware or with master artisans creating timeless Dokra metalwork using ancient techniques. These experiences allow travelers to see heritage not as static, but as something living, evolving, and deeply human.
Hosting, she explains, is an act of storytelling and preservation. “The Palace offers modern hospitality while ensuring every stay is intertwined with community, cuisine, crafts, and ritual. This balance of comfort and cultural immersion creates journeys that are not just memorable, but transformative.”
Transformational Travel and Redefining Luxury
Echoing this trend, Manoj Adlakha, Founder & CEO of RedBeryl, notes that transformational travel is reshaping the very definition of luxury. “Travelers are seeking experiences that nourish the soul and bring a sense of belonging while promoting holistic health," he states. “Luxury today is no longer measured by possessions or grandeur. It is defined by rare moments, curated journeys, and the privilege of experiencing the world in ways that feel deeply personal and unforgettable.”
Recent data backs this up: over 330 million people have opted for spiritual and cultural travel, trading traditional holidays for experiences that promise spiritual renewal and personal well-being. From pilgrimages like the Char Dham Yatra in the Himalayas to celebrating Diwali in historic Indian cities, these journeys resonate with travelers searching for connection and meaning.
A Booming Market
The numbers tell the story: the cultural tourism market, currently valued at nearly $8 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $20.5 billion by 2032, growing at an impressive 14.5% annually. Wellness tourism with cultural immersion is expected to grow in parallel, driven by Gen-Z and millennial travelers who prioritize sustainability, cultural preservation, and personal growth over traditional indulgence.
The hospitality sector is responding with offerings such as festive-themed suites, live music nights, culinary experiences inspired by local heritage, and curated journeys tailored to individual preferences. As Adlakha puts it: “This fusion of heritage and modernity not only revitalizes local economies but also enriches global understanding, positioning spiritual and cultural tourism as a cornerstone of the industry’s future.”
India at the Forefront
With its vast repository of festivals, cuisine, crafts, and sacred landscapes, India stands uniquely poised to lead this global movement. “The post-pandemic traveler seeks connection and meaning in destinations where wellness, heritage, and spirituality intersect," affirms Princess Mrinalika. When nurtured mindfully, she adds, cultural tourism sustains artisans, strengthens local economies, and ensures that intangible heritage like Chhau thrives for generations.
Travel as Transformation
As spiritual and cultural tourism grows, one thing is clear: travel is no longer just about where you go, but how deeply you connect. It is about stories, rituals, crafts, and cuisines that invite travelers to pause, reflect, and belong. In this new era of purposeful journeys, India’s living traditions are not only drawing global attention but also shaping the very future of tourism.
In conclusion, as travelers increasingly seek meaningful experiences, the landscape of tourism is transforming. Spiritual and cultural tourism is not just a trend; it represents a profound shift in how we perceive travel, emphasizing connection, immersion, and personal growth. As this movement continues to flourish, it promises to redefine the essence of travel for generations to come.
