
Faith based tourism in India refers to religious and pilgrimage tourism, which involves people traveling individually or in groups for pilgrimages, religious festivities, celebrations, and to visit various shrines or temples across the country.
India has a strong religious heritage and culture with several sacred sites for major religions like Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. Faith based tourism allows devotees to visit religious sites, participate in religious rituals and ceremonies, attend spiritual discourses by religious leaders, and connect with their faith. The growing number of spiritual travelers and pilgrims visiting various religious destinations is driving the growth of the faith based tourism industry in India.
The India faith-based tourism market is estimated to be valued at USD 1,361.1 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 3,689.5 Mn by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3% from 2025 to 2032.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the India faith based tourism market are ITC Ltd, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd, Interglobe Hotels, Indian Hotels Company Ltd. There lies significant opportunities for India Faith Based Tourism Market Demand with the various untapped religious circuits and routes. The development of tourist infrastructure at emerging religious sites will boost regional tourism. The growing international religious tourism is fueling global expansion of the Indian faith based tourism industry. Several government initiatives are being taken to promote religious tourism circuits globally and facilitate visa processes for foreigners.
Market Drivers
One of the key drivers for the growth of faith based tourism in India is the increasing disposable income and affordability of the middle class. More Indians are able to undertake domestic and international pilgrimages.
The rising aviation sector with low cost carriers has also made travel more affordable. The implementation of various government schemes and projects to develop religious routes and circuits is further driving the market.
PEST Analysis
Political: The Indian government aims to promote religious tourism by offering tax incentives to faith-based tourism operators and improving infrastructure near religious sites. This will help attract more domestic and international tourists.
Economic: India's growing economy and expanding middle class are increasing disposable incomes. This allows more Indians to undertake religious pilgrimages and devotees from other countries to visit popular sites in India. Social: Faith-based tourism is an important part of Indian culture and society. Many religious sites see heavy footfall throughout the year as people come to pay respects according to their faith and tradition.
Technological: Advancements like high-speed internet and mobile applications have made travel planning easier. Several tourism boards and site authorities have launched user-friendly websites and apps with information on routes, accommodation and transport options near religious places. Online booking of packages and services is also facilitating smooth travel.
Geographical regions with high market value
The western and southern regions of India account for the largest share of the faith-based tourism market in terms of value. States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Gujarat host many ancient temples and churches that attract both domestic and international visitors throughout the year. The holy cities of Varanasi, Haridwar, Amritsar and Mumbai located in Northern and Western parts also contribute significantly to the market size.
Fastest growing region
The eastern region spanning West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is emerging as the fastest growing area for faith-based tourism in India. Renovated temples and attractive religious festivals in cities like Puri, Tirupati and Vijayawada are increasingly drawing devotees from across the nation and world. Improving air, road and rail connectivity in the region is making sites more accessible and supporting continued strong growth momentum over the forecast period.
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