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Travel is no longer just about sightseeing, it’s about meaning, connection, and renewal. Spiritual and cultural tourism is booming, with India at the forefront.
The 72nd Miss World Festival’s heritage itinerary continued with a mesmerizing exploration of Telangana’s spiritual legacy. Contestants from the European region embarked on an unforgettable journey to the iconic Ramappa Temple, seamlessly blending history with modern elegance.
As global travel continues to evolve, a new wave is redefining the way people journey across the world, spiritual and cultural tourism. Once seen as niche, this sector has surged in popularity, with travellers seeking experiences that go beyond sightseeing to foster connection, immersion, and personal renewal.
From Visiting to Belonging
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“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,” says Princess Mrinalika M Bhanj Deo, Owner & Director, The Belgadia Palace, Mayurbhanj.
She observes this shift firsthand at The Belgadia Palace, where guests arrive not just for boutique comfort but for deeper encounters with the culture of Mayurbhanj. “Travellers delight in watching the hypnotic rhythm of Chhau dance under the night sky, learning from artisans as they craft vibrant Sabai crafts, or exploring sacred forests that hold deep resonance,” she explains. The palace’s guests also relish local cuisine from millet-based tribal recipes to royal Odia dishes passed down through generations.
Crafting Culture, Sustaining Heritage
For Princess Mrinalika, crafts are a vital touchpoint between travellers and tradition. “Guests often spend time with local women weaving Sabai grass into contemporary homeware or with master artisans creating timeless Dokra metalwork using the ancient lost-wax technique. These experiences allow travellers to see heritage not as static, but as something living, evolving, and deeply human.”
Hosting, she says, 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, RedBeryl, notes that transformational travel is reshaping the very definition of luxury. “Travellers are seeking experiences that nourish the soul and bring a sense of belonging while promoting holistic health,” he says. “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: more than 330 million people have opted for spiritual and cultural travel, trading traditional holidays for experiences that promise spiritual renewal and personal wellbeing. From pilgrimages such as the Char Dham Yatra in the Himalayas to celebrating Diwali in historic Indian cities, these journeys resonate with travellers 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 travellers who prize 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 the individual. 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 traveller seeks connection and meaning 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 travellers 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.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 25, 2025, 20:13 IST
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