Religious tourism in India has become a lucrative venture for Indian entrepreneurs, with destinations like Ram Mandir, Char Dham, Mahakaleshwar, and now Dwarkadheesh attracting a significant influx of visitors and generating remarkable profits.
The country’s travel industry has witnessed substantial growth, not primarily due to popular tourist spots like Goa or the Taj Mahal, but due to its religious sites.
Last year, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi saw a staggering 70 million visitors following its renovation, a stark increase from the previous 8 million annually.
The number of domestic tourists visiting pilgrimage sites reached 1.433 billion in 2022, while 6.64 million foreign tourists explored India. Religious and spiritual tourism accounts for over 60% of tourism in the country.
The Indian government predicts a remarkable 16% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the religious tourism sector by 2030. This surge has sparked a hospitality boom in destinations like Ayodhya, with the resident-to-tourist ratio soaring to an impressive 1:10.
The government’s proactive efforts to enhance infrastructure have allowed some businesses to capitalize on the opportunity. Notable ventures such as MyTirthIndia, EaseMyTrip’s EasyDarshan, and Roobaroo Walks have emerged to cater to this growing market.
Additionally, the government’s exploration of innovative ventures like the Submarine tour signals promising opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
