From The Economic Times · ET Bureau · · 40s
India's Pilgrimage Trips Outpace Holidays
47.7% of Indian domestic trips for religion, not holidays.
In brief
47.7% of Indian domestic trips for religion, not holidays. A government survey shows 47.7% of India's domestic overnight trips are for religious pilgrimage, surpassing holidays as the top travel purpose. Originally reported by The Economic Times.
Government Survey Finds
India's domestic overnight trips show 47.7% for religious pilgrimage.
“Pilgrimage and religious travel comprised nearly half of domestic overnight trips”
Religious Travel Dominates
Religious travel accounted for 47.7% of trips in the last year.
“Religious travel accounted for the largest share of overnight trips”
Health Travel Second in Rural
Health travel led rural trips at 38.4%.
“Health and medical travel was the second-largest category in rural areas”
Holidays Rank Second Urban
Holidays were second in cities at 36.4%.
“Holidaying, leisure and recreation ranked second in urban areas”
Rural Trips Increased
Rural households made 127 trips per 100 households in 2026.
“Rural tourist households made 127 trips per 100 households”
What matters most
A government survey shows 47.7% of India's domestic overnight trips are for religious pilgrimage, surpassing holidays as the top travel purpose.
