Top Spiritual Destinations in 2024: Haridwar, Puri……..OYO Report Reveals

Puri, Varanasi, and Haridwar have emerged as the most visited spiritual destinations in India for 2024, while Hyderabad claims the title of the most-booked city, according to OYO’s ‘Travelopedia 2024’ annual report. The report, released on December 24, highlights key travel patterns and trends based on booking data for the entire year.

Spiritual Tourism Continues to Dominate, But New Destinations on the Rise

The report emphasizes that religious tourism remained a major focus in 2024, with Puri, Varanasi, and Haridwar leading the pilgrimage sector. However, the data also points to a growing trend of exploration beyond the traditional spiritual hotspots. Destinations such as Deoghar, Palani, and Govardhan have seen significant growth, indicating a shift towards lesser-known spiritual spots.

Hyderabad Emerges as India’s Top-Booked City

Hyderabad has emerged as the most-booked city in India for the year, with other major cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata rounding out the top spots for bookings. Uttar Pradesh has maintained its position as the most popular state for travel, contributing significantly to overall booking trends.

Surge in Bookings from Smaller Towns

In addition to the major cities, smaller towns have shown impressive growth in bookings. Cities like Patna, Rajahmundry, and Hubli saw bookings rise by as much as 48% year-on-year, reflecting a growing interest in travel to less urbanized areas.

Leisure Travel Surge with Jaipur, Goa, and Mysore Among Favorites

Leisure travel saw a notable rise in 2024, with Jaipur continuing to be a major tourist magnet, along with Goa, Pondicherry, and Mysore. Interestingly, Mumbai saw a decrease in bookings, with travelers opting for nearby locations instead.

Key Travel Seasons: High Demand Around Holidays

The report highlights that the Fourth of July weekend saw the highest number of bookings, likely due to national celebrations. Additionally, the Christmas season experienced a sharp spike in travel, reflecting ongoing seasonal demand.

Travel Flexibility Drives Bookings in 2024

Shreerang Godbole, Global Chief Service Officer at OYO, commented on the evolving travel landscape, saying, "2024 has marked a year of transformation in the global travel landscape. We've seen how travelers are embracing flexibility and adaptability, whether for business or leisure. As remote work trends continue to shape how people approach travel, the demand for both quick getaways and long stays has been a significant driver of bookings this year."

The ‘Travelopedia 2024’ report paints a picture of a dynamic and evolving travel industry, with spiritual tourism, a surge in leisure trips, and new trends emerging in booking behaviors.