📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Vyacheslav Argenberg
Travel
Nearly Half of Indian Overnight Trips Made for Faith, Report Finds
✍️ indiatoday.in
🗓 24 Sep 2026, 08:37 PM
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A new India Today report shows that 48% of overnight journeys in India are undertaken for religious purposes.
A recent study released by India Today has examined the motivations behind overnight travel across the country. The analysis, based on recent travel data, highlights the dominant role of faith in shaping journey decisions.
The report finds that 48 percent of all overnight trips are made for religious reasons, making it the single largest travel purpose among Indians. This proportion surpasses other common motives such as leisure, business or family visits.
Experts cited in the study note that the figure reflects the deep-rooted cultural importance of pilgrimages and temple visits, especially during festivals and auspicious periods. The data suggests that faith-driven travel continues to be a significant driver of the hospitality and transport sectors.
The findings are expected to inform policymakers and industry players as they plan infrastructure, services and promotional campaigns that cater to the sizable segment of pilgrims undertaking overnight journeys.
The report finds that 48 percent of all overnight trips are made for religious reasons, making it the single largest travel purpose among Indians. This proportion surpasses other common motives such as leisure, business or family visits.
Experts cited in the study note that the figure reflects the deep-rooted cultural importance of pilgrimages and temple visits, especially during festivals and auspicious periods. The data suggests that faith-driven travel continues to be a significant driver of the hospitality and transport sectors.
The findings are expected to inform policymakers and industry players as they plan infrastructure, services and promotional campaigns that cater to the sizable segment of pilgrims undertaking overnight journeys.