Spiritual Journeys and Southeast Asian Escapes Mark Indian Travel Interest in September: Agoda
Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest accommodation search data reveals growing interest in India’s spiritual destinations ahead of September, with several temple towns noting an increase in searches, alongside continued popularity of Southeast Asian cities.
India’s Spiritual Destinations
- Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh): ~7x increase in searches; known for Jatashankar Temple, forests, waterfalls, scenic views.
- Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): ~3x increase; home to Mahakaleshwar Temple (Jyotirlinga), historic ghats, cultural heritage.
- Puri (Odisha): ~2x increase; Jagannath Temple + beaches.
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): +44% increase; temples, ghats, cultural traditions.
- Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh): +29% increase; Sri Venkateswara Temple, major pilgrimage hub.
Southeast Asia Travel Interest
- Hanoi (Vietnam): +58% increase; historic streets, cultural heritage, food.
- Da Nang (Vietnam): +50% increase; beaches + Linh Ung Pagoda (67m Guanyin statue).
- Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): +35% increase; multicultural heritage, Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
- Bali (Indonesia): +24% increase; beaches, landscapes, temples (Tanah Lot, Besakih, Lempuyang).
Broader Travel Insights
- Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report: 19% of Indian respondents consider spiritual/religious experiences when planning trips.
- Travel motivations now blend pilgrimage, culture, nature escapes, and overseas holidays.
- Agoda offers access to 6M+ hotels and holiday properties, plus flights and activities.
This shows a clear rise in spiritual tourism within India, while Southeast Asia continues to attract travelers with its mix of culture, spirituality, and leisure.
