Indian travellers are showing increased interest in spiritual and pilgrimage destinations for September, with Agoda recording growth in accommodation searches for several temple towns alongside South-east Asian destinations.
Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh recorded an almost sevenfold year-on-year increase in searches, the highest among the domestic destinations covered by Agoda’s data. The hill destination is home to Jatashankar Temple, a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Ujjain, also in Madhya Pradesh and home to Mahakaleshwar Temple, recorded an almost threefold increase, while searches for Puri doubled.
Varanasi registered a 44% increase in accommodation searches, while Tirupati, home to Sri Venkateswara Temple, recorded growth of 29%.
The trend corresponds with findings from Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, in which 19% of Indian respondents said they considered spiritual or religious experiences when planning travel this year.
Indian travellers are also searching for destinations in South-east Asia. Hanoi recorded a 58% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches for September, followed by Danang at 50% and Kuala Lumpur at 35%. Bali recorded a 24% increase.
The destinations combine cultural and religious sites with other tourism offerings. Danang is home to Linh Ung Pagoda on the Son Tra Peninsula, while Kuala Lumpur provides access to Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Bali’s religious sites include Tanah Lot, Besakih Temple and Lempuyang Temple.
“Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report found that 19% of Indian respondents consider spiritual or religious experiences when planning a trip this year, pointing to the diverse motivations shaping travel decisions. Our latest accommodation search data reflects this shift, with destinations being explored for pilgrimages, cultural experiences, nature getaways, and overseas holidays,” said Gaurav Malik, country director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda.
