Spiritual Journey Redefined: Gen Z's Innovative Approach to Travel and Faith
In the digital age, some individuals are experiencing digital burnout and are turning to spiritual practices as a means to find a presence that anchors them. This shift is particularly evident among Gen Z, who are seeking out spiritual retreats, such as yoga retreats, as a means to find stillness and clarity in their lives.
One such individual is Shriya Roy, a corporate professional, who found spiritual renewal in Tosh, a remote village in Himachal Pradesh, in 2018, inspired by the faith of the locals. Her experience was not unique, as more and more Gen Z travellers are flocking to spiritual destinations across India.
Popular destinations for Gen Z travelers include Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun in the northern part of the country, as well as Kerala's Ayurveda retreats, Coimbatore’s Isha Yoga Centre, and major pilgrimage circuits like the Char Dham Yatra, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Kashi-Prayagraj-Ayodhya-Bodh Gaya, and Dwarka Somnath. These retreats offer immersive spiritual and wellness experiences that provide a break from the constant digital noise and fast-paced life, helping Gen Z find silence, stillness, and renewal.
These retreats focus on mindfulness, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda therapies, and spiritual rituals that resonate with Gen Z’s search for inner peace and balance. Gen Z is increasingly choosing these locations because they cater to their need for mindfulness, wellness, and authentic engagement.
The rise in bookings—such as a 60% year-on-year growth for Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun visits with Gen Z comprising 12% of these trips—reflects this trend toward intentional yet spontaneous travel. Travel companies like Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have expanded spiritual tourism offerings with premium aerial darshans, VIP access, personalized spiritual rituals, and diverse travel packages to make these pilgrimages more accessible and appealing to younger travelers.
Gen Z's approach to spirituality is not necessarily conventional. As influencer and actor Agasthya Shah explains, "Spirituality is a personal connection that evolves with time and intention." For Shah, visiting sacred sites with family adds a profound layer to the spiritual experience, but his solo visit to Prini, a quiet village near Manali, left a lasting impression.
Mithi Singh, a digital creator and traveler, finds spiritual retreats and peaceful places provide a break from constant online activity and the pressure of being always on. Her experience in Sajwi led her to feel a sense of spirituality in her travel, silence, and the places she seeks. For Singh, her experience in Sajwar was a defining spiritual moment that led her to seek out spiritual experiences in other places, such as Kashi Vishwanath and "Gufa Wala Mandir" in Chail.
Women have historically been more spiritually inclined than men, and they continue to lead the evolving spiritual movement. In 2024, Gen Z accounted for 40.7% of solo female travelers, with a marked increase in spiritual journeys to destinations like Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Amritsar.
Goa remains the top leisure spot for solo female travelers, a legacy rooted in the hippie subculture of the 1960s and 70s. However, spiritual tourism, including visits to temples like Kashi Vishwanath, is attracting Gen Z travelers as well.
In conclusion, Gen Z in India is embracing spiritual travel not just for religious reasons but as a holistic approach to mental well-being, cultural connection, and self-discovery. They are choosing destinations and experiences that cater to their need for mindfulness, wellness, and authentic engagement.
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