India Temple Towns Surge as Travellers Chase Spiritual Escapes While Southeast Asia Tourism Gains Momentum

Agoda, the digital travel platform, released data based on accommodations bookings for September showing trending travel interests for religious and cultural sites and tourism in India and Southeast Asia. Bookings indicate a spike in travel interests for many temple towns in India. Cities in Southeast Asia show interests for tourism because of their culture, foods, and history. The data shows many travelers are interested in religious and cultural tours.

The latest trends reflect a changing travel landscape where visitors are increasingly looking beyond conventional holidays and seeking destinations that offer deeper cultural connections, peaceful experiences and opportunities to explore local heritage. From ancient temples and sacred rivers to historic streets and island landscapes, these destinations are emerging as attractive choices for travellers planning their upcoming stays.

India’s Temple Towns Witness Strong Growth in Traveller Interest

India’s spiritual destinations are seeing significant momentum, with several temple towns recording notable growth in accommodation searches for September compared with the same period last year. The rising interest highlights the continued importance of pilgrimage tourism while also showing how travellers are combining spiritual experiences with nature, culture and local exploration.

Pachmarhi, popularly known as the “Queen of Satpura”, recorded one of the biggest increases, with accommodation searches rising nearly seven times compared with the previous year. Located in the Satpura mountain ranges of Madhya Pradesh, the hill destination attracts visitors with its natural landscapes, dense forests, waterfalls and peaceful surroundings.

Beyond its scenic charm, Pachmarhi also holds spiritual importance through attractions such as Jatashankar Temple, an ancient cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The combination of religious heritage and natural beauty has helped the destination gain attention among travellers seeking a quieter escape away from crowded urban centres.

Another Madhya Pradesh destination, Ujjain, also experienced strong growth, with accommodation searches increasing nearly three times year-on-year. The historic city remains one of India’s most important spiritual destinations, known worldwide for the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Ujjain offers visitors more than pilgrimage experiences. The city’s ancient ghats, traditional rituals, historic landmarks and cultural atmosphere provide travellers with an opportunity to explore India’s deep-rooted heritage while experiencing local traditions.

Puri and Varanasi Strengthen Their Position as Spiritual Travel Hotspots

The coastal city of Puri in Odisha also recorded increased traveller interest, with accommodation searches doubling compared with the previous year. The city’s identity is closely linked with the famous Jagannath Temple, one of India’s most significant pilgrimage sites, attracting devotees and cultural travellers throughout the year.

Alongside its religious importance, Puri offers a different dimension of travel through its coastline, beaches and relaxed seaside environment. Visitors can combine spiritual exploration with leisure experiences, making the destination appealing for travellers looking for a balanced holiday experience.

Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, recorded a 44% increase in accommodation searches. Situated on the banks of the River Ganga, the city remains a major centre for spirituality, culture and heritage.

The city’s ancient temples, riverside ghats, traditional ceremonies and historic neighbourhoods continue to attract travellers interested in experiencing India’s spiritual traditions. Varanasi’s unique cultural landscape makes it one of the country’s most recognisable destinations for heritage and experiential travel.

Further south, Tirupati saw a 29% rise in accommodation searches. Known for the Sri Venkateswara Temple, one of the most visited religious sites in the world, Tirupati continues to hold a strong position among India’s leading pilgrimage destinations. The city’s growing popularity reflects the ongoing demand for spiritual travel experiences combined with organised tourism infrastructure.

Southeast Asian Cities Attract Travellers Through Culture and Spiritual Heritage

While India’s temple towns gained attention, search trends also showed continued interest in Southeast Asian destinations where travellers can experience a blend of spirituality, history, food, beaches and urban exploration.

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, recorded a 58% increase in accommodation searches. The city continues to attract visitors through its historic charm, traditional architecture, cultural attractions and famous street food scene.

Hanoi offers travellers an opportunity to explore Vietnam’s heritage through its old streets, temples, museums and local neighbourhoods. The destination’s mix of traditional identity and modern city life makes it a popular choice for visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Da Nang also witnessed growing interest, with accommodation searches increasing by 50%. The coastal Vietnamese city has become known for its beaches, scenic landscapes and easy access to nearby cultural attractions, including the historic town of Hoi An.

The city is also home to Linh Ung Pagoda on the Son Tra Peninsula, a significant Buddhist site featuring the famous 67-metre statue of Guanyin. The combination of coastal beauty and spiritual landmarks continues to strengthen Da Nang’s appeal among international travellers.

Kuala Lumpur and Bali Showcase the Region’s Diverse Travel Experiences

Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, recorded a 35% increase in accommodation searches, reflecting continued demand for urban destinations that combine multicultural heritage, shopping, cuisine and iconic landmarks.

The city offers travellers a diverse cultural experience through attractions such as Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. These landmarks represent the region’s rich religious and cultural diversity while adding depth to Kuala Lumpur’s modern city appeal.

Indonesia’s Bali also recorded a 24% rise in accommodation searches. The island remains one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, attracting travellers through its beaches, natural landscapes, wellness experiences and spiritual traditions.

Bali’s cultural identity is closely connected with its temples, including Tanah Lot, Besakih Temple and Lempuyang Temple. These sacred sites, combined with the island’s mountains, forests and coastal scenery, continue to attract visitors looking for meaningful and memorable travel experiences.

Spiritual Tourism and Cultural Exploration Shape Future Travel Trends

The latest search trends indicate that travellers are increasingly interested in destinations that provide more than traditional sightseeing. Spiritual tourism, cultural exploration and nature-based experiences are becoming important factors influencing travel decisions.

India’s temple towns and Southeast Asia’s heritage destinations offer travellers opportunities to connect with local traditions, explore historic landmarks and experience unique communities. The rise in search interest suggests that destinations combining culture, spirituality and authentic experiences are gaining stronger visibility among modern travellers.

With a global portfolio of more than six million hotels and holiday properties, along with flights, activities and other travel services, Agoda continues to provide travellers with options to discover destinations across India and international markets.

Whether exploring peaceful hill stations, ancient pilgrimage centres, vibrant Asian cities or tropical islands, travellers are increasingly choosing journeys that offer cultural depth, personal discovery and memorable experiences.