Holy Trips & Hashtags: Gen Z’s Soulful Spin on Pilgrimage with Shrinecations

A new wave of travel is sweeping India as Millennials and Gen Z are embracing "shrinecations"-a blend of pilgrimage and holiday that's transforming spiritual tourism. No longer ritual alone, the journeys now merge temple pilgrimages in places like Rishikesh, Bodh Gaya, and Kedarnath with adventure, wellness, and local culture. Young travelers are seeking more meaning, self-enrichment, and Instagram moments, traveling often alone-especially women, who now represent over 40% of solo shrinecationers in India.

 

This modern twist is fueling a boom in religious tourism, now accounting for over 60% of domestic travel and projected to reach $4.6 billion by 2033. Tour companies are adapting packages to take advantage of the trend, blending heritage with contemporary comfort and adventure-seeking. Shrinecations are an ideal blend of spirituality, self-discovery, and experiential memories for Gen Z and Millennials.

 

Source: Times of India, Curly Tales