Why Are Indians Choosing Faithcations Over Pilgrimages? 46% Bengaluru-Tirupati Trips On Weekend: Report

There are vacations, short wellness getaways, annual pilgrimages, and then there are ‘Faithcations’. These are short spiritual getaways that are increasingly becoming a part of Indians’ travel habits. Instead of opting for an annual pilgrimage on religious occasions, more and more travellers are now choosing frequent meaningful getaways that blend faith, personal well-being and leisure.

Faithcations Are Becoming A Growing Travel Trend Among Indians

Going on a pilgrimage on annual religious occasions is common, yes. But now, more Indians are increasingly leaning towards ‘Faithcations’. These are basically short spiritual getaways that blend faith, personal well-being and leisure. According to a new analysis by Fresh Bus, India’s first electric intercity bus service, a growing number of devotees are choosing frequent spiritual escapes throughout the year instead of going on a pilgrimage once a year.

The new data points to the fact that spiritual travel is evolving from a once-a-year ritual into a recurring lifestyle activity. Based on an analysis of active ticket bookings between April 2024 and May 2026, Fresh Bus recorded a 40% increase in first-time travellers on its Tirupati-linked routes. Not just that, but the data also reported new customer additions rising from 58,079 in 2024 to 81,576 in 2025. At the same time, repeat visits to temples are also becoming common.

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Devotees Choosing Temple Visits On Weekends 

The analysis by Fresh Bus also revealed that more than 52% of passengers travelling on the Bengaluru-Tirupati corridor undertook multiple journeys. Passenger volumes on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada route increased by 13.1% year on year, while the Bengaluru-Tirupati corridor witnessed a 9.7% rise during the same period. Additionally, Vijayawada, Chennai and Bengaluru recorded a 92% year-on-year increase in devotees travelling to Tirupati, highlighting the growing significance of these corridors.

One of the clearest indications of a Faithcation is the growing popularity of weekend temple travel. Nearly 46% of all bookings on the Bengaluru-Tirupati route occur between Friday and Sunday. This clearly highlights that travellers are now using their weekends for spiritual getaways instead of just sitting at home.

This basically means that pilgrimage in India no longer just means annual family trips or going to a temple during festivals. People are now choosing Faithcations and planning short spiritual getaways throughout the year. Commenting on the trend, Mr Sudhakar Chirra, Founder and CEO of Fresh Bus, said, “More travellers are choosing short spiritual getaways throughout the year, whether it’s a weekend visit to seek blessings, spend quality time with family or simply disconnect from the pace of everyday life.” 

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So, when are you planning your Faithcation next?

Cover Image Courtesy: Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, Wikipedia/ Nikhil B