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Gen Z is redefining festive travel in India choosing cultural cities, spiritual towns & sustainable journeys. Their curiosity, digital-first approach are transforming travel trends
From Mysore’s Dussehra to Varanasi’s ghats, Gen Z is rewriting festive travel in India, choosing culture, spirituality and sustainability this season
India’s festive season has always been one of the biggest travel moments of the year but in 2025, it’s being powered by a new force: Gen Z. This generation of conscious, connected, and curious travellers is driving record growth in festive travel bookings, blending cultural curiosity with sustainability and spirituality.
According to Govind Gaur, co-founder and CEO, WanderOn, Gen Z now accounts for nearly 31% of trips in the 18–25 age group, up from 22% last year. “This generation is leading the rise in bus travel in particular, with close to a 76% year-on-year surge in bus bookings,” he notes, highlighting the shift toward budget-friendly and flexible mobility options. Their preference for solo trips, value-driven experiences, and cultural immersion is reshaping festive travel patterns across India.
Destinations like Mysore during Dussehra and Kolkata during Durga Puja remain top draws, thanks to their deep-rooted symbolic traditions. “Gen Z tourists are more inclined towards immersing themselves in culture and local events, making these heritage cities perfect festive destinations,” says Gaur. Interestingly, spiritual towns such as Ayodhya and Varanasi are also rising in popularity, pointing to a growing mix of cultural and spiritual motivations.
This trend is echoed by Dr Vikas Katoch, Founder and CEO, Adotrip, who observes that Gen Z’s travel motivations are markedly different from previous generations. “This generation is getting more inclined towards spirituality and wants to understand the roots of Indian culture. They actively seek deeper meaning, identity, and connection through travel, unlike earlier travellers who prioritized relaxation or sightseeing,” he explains.
Dr. Katoch adds that spiritual travel has seen a 30–35% surge in demand this festive season, much of it led by young travellers. Nearly 90% of young Indians have expanded their travel spend this year, across both leisure and spiritual categories, with preferences leaning toward short trips, last-minute bookings, and digitally enabled planning.
Notably, cultural travel has also soared, with a 65% year-on-year rise in immersive, experience-led journeys, fueled by Gen Z’s curiosity. “The youngsters are not only happy visiting a destination, they want to know the why and how of its cultural existence. This is a very positive move, as it ensures we stay connected to our roots and can even revive aspects of our lost culture,” observes Dr Katoch.
Both experts agree that sustainability is central to how this generation travels. From supporting local artisans and choosing eco-friendly stays to embracing slower, more mindful journeys, Gen Z is ensuring that their festive explorations leave behind more memories than carbon footprints.
As India gears up for its biggest cultural festivals, one thing is clear: Gen Z is not just travelling, they’re redefining what it means to travel, weaving together culture, spirituality, and responsibility into journeys that are as meaningful as they are memorable.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 26, 2025, 22:23 IST