Wellness Tourism: The Next Big Travel Trend Among Global and Indian Travelers

Travel is no longer just about sightseeing and leisure; a growing number of travelers are prioritizing health, wellness, and self-care when choosing their destinations. This shift has accelerated in the post-pandemic world, as people seek holistic healing experiences to strengthen their immune systems, manage stress, and improve overall well-being.

India, with its rich history of Ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy, has emerged as a global wellness hub, attracting both domestic and international travelers seeking authentic and affordable wellness experiences. With initiatives like the “Heal in India” campaign and increased investment in wellness infrastructure, the Indian government is actively promoting wellness tourism on a global scale.

Why Wellness Tourism is Booming in India

A Rising Preference for Preventative Healthcare

Wellness tourism in India was once exclusive to luxury travelers, but today, middle-class travelers are also embracing wellness retreats. The growing awareness of preventative healthcare is fueling demand for Ayurveda, naturopathy, and holistic therapies.

Many health-conscious individuals now dedicate two to three weeks annually for self-care and holistic healing, opting for resorts and retreats that offer therapies for chronic illnesses, metabolic disorders, and stress management.

“True wellness can only be achieved by treating the body, mind, and spirit as a whole,” says Sidarth Dominic, CEO of CGH Earth Wellness. “Our holistic approach integrates Ayurveda, naturopathy, and yoga to address the root causes of imbalance and disease. In today’s fast-paced world, modern lifestyles often come at the cost of our health, and we’re seeing a remarkable surge in interest from Indian travelers who now view wellness retreats as a necessity rather than a luxury.”

India’s Wellness Industry is Experiencing Rapid Growth

• The Indian wellness tourism market, valued at USD 19.43 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 29.88 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.45%.
• Globally, the wellness tourism sector is set to expand from USD 895.09 billion in 2024 to USD 978.14 billion by 2025, at a 9.3% CAGR.
• India stands out as a top destination for wellness travelers due to its affordability and authenticity in traditional healing practices.

“International travelers have long been drawn to India’s Ayurvedic and yoga retreats for their preventive and restorative health benefits,” says Dr. Somit Kumar, MD (Ayu), PhD, Director Research at AVP Research Foundation, Coimbatore.

“There is a growing global awareness of Ayurveda’s anti-aging properties and its role in regenerative medicine. Among Indian travelers, Ayurveda is now coupled with wellness retreats, particularly among the upper middle class, but for a larger segment, Ayurveda is still perceived primarily as a complementary healing system rather than an experience-based retreat.”

Government Initiatives Driving Growth

• The Ayush Visa has been introduced to facilitate easier entry for international tourists seeking Ayurvedic and wellness treatments.
• The “Heal in India” campaign is promoting India as a leading medical and wellness tourism destination.
• Investments in tourism infrastructure are improving access to wellness retreats in Kerala, Rishikesh, Mysuru, Puducherry, and Himachal Pradesh.

With visitor numbers rising from 183,000 in 2020 to over 504,000 in 2023, these initiatives are expected to further accelerate growth in wellness tourism.

What’s Driving Travelers to Wellness Retreats?

A Growing Demand for Stress-Relief & Mental Wellness

Post-pandemic, stress, anxiety, and burnout have driven more travelers to seek holistic therapies. Ayurvedic treatments like Panchakarma (detox therapy), meditation, and yoga are becoming mainstream choices for wellness tourists.

“We’ve seen a significant rise in occupancy rates, with young professionals and urban dwellers seeking Ayurvedic therapies to manage stress, improve immunity, and sustain long-term well-being,” says Raj Rishi Garg, Promoter of Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, Himachal Pradesh.

“Unlike before, guests are now choosing wellness centers as a proactive measure rather than just for post-illness recovery.”

Ayurveda & Holistic Healing as a Lifestyle Choice

Ayurveda, once associated mainly with chronic disease treatment, is now widely recognized for its effectiveness in managing digestive disorders, psychosomatic illnesses, and metabolic syndromes.

“Ayurveda is no longer just a treatment but a lifestyle choice,” says Dr. Somit Kumar. “The increasing popularity of Panchakarma, detox therapies, and natural immunity boosters highlights this trend.”

The Rise of Spiritual & Eco-Conscious Travel

India is also witnessing a surge in spiritual tourism, with travelers choosing wellness destinations that integrate mindfulness, yoga, and nature therapy. Locations like Rishikesh, Mysuru, and Kerala are now hotspots for soulful retreats combining meditation, organic diets, and digital detox experiences.

“Our retreats are designed to provide a deep sense of healing and rejuvenation. While we’ve made significant strides, we’re only scratching the surface of India’s true potential in wellness tourism,” says Dominic.

Top Wellness Destinations in India

🏞️ Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – The yoga capital of the world, offering authentic Ayurveda and meditation retreats along the banks of the Ganges.

🌿 Kerala – Home to India’s most famous Ayurvedic healing centers and luxury wellness resorts.

🧘 Mysuru, Karnataka – A global center for Ashtanga yoga and holistic therapies.

🌊 Puducherry – Known for Ayurvedic spa resorts and French-inspired holistic wellness retreats.

⛰️ Himachal Pradesh – Ayurvedic healing centers in the Himalayas, perfect for detox and relaxation.

The Future of Wellness Tourism in India

Despite its rapid growth, industry experts believe India has only begun to unlock its full potential in wellness tourism. The demand for affordable yet high-quality holistic healing experiences is growing, and India is well-positioned to become the world’s top wellness tourism destination.

With more budget-friendly retreats, expanded government initiatives, and increased global interest in Ayurveda and yoga, the industry is expected to see exponential growth in the coming years.

Wellness is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a detox retreat in Kerala, a stress-relief program in Rishikesh, or an Ayurveda healing plan in Mysuru, more travelers are making wellness a core part of their journeys.Are you ready to explore the future of travel—where healing meets adventure? ✨🌿