How wellness tourism is becoming the next travel trend to follow among travellers |

Travel is no longer only for leisure or sightseeing; more and more individuals are picking their locations with their health and wellbeing in mind. In the wake of the epidemic, this change has been especially apparent as people look for holistic healing experiences to boost their immune systems, decrease stress, and develop resilience. India is at the forefront of this change, drawing both local and foreign tourists seeking long-term wellness solutions with its rich history of Ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy. With programs like the “Heal in India” campaign and more funding for tourism infrastructure to promote wellness-focused travel, the government has also started making efforts to establish India as a worldwide wellness hub.
Wellness tourism in India, which was long exclusive to the wealthy, is gradually gaining favour among middle-class travellers. The growing understanding of preventative healthcare has fuelled demand for Ayurveda, naturopathy, and holistic therapy. Many health-conscious Indians now devote two to three weeks each year to self-care, finding resorts that provide not just relaxation but also therapy for chronic illnesses, metabolic disorders, and stress-related problems. This trend indicates a wider emphasis on long-term health and lifespan.

“True wellness can only be achieved by treating the individual as a whole—body, mind, and spirit. Our holistic approach to healing sciences involves time-tested disciplines like Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Yoga to address the root causes of imbalance and disease,” says

Sidarth Dominic, CEO of CGH Earth Wellness

. “In today’s fast-paced world, modern lifestyles often come at the cost of our health. By acknowledging and addressing these underlying factors, we’ve witnessed tangible, transformative results in those visiting us.” He further adds that there has been a remarkable surge in interest from Indian travellers, particularly in Ayurveda and naturopathy, with many committing to annual wellness retreats as a part of their lifestyle.
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India’s wellness tourism industry is experiencing significant growth, valued at USD 19.43 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 29.88 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 6.45%. Globally, wellness tourism is also expanding, expected to grow from USD 895.09 billion in 2024 to USD 978.14 billion by 2025 at a 9.3% CAGR. India stands out as a key destination due to its affordability and authenticity in ancient healing practices, offering wellness services at a fraction of Western costs. Foreign travelers have long been drawn to India’s Ayurvedic and yoga retreats, and interest has surged due to their preventive and restorative benefits. While medical and wellness tourism dropped to 183,000 visitors in 2020, it rebounded to 475,000 in 2022 and surpassed 504,000 in the first ten months of 2023. To support this growth, the Indian government has introduced initiatives like the Ayush visa, making it easier for international visitors to access Ayurvedic and wellness treatments.
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“We do realise there is an increasing traction for Ayurveda among international guests. There is growing awareness across the globe regarding the preventative aspects of Ayurveda, such as anti-aging and its role as a branch of regenerative medicine,” says

Dr. Somit Kumar, MD (Ayu), (PhD), Director Research at AVP Research Foundation

, Coimbatore. “Additionally, there is a significant focus on stress-related issues, and Ayurveda is considered perfect for the well-being of the mind, body, and soul. Among Indian travellers, Ayurveda is often coupled with wellness retreats, especially among the upper middle class and above. However, for the larger population in India, Ayurveda is primarily seen as a complementary healing system rather than an experience-based or recreational therapy.” He adds that while Ayurveda has traditionally been used for treating chronic diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders, it is also increasingly recognised as an effective solution for digestive and psychosomatic illnesses. Panchakarma, a detoxification therapy, remains one of the most sought-after treatments among wellness travellers.

“We’ve observed a drastic shift towards how individuals perceive wellness centers,” says

Raj Rishi Garg, Promoter of Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam

near Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. “Guests and travellers are now choosing our facilities not just for post-illness recovery but as proactive measures for self-healing and maintaining overall fitness. We have witnessed an increase in occupancy rates, with a growing number of young professionals and urban dwellers seeking Ayurvedic therapies as a way to manage stress, improve immunity, and sustain long-term well-being. This trend signals a bright future for wellness tourism, as people consciously integrate holistic healing into their lifestyles rather than treating it as a last resort.”
Despite the significant growth, industry leaders believe India has touched the tip of an iceberg to tap into its potential in the wellness tourism sector. “Our retreats, nestled in serene environments, are designed to foster a deep sense of healing and rejuvenation. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to quality and personalised care,” says Dominic. “While we’ve made significant strides in the wellness industry, I firmly believe that we’ve only scratched the surface of our true potential. Nevertheless, I’m confident that we’re steadily progressing towards unlocking our full capabilities.”
In addition to Ayurveda, India provides a variety of health experiences, such as yoga retreats, naturopathic clinics, programs for spiritual healing, and contemporary spa treatments that incorporate traditional therapies. With more domestic and foreign tourists reserving rooms at resorts and healing centres, Rishikesh, Mysuru, Kerala, and Puducherry have become important destinations for wellness tourism. The increasing demand is also driving the growth of wellness retreats that serve a wider range of clients, going beyond upscale vacationers to provide more reasonably priced alternatives.