The ancient city of Varanasi, often called the spiritual heart of India, has earned a remarkable global distinction - it is now ranked the second most sought-after religious destination in the world, according to a new study by MyCross, a platform dedicated to faith-based travel trends.
The study assessed religious destinations across five crucial indicators — annual footfall, number of religious sites, online search trends, social media presence and accommodation availability. Each destination was then given a cumulative score out of 100.
Varanasi scored 78, just behind Kyoto, Japan, which topped the list with a perfect score of 100. While Kyoto attracted a staggering 75 million visitors annually and has the largest concentration of religious sites, Varanasi led in global online search interest with nearly 2.8 million monthly searches, reflecting its rising spiritual appeal on the digital map.
Welcoming around 11 million visitors each year, Varanasi offers 1,149 accommodation options — nearly double Kyoto’s count — highlighting its growing readiness to cater to a global audience seeking spiritual solace, rituals on the ghats, and the profound experience of Ganga Aarti.
In 2024, Varanasi attracted 3,09,932 foreign tourists. The total number of tourists to Varanasi in 2024 was 11,00,97,743, a significant increase compared to 10,18,67,618 in 2023.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh welcomed the global recognition with pride. “This is a moment of honour not just for Varanasi, but for the entire country,” he said.
“The consistent focus of the state government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, to boost spiritual tourism and enhance infrastructure is now delivering visible results. Varanasi is reclaiming its rightful place on the world stage as a spiritual capital.”
Tourism stakeholders in the city also feel the change. Ramesh Singh, a veteran tour operator in Varanasi, said the surge in global attention is being felt on the ground. “We’ve seen a sharp increase in international inquiries — from solo spiritual seekers to cultural tourists. They come not just for religious reasons but to witness the mystique of Varanasi — its music, temples, rituals, and timeless energy,” he said. “With better roads, riverfront development, and more curated spiritual experiences, Varanasi is evolving into a world-class religious tourism hub.”
Vatican City, with a score of 70, came in third. Though it houses just nine religious sites, it boasts the largest number of accommodations (3,859) and continues to be a magnet for Catholic pilgrims.
Other cities making it to the top 10 include Rio de Janeiro, Lhasa, Mecca, Madinah, Jerusalem, Siem Reap, and Canterbury.
A My Cross spokesperson noted the broader trend, “Religious tourism around the world shows how faith and travel are becoming more connected. Many traditional pilgrimage sites now mix spiritual meaning with modern tourism. In some popular places, there are far more visitors than places to stay, showing there’s room to grow. With careful planning, these spots could support local communities without losing their sacred feel. As religious tourism changes, the most successful destinations will be the ones that respect tradition while meeting the needs of today’s travelers.”
As global pilgrims rediscover the power of spiritual journeys, Varanasi is rising as a timeless destination — ancient in soul, but future-ready in spirit.