Religious tourism generates revenue in a way as no other kind of tourism does. It has a distinct edge over other kinds of tourism due to the pull of huge crowds in the form of tourists. There are various levels of religious tourism international, national and regional. this article gives a perspective of religious tourism with respect to Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism and Jainism.Religious tourism has its own appeal, due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is widely believed that the places of worship have a special power, and what certifies this is the many miracles that are reported by people visiting these places. Secondly, the popular places of religion are pieces of monumental architecture and beautiful art. Many spiritual seekers, after reaching the religious centers, have obtained sublime levels of metaphysical consciousness.

Religious tourism is a big revenue generator for different countries. The tourism sector employs the largest workforce in the world. Religious tourism draws huge crowds in the form of tourists and hence has an edge over other kinds of tourism. No stone is left unturned when it comes to promotion of places having religious sanctity and significance. People of different faiths move to pilgrim centers during different occasions. There are various levels of religious tourism—international, national, regional and micro-level religious tourism. People of Islamic faith, for example, travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia from all over the world, as it is the holiest center for them. Similarly, Vatican city and Jerusalem draw Christians from all over the world.

When we talk of religious tourism, India must have the most prominent place, as it is the birthplace of so many faiths. It is the land of many famous temples and pilgrim sites, with religious tourism active throughout the year. Even then, it has been observed that pilgrimages peak during the holy festivals. Rath Yatra in Puri is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashadha1. Brahmotsavam, a religious procession in one of the richest temple of the world, i.e., Lord Venkateswara temple of Tirupati, is held in the Vaishakha2 month every year.

Religious Tourism: An Overview, spiritual seekers, metaphysical consciousness, micro-level religious tourism, micro-level religious tourism, religious procession, religious sanctity, religious tourism international, national and regional.