Thomas Cook (India) Ltd and its group company SOTC Travel have expanded their spiritual tourism portfolio, introducing a wide array of pilgrimage circuits across India and the subcontinent. This strategic expansion is aimed at tapping into the growing demand for curated spiritual experiences among all age groups — from traditional GenS travellers to millennials and Gen Z seekers.
Branded under the theme “India is a Pilgrimage”, the tours are crafted to blend religious significance with convenience and local cultural experiences. Recognizing the challenges faced by spiritual travellers — including infrastructure, access, and time — the companies are introducing aerial darshans via helicopters, guided tours, VIP darshan access, and certified local experts at key religious sites.
Key Offerings:
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A curated portfolio of 11 major circuits including Char Dham, Kailash Mansarovar, Kashi-Prayagraj-Ayodhya, Dwarka-Somnath, and Ramayan Yatras across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
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Special rituals, aartis, and personalized puja services with accompanying priests
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VIP/escorted access at high-traffic pilgrimage sites
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Jain and pure vegetarian meal plans aligned with spiritual needs
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Short getaways to Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, Amritsar, Mathura, Velankanni, and more
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Optional adventure-spiritual combinations like river rafting in Rishikesh and paragliding near Vaishno Devi
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Comprehensive travel assurance through their TravSure program, covering insurance and on-ground assistance
Leadership Speaks:
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, stated:
“Spiritual tourism is now a year-round aspiration, not just seasonal. We’re aiming to make these journeys accessible, immersive, and meaningful for every Indian — from seniors to young professionals.”
S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Ltd, added:
“Demand for destinations like Char Dham, Kailash Mansarovar, Ayodhya, and Rishikesh is growing across metro and tier 2–3 cities. Our aerial darshans and end-to-end packages are designed for ease and comfort.”
This move comes as India’s spiritual travel sector sees robust growth, driven by post-pandemic introspection and rising interest in wellness-oriented journeys. The initiative positions Thomas Cook India and SOTC as pioneers in merging tradition with convenience for modern pilgrims.
