Thomas Cook India & SOTC deepen focus on spiritual tourism with curated pilgrimage circuits and aerial darshans
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: 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
Special rituals, aartis, and personalized puja services with accompanying priests
VIP/escorted access at high-traffic pilgrimage sites
Jain and pure vegetarian meal plans aligned with spiritual needs
Short getaways to Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, Amritsar, Mathura, Velankanni, and more
Optional adventure-spiritual combinations like river rafting in Rishikesh and paragliding near Vaishno Devi
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.
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Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
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