Odisha’s sacred city, Puri, has claimed the coveted title of the most-booked spiritual and pilgrimage destination in 2023, according to OYO’s Travelopedia report. Renowned for its association with Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, Puri seamlessly combines spirituality, rich history, and the tranquil pleasures of its sun-soaked shores. The destination offers a unique blend of luxury and nature, with its Golden Beach proudly securing the prestigious Blue Flag Certification. The surge in bookings for Puri is evident as almost all hotels are already sold out in anticipation of the upcoming winter vacation and New Year celebrations. The remaining available accommodations are currently in high demand, attracting premium bookings.

In addition to Puri’s spiritual allure, the report highlights other noteworthy trends. Hyderabad secured the position of the most-booked city in India for 2023, closely followed by Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata. The report also underscores the growing popularity of smaller towns such as Gorakhpur, Digha, Warangal, and Guntur, experiencing significant year-on-year growth in bookings compared to 2022. The insights from Travelopedia 2023 are derived from OYO’s global booking data, reflecting trends observed across its vast user base of over 93 million individuals spanning India, the UK, the US, Indonesia, Malaysia, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the rest of Asia and Europe. As Puri continues to draw spiritual seekers and leisure travelers alike, its recognition as the leading pilgrimage destination underscores the timeless appeal and diverse attractions that define Odisha’s cultural landscape.