Mumbai: India’s reputation as a hub for affordable healthcare and traditional wellness practices has been reinforced by the arrival of more than 1.2 million foreign medical and wellness tourists in 2024–25, according to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025. This marks a significant increase over the previous year and reflects the growing global demand for both modern medical treatment and ancient healing traditions.
Hospitals in metropolitan centres such as Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad reported steady inflows of foreign patients seeking specialised procedures ranging from cardiac surgery to orthopaedic care. India’s combination of skilled professionals, advanced facilities and comparatively lower costs has made it a preferred destination for patients from Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Many of these patients would otherwise struggle to afford treatment in their home countries, but India offers quality care at a fraction of the cost.
Wellness tourism has also expanded rapidly, with Ayurveda centres in Kerala and yoga retreats in Rishikesh attracting visitors from Europe and North America. Many combine wellness programmes with leisure travel, spending time in backwater destinations or Himalayan towns. Visitors often describe the experience as holistic, encompassing physical, cultural and spiritual dimensions.
Regional examples highlight the diversity of offerings. In Kerala, Ayurveda resorts have reported occupancy rates exceeding 80 per cent, with packages combining traditional therapies, diet plans and meditation sessions. In Uttarakhand, yoga schools in Rishikesh have seen strong demand from international students, many of whom enrol in month‑long certification programmes. In Maharashtra, wellness centres near Pune and Nashik are attracting domestic and foreign visitors seeking detox and stress‑management therapies.
The government has promoted Heal in India as a flagship initiative, integrating medical tourism with broader healthcare diplomacy. India’s strength lies in its ability to offer both advanced medical procedures and traditional wellness practices, positioning the country not just as a place for treatment but as a destination for holistic healing.
The economic impact of medical and wellness tourism is substantial. Foreign exchange earnings from this segment have risen steadily, while local communities benefit from increased demand for accommodation, transport and ancillary services. In Kerala, local farmers supplying organic produce to Ayurveda centres have reported higher incomes. In Uttarakhand, small businesses providing yoga equipment and clothing have thrived.
Concerns remain about quality standards, with experts emphasising that accreditation of hospitals and wellness centres is essential to ensure safety and reliability. Patients and wellness travellers make choices based on trust, and any decline in standards could undermine the sector. Accessibility is another issue: while India offers affordable care compared to many countries, costs remain high for poorer domestic patients. Analysts stress that medical tourism must not come at the expense of local healthcare needs, and a balance must be struck between serving international patients and ensuring domestic populations have access to quality care.
Looking ahead, the compendium concludes that medical and wellness tourism will remain a key driver of growth in India’s travel economy. With global demand for affordable healthcare and holistic wellness expected to rise, India is well positioned to consolidate its gains if infrastructure and policy support continue. For businesses, policymakers and communities alike, the message is clear – India’s blend of modern medicine and ancient traditions offers a unique advantage in the global tourism market.
