With the mercury rising and schools closing for summer holidays, the travel rush in India is gaining momentum. So, what’s on people’s travel itineraries?
A post-pandemic resurgence in wanderlust and a growing segment of the population eager to spend on experiences are fuelling a surge in both domestic and international tourism. Mindful, immersive, and personalised travel tops the list of preferences, marking a clear shift from the travel styles of the early 2000s.
As trends move towards slow and immersive journeys, many travellers are choosing destinations where they can disconnect from the chaos and enjoy simply ‘being.’ Industry experts note a move away from crowded, mainstream tourist spots. Instead, many are opting for offbeat destinations that offer authentic, local experiences. Hidden gems in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, the unexplored corners of Northeast India, coastal Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka are now seeing growing footfall.
Urban young Indian travellers are consciously turning away from cookie-cutter vacations. Instead, they are embracing a slower, more mindful pace. They seek experiences with extra zing—there is rising demand for curated travel options like solo retreats, wellness stays, culinary explorations, spiritual journeys, music festivals, literature fests, and adventure sports.
For many, travel has become more than just ticking destinations off a list. It’s now viewed as an act of self-care—an opportunity to connect on a deeper, emotional level. Bimal Mehta, owner of Travel Designer, an agency known for layered travel experiences, says, “Summer and Diwali vacations are peak travel seasons in India. For many people today, travelling isn’t just about visiting a place. It’s about the experience. There’s growing interest in voluntary tourism, adventure tourism, and culinary tourism.
“Destinations like Leh, Kashmir, Kerala, and the North-East are especially popular. Religious tourism also saw a significant rise earlier this year. We’ve even received queries for culinary travel in Punjab and Lucknow. Travel has truly become multi-layered.”
India’s domestic tourism sector is hitting new highs. Improved infrastructure, better connectivity to remote areas, and a rising sense of national pride have encouraged Indians to explore their own vast and diverse land. Whether it’s trekking in Sikkim, discovering the beaches and temples of Odisha, paragliding in Himachal, rafting in Rishikesh, staying on coffee farms in Karnataka, or savouring the flavours of Punjab and Lucknow—domestic travel is thriving.
Multi-generational trips, luxury backpacking, and long-stay setups for digital nomads are also gaining popularity.
Mumbai-based corporate professional Snehal Khairnar speaks about her recent solo travel to Bir, Himachal Pradesh: “I immensely enjoyed my time travelling solo in Himachal. It helps me push my creative boundaries. For me, travel in 2025 is all about meaningful experiences—finding peace, being in nature, and feeling a deep cultural connection. My travel style has evolved over the years—I’ve wandered the colourful streets of Ahmedabad, absorbed the spiritual calm of Bhutan, and now I’m looking forward to two very different but equally exciting places: Vietnam and Lakshadweep.”
Despite worsening economic conditions, travel continues to be a priority for many Indians.
Pallav Moitra, curator of travel experiences under his India Unseen project, explains,
“Travel is booming. Indian tourists are enthusiastic about both domestic and international trips. In a world that can feel isolating, travel is a way to connect. Whatever your interests—kayaking, surfing, or food—there’s a like-minded community waiting to welcome you.”
But what really influences a traveller’s decision? What are they seeking when choosing a destination?
According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends survey, the top factors influencing Indian travellers’ choices are:
- Hotel cost (65%)
- Food (63%)
- Flight cost (62%)
- Culture (58%)
- Weather (57%)
- Food and drink cost (54%)
Social media (68%), online media (57%), and film/TV (52%) are major sources of inspiration.
Moitra adds, “We can break it down into three key costs—hotel, flight or train, and local transportation.”
Yet, as domestic tourism gains steam, concerns are rising over affordability. Soaring prices for airfares and accommodation may become deterrents.
Somraj Singh Jhala, owner of The Bell Guest House, a heritage property in Sayla, Gujarat, says, “With increasing stress and disposable income, more people are embracing travel. Social media has fuelled interest in lesser-known destinations. Micro-holidays are also gaining traction. People now prefer homestays, boutique hotels, and heritage stays—these offer more meaningful, authentic experiences. Cultural, culinary, and craft-based activities enhance travel.”
Still, Jhala expresses concern over rising costs. “Pricing needs to be rational. Travelling to Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, or Azerbaijan often costs less than visiting some domestic destinations. Affordability is a key issue. Airfares, hotels, and cabs are too expensive. We need policy-level changes to make domestic travel more accessible.”
Internationally, travel experts say Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Japan, South Korea, Georgia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kenya, and the UAE remain hot favourites for Indian tourists.
Ultimately, what matters is the takeaway from travel—whether it’s wellness, connection, cuisine, adventure, or culture.
Moitra notes, “The new-age traveller wants to share stories, not just snapshots. Tour operators should keep this in mind. Everyone loves a good story—and travel is the best way to write one.”
So, where are you heading this summer?
Deepika Sahu has been a journalist for 29 years and she has worked with some of India’s leading media houses. Right now, she is independently engaged in content creation and curation. Twitter: @menondeepika | Instagram@moodydeepika | Facebook: Deepika Sahu
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🌿Indians embrace slow, immersive travel in 2025 – ditching crowds for offbeat gems.✈️Domestic hotspots (Himachal, Odisha) & international picks (Vietnam, Azerbaijan) boom despite rising costs.🍛Food, culture & affordability drive choices. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/07cXYMIkeZ
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) April 16, 2025
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