As the festive season approaches, Indian travelers are making the most of the Diwali break, opting for getaways that promise both relaxation and cultural experiences. Booking.com, one of the world’s leading travel platforms, has identified key domestic and international destinations trending for the long weekend around Diwali (November 1st), reflecting a surge in travel plans among Indians keen to escape the daily grind and indulge in festive adventures.
This Diwali, Indian travellers are prioritizing destinations that offer a mix of serenity and exploration. Udaipur has emerged as the top domestic choice, with a significant 220 per cent increase in searches. Puducherry follows closely behind with a 200 per cent surge, while Mumbai also ranks high with a 35 per cent spike in interest. The lure of these destinations indicates a desire for diverse travel experiences, from the royal palaces of Udaipur to the coastal charm of Puducherry and the metropolitan vibrancy of Mumbai. Other popular domestic hotspots include Goa, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Lonavala, and Hyderabad, highlighting the growing trend of weekend escapes across India.
Traveller preferences vary across different segments. Couples are drawn to romantic destinations such as Udaipur, Puducherry, and Jaipur, seeking both culture and intimate getaways. Families, on the other hand, are looking for places that blend heritage with fun, such as Goa, Hyderabad, and Ooty, where both historical exploration and leisure are on the itinerary. Group travellers are inclined toward Udaipur, Goa, and Puducherry, favouring social connection and shared experiences, while solo travellers are heading to bustling cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi, where nightlife, local cuisine, and cultural sites await.International travel is also seeing a significant rise, with short-haul destinations like Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok gaining popularity among Indian travellers this festive season. The increased ease of connectivity and relaxed visa policies have made these cities more accessible, driving a 65 per cent surge in searches for Dubai, 74 per cent for Singapore, and a notable 95 per cent spike for Bangkok. Indian tourists are not only seeking out these vibrant global hubs but also exploring other destinations such as London, Makkah, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Phuket, Paris, and Abu Dhabi for a mix of luxury, culture, and leisure.
Airbnb has reported a rise in travel searches among Indian travellers for the festive and autumn season, highlighting popular domestic and international destinations. Leading domestic spots include Kanpur, Lakshadweep, Ujjain, and Munsiyari. Internationally, Tokyo, the Amalfi Coast, Baku, Kyoto, and Spain’s Nord de Palma District are trending among Indian tourists.
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, expressed excitement at the travel trends, stating, “As Diwali approaches, it’s inspiring to see Indian travelers embracing both domestic and international destinations. Booking.com remains committed to offering seamless travel solutions, from accommodations to flight bookings, ensuring that every Diwali trip is memorable and hassle-free.”This year, Diwali promises to be more than just a time for celebrations—it’s shaping up to be a season of exploration and travel, as Indians set out to reconnect with their roots, explore new places, and make the most of the festive break.
