From Ooty to Tokyo: How Indians are travelling this summer!

INDIA, 15 April 2025: With summer round the corner, Indian travellers are gearing up for their much-awaited vacations, filled with exploration, connection and meaningful escapes. From Ooty to Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, Booking.com data reveals a shift towards purposeful travel—whether it’s escaping to the cool serenity of the hills or jetting off to seasonal international hotspots.

Booking.com data reveals key trends shaping Indian travellers' summer plans, highlighting a growing preference for cool domestic escapes alongside global getaways.

Seeking Coolcations

On the domestic front, while major urban hubs such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi continue to remain popular,  the enduring appeal of cooler climates is evident with destinations such as Ooty, Manali, Darjeeling, Rishikesh, Munnar and Srinagar making it to the top 10 most searched destinations from April 15 to June 30, 2025.  The ‘coolcation’ trend remains popular as Indian travellers seek tranquil escapes in higher altitudes this summer. Beyond these, destinations like Madikeri, Gangtok and Varkala are also gaining traction and emerging as popular choices for travellers this summer.

Top 10 most searched domestic destinations for all Indian travellers travelling between April 15, 2025 and June 30, 2025 based on accommodation search data

• Bengaluru
• Ooty
• Mumbai
• Manali
• New Delhi
• Darjeeling
• Rishikesh
• Munnar
• Srinagar
• Hyderabad

Global Getaways: From City Skylines to Timeless Charms

This summer, Indian travellers are venturing beyond borders, seeking a mix of iconic experiences and relaxing escapes. While destinations known for their ease of access and luxury, such as Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok and Bali, remain popular, a noteworthy trend is the surge in interest for Tokyo and Abu Dhabi. Both these destinations are among the top 10 most searched destinations this summer, witnessing a 110% and 180% increase in searches respectively as compared to same time last year. Meanwhile, European cities like London and Paris continue to draw travellers with their timeless charm and Bali remains a perennial favourite for summer of 2025.

Top 10 most searched international destinations for all Indian travellers travelling between April 15, 2025 and June 30, 2025 based on accommodation search data

• Dubai
• Singapore
• Tokyo
• London
• Paris
• Bangkok
• Bali
• Kuala Lumpur
• New York
• Abu Dhabi 

Family Travellers: Diverse Destinations for Every Age

As Indian families plan their summer getaways, they're seeking destinations that cater to a variety of interests, from refreshing "coolcations" to exciting international adventures.

• Beat the heat: For those seeking respite from the heat, Ooty, Munnar, Kodaikanal, Darjeeling and Manali are among the top 5 most searched destinations for summer 2025. These destinations offer a  blend of scenic beauty and outdoor activities making them ideal for multigenerational travel.
• Beach and spiritual breaks: Coastal Goa and spiritual Rishikesh also rank highly, providing opportunities for both relaxation and rejuvenation.
• International adventures: While Dubai, Singapore and London remain popular, Abu Dhabi and Tokyo are experiencing a surge in searches (more than doubling year-over-year), reflecting a growing preference for family-friendly and immersive experiences.

 Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “Purpose-driven adventures, 'coolcations' and enriching experiences are defining Indian summer travel in 2025. While destinations like Ooty, Darjeeling and Manali continue to draw those seeking respite from the heat, we're seeing a surge in interest for experiential travel to places like Rishikesh and Puducherry. On the international front, we are seeing a spike in searches for Tokyo and Abu Dhabi from all traveller types, highlighting the importance of shared experiences and destinations catering to multigenerational needs. Booking.com remains committed to empowering every traveller's summer journey offering the widest choice of incredible places to stay, flights, memorable experiences and convenient transportation options for every kind of adventure."