Where Did India Travel? Booking.com Reveals Key Highlights from H1 2025

INDIA, August 28, 2025: For Indian travellers, holidays are no longer just an escape but a source of joy, wellbeing and renewal. With 66%* seeking travel to boost their mood and 58%* opting for short domestic trips this year followed by short international trips (36%*), From perennial regional favourites to short-haul getaways, Booking.com’s latest search trendsspotlights where Indian travellers were dreaming of jetting off to in H1 2025.

Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com said, “The evolving mindset of Indian travellers highlights a fascinating mix of global curiosity and local pride. Whether it's a short-haul international break closer to home or a quick domestic escape, we’re seeing Indians choose destinations that align with their lifestyle aspirations, wellness goals and cultural curiosity. This shift underlines the opportunity ahead, with 84% of Indian travellers feeling optimistic about travel in 2025, we at Booking.com remain committed to supporting this momentum by making it easier for travellers to book every element of their journey, from stays and flights to attractions and transport, all in one seamless experience.”

From Cities to Countryside: Where Indians Were Headed

Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi lead the list of most-searched domestic destinations driven by a combination of business travel, visiting friends and family and the increasing desire for quick, accessible weekend getaways. Beyond urban centers, the data highlights a growing interest in India’s leisure hotspots. Destinations such as Ooty, Rishikesh, Lonavala, Jaipur and Puducherry continue to be popular, with Rishikesh and Puducherry showing a 25%** y-o-y growth in accommodation searches with a rising interest among travellers in experiences centered on wellness, nature and cultural immersion.

Top searched domestic destinations on Booking.com by Indian travellersbetween Jan 1 2025 - Jun 30 2025 for stay dates Jan 1 2025 - Jun 30 2025 (H1 2025)**

• Bengaluru
• Mumbai
• New Delhi
• Ooty
• Rishikesh
• Chennai
• Lonavala
• Hyderabad
• Jaipur
• Puducherry

APAC Hotspots Continue to Attract Indian Travellers

On the international front, Dubai takes the top spot as the most-searched destination for Indian travellers, with a 62%** y-o-y increase in searches. Tokyo has emerged among the top 5 most searched international destinations, witnessing a 90%** rise in accommodation search during the first half of the year, driven by its unique blend of seasonal attractions and rich cultural experiences.  Intra-regional travel within Asia-Pacific is also seeing steady momentum with 8 out of the 10 top searched destinations within the region. Destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and Bali all rank among the list, highlighting the enduring appeal of short-haul, culturally rich and visa-friendly getaways.

Top searched international destinations on Booking.com by Indian travellersbetween Jan 1 2025 - Jun 30 2025 for stay dates Jan 1 2025 - Jun 30 2025 (H1 2025)**

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

Indian travel patterns align with a broader regional trend of balancing local getaways with international adventures in H1 2025.***

●Japan remains top of mind for travellers across APAC, attracting strong interest both internationally and domestically. South Korea and Thailand follow closely, continuing to be among the region’s most sought-after destinations.

●Intra-regional travel is on the rise reflecting a balance between local pride and international curiosity. Even as APAC travellers explore regional options, homegrown destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Sydney and Tokyo hold the top spots in their respective markets.

●The data further underscores APAC’s persistent appetite for intra-regional travel. All but one of the top ten most searched destinations per market were located within APAC - the exceptions being London and Paris, which broke into India’s and Hong Kong’s list. For most, proximity, cultural familiarity and convenience continued to shape travel decisions.