India Travel Trends 2025: Its Tops Searches, Spiritual & Beach Tourism Insights

India Travel Trends 2025: Travel in 2025 has reached unprecedented heights. People are exploring more than ever before, with experience-driven journeys becoming a universal pursuit. Just scroll through social media, and it seems like everyone is on an odyssey to some corner of the world.

As the year comes to a close, Google India’s Year in Search 2025 report sheds light on the travel interests that captured the imagination of Indian travellers. The insights reveal not just popular destinations, but also a clear shift in the type of experiences travellers are seeking — with spiritual tourism taking center stage.

Maha Kumbh Mela: India’s Most-Trending Travel Search

While beaches, mountains, and luxury staycations usually dominate travel searches, India’s most-trending travel search in 2025 was the Maha Kumbh Mela — a once-in-144-years spiritual event.

The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela was not only the most searched travel destination but also featured prominently in the Top Trending Searches for News Events and Top Trending Searches Overall, underscoring its profound impact on Indian culture and global tourism.

Millions of visitors from across India and abroad attended the event, creating an unparalleled showcase of India’s spiritual heritage.

A Game-Changer for Spiritual Tourism

Experts say the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela has firmly positioned India on the global spiritual-tourism map.

Dr Vikram Kamat, Chairman and Managing Director of The VITS Kamats Group, shared with India Today,
“Earlier, spiritual tourism was seen as something primarily for the elderly. But the 2025 Maha Kumbh has attracted younger generations, who are now forging a lifelong bond with India’s spiritual traditions.”

The event also encouraged travellers to explore other spiritual destinations like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Bodh Gaya, with improved digital platforms and guided tours making the experience more accessible for international visitors.

Adding to the spiritual wave, Somnath, another major pilgrimage site, secured the ninth spot on the Top Trending Searches list.

International and Domestic Travel Trends

Even as spiritual tourism surged, traditional beach escapes and island getaways remained popular. Indian travellers showed growing interest in South Asian destinations, including:

• Philippines – 2nd place

• Phu Quoc, Vietnam – 6th place

• Phuket, Thailand – 7th place

• Maldives – 8th place

Georgia emerged as a favorite for international vacations, claiming the 3rd spot. Its picturesque landscapes, monasteries, European-style streets, and rich culinary traditions continued to attract travellers.

Domestically, Kashmir (5th), Maldives (8th), and Pondicherry (10th) featured among the most-trending travel searches. Notably, destinations like Georgia and Kashmir maintained their appeal, also appearing in the top searches of 2024.

The Bigger Picture

India’s 2025 travel trends reveal a fascinating mix:

• Spiritual tourism capturing multi-generational interest

• Coastal and island escapes continuing to charm travellers

• Increasing curiosity about culturally rich and scenic international destinations

This blend of domestic and international travel highlights the evolving travel aspirations of Indian travellers — one that balances spiritual exploration, adventure, and leisure.

As India continues to grow as a global hub for spiritual and experiential tourism, the insights from Google’s Year in Search reflect the diverse journeys Indian travellers are eager to embark upon in 2025 and beyond.