For years, Goa’s beaches and Manali’s snow have topped the wish lists of Indian holidaymakers. But a new report suggests that is starting to change. Indian travellers now want quieter places, more time outdoors and trips that mean something to them.
Digital travel platform Agoda has released its 2027 Asia Travel Pulse, which lists five trends likely to shape travel across Asia next year. The report is based on a survey of more than 3,300 travellers in 11 Asian markets. It shows a clear interest in lesser-known places, outdoor adventures and spiritual trips. Travellers also want longer holidays and hotel perks that give real value for money.
Indian travellers stood out on almost every count.
However, now, Indian travelers are becoming more intentional about how they explore the world, seeking unique experiences through offbeat destinations, outdoor adventures and spiritual journeys, while also opting for longer stays.
Hidden Gems Over Hotspots
The biggest finding is that Indians want to skip the crowds. As many as 55% of Indian travellers say they are likely to visit a lesser-known destination in 2027. The Asia average is 36%, which makes Indians the most likely in the region to go off the beaten path.
This interest has been building for a while. In Agoda’s previous report, released in December 2025, the platform described a shift towards “inward wanderlust,” with more Indian travellers turning their attention to hidden gems, cultural richness and meaningful experiences within their own country.
Adventure And Purpose
Outdoor activities are another strong pull. About 42% of Indian travellers say outdoor adventure is a key reason they travel, placing India among the highest in Asia for adventure-led trips.
Search data from this year backs this up. Over the summer, accommodation searches for mountain destinations rose sharply compared to last year, with Leh, Kasol and McLeod Ganj leading the list. The demand came mostly from travellers in metro cities, pointing to a growing preference for outdoor, experience-led escapes over the usual summer spots.
Faith continues to shape how Indians travel. Around 14% of Indian travellers name spiritual or religious journeys as a reason to travel. That is three and a half times the Asia average of 4%, and the highest in the region.
Agoda’s accommodation search data for 2026, compared with the same period in 2025, shows which places are drawing this interest:
- Pushkar (up 195%): The small Rajasthan town saw a big jump in searches, especially around Holi. Visitors were drawn to its lively street gatherings and community celebrations held around Pushkar Lake and its 52 bathing ghats.
- Dharamshala (up 154%): This Himachal hill town, along with McLeod Ganj just above it, is the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. It offers monasteries, mountain views and easy treks like Triund.
- Leh (up 143%): Leh mixes the spiritual with the adventurous. It is known for old Buddhist monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey, as well as tough high-altitude terrain.
Longer Holidays Are Back
Indian travellers also want to take their time. About 26% say most of their trips in 2027 will last between 8 and 12 days, compared to 15% across Asia.
This is something to be considered as earlier report found Indians leaning towards shorter breaks that let them enjoy a trip without long time away from work or daily responsibilities. The latest data suggests more people now want enough time to properly explore a place rather than rush through it.
