Thailand, Vietnam and More Lead India’s Festive Travel Boom as Bangkok, Phuket, Tokyo and Goa Attract Holidaymakers

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India’s festive travel season is proving to be a popular time for both domestic and overseas holidays, with Thailand, Vietnam and Japan being the preferred overseas destinations for Indian visitors. According to accommodation search data from digital travel platform Agoda, Bangkok, Phuket and Tokyo emerged as the three international cities most searched for and Goa, Puri and Udaipur, were the most preferred domestic destinations. The trend indicates a growing interest in beach, cultural, spiritual and nature getaways during the Dussehra, Durga Puja and Diwali holiday period.

The analysis covers accommodation searches conducted between 1 August and 30 September 2026 for stays scheduled between 15 October and 30 November 2026. The figures reveal substantial year-on-year increases in search activity across several Asian countries and Indian destinations, reflecting the wide range of experiences travellers are considering for their festive holidays.

Thailand, Vietnam and Japan Strengthen Their Appeal Among Indian Travellers

Thailand, Vietnam and Japan have emerged among the most searched international countries for India’s forthcoming festive travel period, supported by growing interest in their distinctive tourism offerings.

Thailand recorded a 55% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches, maintaining its position as a popular overseas holiday choice. Its combination of metropolitan attractions, tropical beaches, cultural landmarks and established tourism facilities continues to appeal to Indian visitors.

Vietnam registered an 86% increase in searches, indicating stronger interest in destinations that combine coastal recreation with cultural exploration. The country’s islands, historic urban centres and distinctive culinary experiences provide travellers with several options for short breaks and extended holidays.

Japan experienced even stronger growth, with searches rising by 125% compared with the corresponding period last year. The increase highlights interest in the country’s autumn landscapes, traditional attractions and major cities during the October–November travel season.

These trends suggest that Indian travellers are considering a wider range of Asian experiences rather than concentrating exclusively on established international holiday destinations.

Sri Lanka Records Remarkable 262% Growth in Festive Accommodation Searches

Sri Lanka recorded one of the most significant increases in international accommodation search activity among Indian travellers, with year-on-year growth approaching 262%.

The sharp rise indicates growing interest in the island country’s tourism experiences, which include beaches, cultural heritage sites, scenic landscapes and nature-focused attractions.

Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings allow visitors to combine coastal relaxation with historical exploration and outdoor activities within a single holiday.

Hong Kong SAR, China, also registered substantial growth, with accommodation searches increasing by nearly 138% compared with the previous year.

The destination’s combination of urban attractions, shopping, dining and cultural experiences continues to provide options for travellers seeking an international city break.

While these percentages indicate a strong increase in search activity, they do not necessarily mean that Sri Lanka and Hong Kong attracted the largest absolute number of searches. Instead, the figures demonstrate how quickly interest in these destinations has expanded compared with the previous year.

Bangkok and Phuket Dominate International City Searches From India

Bangkok and Phuket secured the first two positions among international cities searched by Indian travellers, reinforcing Thailand’s appeal during India’s festive holiday period.

Bangkok recorded a 65% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches. The Thai capital offers a combination of heritage attractions, vibrant neighbourhoods, markets and dining experiences.

Prominent cultural landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho remain central to the city’s tourism offering, while its shopping districts and restaurants attract travellers interested in contemporary urban experiences.

Phuket recorded a 51% increase in searches, reflecting continued demand for tropical holidays and coastal recreation.

The island destination offers beaches, marine excursions, island-hopping opportunities and leisure accommodation suited to different travel preferences.

The prominence of both cities indicates that Thailand appeals to Indian travellers seeking contrasting holiday experiences, from cultural sightseeing and urban exploration to seaside relaxation.

Vietnam’s Phu Quoc and Hanoi See Strong Growth in Holiday Interest

Vietnam’s tourism appeal is expanding among Indian holidaymakers, with Phu Quoc and Hanoi reporting substantial increases in accommodation searches.

Phu Quoc recorded 124% year-on-year growth, positioning the island as an increasingly attractive option for travellers interested in beaches and leisure-focused experiences.

Its coastal scenery, island-hopping excursions and night markets provide opportunities to combine relaxation with local cultural discovery.

Hanoi registered a 94% increase in searches, suggesting continued interest in Vietnam’s historical and cultural attractions.

The capital’s Old Quarter offers traditional streetscapes, local markets and distinctive architecture, while Hoan Kiem Lake remains a prominent attraction for visitors exploring the city.

Together, Phu Quoc and Hanoi demonstrate the different experiences influencing Indian travel decisions. While the island appeals primarily to coastal holidaymakers, the capital attracts visitors interested in heritage, city exploration and local traditions.

Tokyo Gains Momentum as Japan’s Autumn Tourism Season Approaches

Tokyo ranked third among the most searched international cities among Indian travellers, recording a 109% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches.

The growth coincides with the approaching autumn travel season, when Japan’s changing foliage becomes a major attraction for domestic and international visitors.

Known as Kōyō, the Japanese tradition of appreciating autumn leaves attracts visitors to parks, gardens and scenic destinations across the country.

Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen is among the locations associated with seasonal foliage viewing, offering visitors an opportunity to experience natural scenery within the metropolitan environment.

Beyond autumn landscapes, Tokyo combines historic districts, cultural attractions, shopping areas and modern entertainment facilities.

The increase in searches suggests that seasonal experiences are influencing international destination preferences among Indian travellers, particularly those planning holidays during October and November.

Actual foliage conditions and peak viewing dates, however, depend on local weather and seasonal temperatures.

Goa, Puri and Udaipur Lead India’s Domestic Festive Travel Preferences

Domestic destinations are also attracting substantial interest, with Goa, Puri and Udaipur emerging as the three most searched Indian destinations in Agoda’s festive accommodation search analysis.

Goa recorded approximately 43% year-on-year growth, maintaining its appeal as a coastal leisure destination.

Its beaches, hospitality facilities, restaurants and cultural attractions provide options for holidaymakers planning relaxation-focused breaks.

Udaipur registerednearly 29% growth in searches. The Rajasthan city continues to attract visitors interested in royal heritage, architectural landmarks, lakes and cultural experiences.

Puri, meanwhile, recorded an exceptional 318% increase in searches, making it one of the fastest-growing domestic destinations in the analysis.

The Odisha coastal city is associated with the Jagannath Temple, religious tourism and beach experiences, making it attractive to visitors seeking both spiritual and leisure activities.

The different growth rates highlight how domestic travel demand extends beyond conventional beach holidays to include historical cities and religious destinations.

Puri’s 318% Surge Highlights Growing Interest in Spiritual Tourism

Puri’s substantial increase in accommodation searches stands out within India’s domestic festive travel market.

The city’s 318% year-on-year growth points to a sharp rise in traveller interest compared with the previous year’s corresponding search period.

Puri combines religious significance with coastal tourism, allowing visitors to explore spiritual landmarks while spending time along the Bay of Bengal.

The Jagannath Temple remains one of the city’s principal attractions, drawing pilgrims and visitors interested in Odisha’s religious and cultural traditions.

Its beaches and surrounding attractions also provide opportunities for leisure-oriented holidays.

The increase suggests that cultural and spiritual experiences remain important considerations for Indian holidaymakers, alongside traditional recreational tourism.

However, accommodation search growth should not be interpreted as an equivalent increase in confirmed bookings or actual tourist arrivals.

Ooty and Munnar Attract Holidaymakers Seeking Nature-Focused Escapes

Hill destinations are also featuring prominently in India’s festive travel search trends.

Ooty recorded a 166% year-on-year increase in searches, demonstrating growing interest in Tamil Nadu’s established hill tourism destination.

Known for its mountain scenery, gardens, tea-growing landscapes and cooler climate, Ooty provides an alternative to beach and metropolitan holidays.

Munnar in Kerala registered a 107% increase in searches, reflecting demand for nature-based experiences.

The destination’s tea plantations, green hills and scenic surroundings attract visitors seeking quieter holiday settings and outdoor exploration.

Both destinations offer contrasting experiences to major cities and coastal resorts, allowing travellers to plan holidays around landscape, climate and relaxation.

Their strong search growth indicates that India’s domestic festive travel market includes substantial interest in hill stations and countryside destinations.

Varanasi Registers 92% Growth as Cultural Travel Remains Popular

Varanasi recorded a 92% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches, adding to the broader interest in India’s cultural and spiritual destinations.

Located along the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is closely associated with religious traditions, historic temples and cultural heritage.

Its riverfront ghats, traditional neighbourhoods and spiritual atmosphere attract visitors seeking experiences rooted in Indian history and religious practices.

The increase in searches highlights the continuing relevance of heritage-based travel during the festive season.

Alongside Puri’s significant growth, Varanasi’s performance suggests that religious and cultural destinations are attracting attention from travellers planning their upcoming holidays.

These developments also show that domestic tourism preferences extend across coastal cities, royal heritage destinations, hill stations and pilgrimage centres.

India’s Festive Travel Trends Point Towards More Diverse Holiday Choices

The latest Agoda search findings reveal a broadening range of destination preferences among Indian travellers ahead of the October–November festive holiday period.

Internationally, Thailand continues to attract strong interest through Bangkok and Phuket, while Vietnam and Japan are gaining attention for their coastal, cultural and seasonal attractions.

Sri Lanka and Hong Kong have also recorded significant increases in searches, indicating expanding interest beyond the most established international holiday choices.

Domestically, Goa, Puri and Udaipur remain prominent destinations, while Ooty, Munnar and Varanasi have registered substantial growth.

The figures suggest that travellers are increasingly exploring different holiday experiences, including beach relaxation, heritage tourism, spiritual journeys, autumn sightseeing and nature-focused breaks.

Importantly, the findings represent accommodation search behaviour rather than confirmed reservations or completed journeys. They offer an indication of destination interest but do not establish final visitor numbers.

As India’s festival season approaches, the trend is that of varied preferences, with established holiday centres remaining a draw, while destinations offering distinct cultural and natural experiences are on the rise, creating opportunities for hotels, tourism businesses and local hospitality sectors in India and across Asia.