What’s Fueling the Dramatic Increase in Flight Searches to Agra, Vrindavan, and Mathura for Indian Travelers This March?

Published on March 13, 2025

Increased Travel Interest for 2025
Recent data from Skyscanner indicates that a significant number of Indian travelers are already planning their trips for 2025. A notable 49% of individuals began plotting their next getaway in January, showcasing the growing trend of early trip planning. The report highlighted March 13 and March 15 as the most popular travel dates for Indians. This early interest signals that travelers are not just thinking about future vacations, but are already actively seeking flights and destinations for upcoming travel periods.

The surge in searches for travel dates between 12-18 March 2025 also reveals important trends in the domestic travel market. According to the data, the top-ranking cities for these dates are a mix of spiritual, cultural, and leisure destinations. Among them, Vrindavan and Mathura have shown the most substantial increase in flight searches, making them the most sought-after destinations.

Vrindavan & Mathura Lead the Search Trends
One of the most prominent findings from the report is the 353% surge in flight searches to Agra, the nearest airport to Vrindavan and Mathura, for the travel date of March 12. There was also a 417% increase in searches for flights to Agra for March 11, signaling a significant demand for these sacred cities during this time. The high interest in Vrindavan and Mathura is not surprising, given that both cities are deeply tied to Hindu pilgrimage tourism, attracting thousands of devotees and cultural enthusiasts each year. Their religious significance, combined with the ongoing cultural events during the period, makes them prime destinations for travelers seeking spiritual rejuvenation or cultural immersion.

For Mathura and Vrindavan, this surge in search volume reflects a broader trend of spiritual tourism, as well as an increasing preference for domestic travel, particularly in the context of religious or cultural exploration. Pilgrimages to these cities are integral parts of India’s travel landscape, and their ranking as top domestic destinations is indicative of their continued popularity among Indian travelers.

Varanasi: Another Top Destination for Indian Travelers
Following closely behind Vrindavan and Mathura in the search rankings is Varanasi, which also saw a significant surge in flight searches. Known for being one of the oldest cities in the world and a key center for Hindu spirituality, Varanasi continues to draw travelers interested in its sacred riverbanks, ghats, and temples. This city remains a top choice for travelers seeking spiritual awakening or a deeper connection to India’s ancient cultural traditions.

In line with other travel trends, Varanasi’s surge in popularity underlines the importance of religious tourism in India’s domestic travel market. The city’s cultural richness, combined with its historical and spiritual significance, ensures that it remains a central pillar of India’s tourism infrastructure. The data highlights that Varanasi’s appeal as a spiritual and cultural destination is stronger than ever in 2025, as more people seek meaningful and immersive travel experiences.

Goa, Kolkata, and Mumbai: Diverse Domestic Travel Options
In addition to Vrindavan, Mathura, and Varanasi, other cities have also seen notable search increases. Goa, with its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, was ranked as the fourth most popular destination during the travel dates of 12-18 March. Goa’s consistent presence as a top-ranking destination reflects the ongoing trend toward beach tourism and leisure travel.

Meanwhile, Kolkata and Mumbai also emerged as key destinations for travelers. Both cities, while urban, offer unique experiences that combine history, culture, and entertainment, ensuring their position on the list of top trending domestic cities. Mumbai, known for its bustling city life and cosmopolitan culture, and Kolkata, with its rich colonial history and cultural festivals, are popular among travelers seeking diversity in their experiences.

Implications for the Travel Industry
The trends identified in Skyscanner’s report are expected to have a significant impact on the Indian travel industry. With increased demand for flights to destinations like Vrindavan, Mathura, Varanasi, and Goa, airlines and travel companies will likely experience higher booking volumes during these periods. This surge in domestic travel suggests that there is an increasing appetite for experiences that blend spirituality, culture, and leisure, and travel agencies will need to adapt their offerings to meet these demands.

Moreover, the rise in searches for these destinations signals a shift toward early bookings and more purpose-driven travel, particularly for spiritual or cultural experiences. This early surge in interest could mean longer planning cycles for travelers and increased competition among service providers as they seek to cater to this growing demand.

Global Effects and the Rise of Spiritual and Cultural Tourism
The global effects of these trends will likely influence how other countries and regions approach the spiritual and cultural tourism sector. As India’s travelers continue to seek meaningful experiences, destinations around the world may look to replicate the success of cities like Vrindavan, Mathura, and Varanasi by emphasizing the unique cultural and spiritual aspects of their offerings. This trend also signals a broader shift toward domestic tourism, where travelers are increasingly choosing destinations within their own country, a phenomenon that has grown since the pandemic and shows no signs of slowing.

As India’s travel trends for March 2025 unfold, the importance of spiritual tourism and cultural exploration is clear. With destinations like Vrindavan, Mathura, and Varanasi leading the way, the domestic travel market is witnessing a growing demand for experiences that go beyond the typical beach holiday or urban getaway. This shift is likely to shape the future of India’s tourism industry, creating new opportunities for service providers to tailor their offerings to the evolving preferences of travelers.