Indians Embracing Off-the-Beaten Foreign Destinations
Indians are traveling more frequently and seeking unique experiences abroad. A report by MakeMyTrip reveals a growing interest in lesser-known destinations such as Hong Kong, Almaty, Paro, Baku, Da Nang, and Tbilisi, which have seen a significant increase in searches in 2023.
Despite the rise of these new attractions, Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore remain the top three most searched foreign destinations. For long-haul travel, London, Toronto, and New York continue to be the most sought-after locations.
Spiritual Tourism on the Rise
Within India, spiritual destinations like Ayodhya, Ujjain, and Badrinath have experienced a surge in travel inquiries. Spiritual tourism-related searches have increased by 97% in 2023 compared to 2021, with a significant rise in tier-2 and -3 cities. Ayodhya, considered the birthplace of Lord Rama, has witnessed a 585% increase in searches, while Ujjain and Badrinath have seen 359% and 343% growth, respectively.
Weekend Getaways Remain Popular
Weekend getaways continue to be a popular trend, with Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand leading the way with a 131% increase in searches in 2023. Hill stations like Ooty and Munnar also remain popular choices for short breaks within India.
