By Anirban Dasgupta
India’s travel landscape has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years. Driven by evolving preferences, greater access to information, and an emphasis on personal experiences, the way Indians choose their travel destinations is changing in exciting ways. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most interesting travel trends shaping the journeys of Indian travellers today.
Accommodation-First Choices
Traditionally, the decision to travel was guided primarily by the appeal of a destination—its sights, culture, or climate.
But today, a striking 82% of Indian travellers say they have picked a destination purely based on the place of accommodation. This signals a shift from “Where should we go?” to “Where can we stay?”
Luxury boutique hotels, premium resorts, heritage properties, eco-friendly resorts, and unique stays—such as treehouses, overwater villas, and palace hotels—are now driving trip decisions. A beautifully designed stay offers more than just comfort; it becomes a central part of the travel experience itself. For example, travellers may visit Rajasthan specifically for the opportunity to stay in a restored haveli, or head to Kerala to experience a tranquil houseboat retreat. In a post-pandemic world, the quality, safety, and uniqueness of accommodation can often outweigh the allure of crowded tourist attractions.
Literature-Inspired Travel
A fascinating new trend is the rise of “book/story-inspired tourism,” with 84% of Indians booking and choosing destinations based on literature—whether through newspapers, magazines, or works of fiction and non-fiction. This reflects how storytelling and media influence imagination and wanderlust.
For some, this means visiting Kolkata after reading about its colonial charm in novels, while others might explore the serene landscapes of Shillong after seeing a vivid description in a travel magazine. Literary festivals, author trails, and historic sites mentioned in popular books are becoming tourism hotspots. For example, Ruskin Bond’s descriptions of the hills in Mussoorie and Haruki Murakami’s depictions of Japanese towns have led many readers to trace these magical settings in real life. Literature adds depth to travel, turning it into a journey through both a physical landscape and an imagined world.
The Rise of Personal Travel
Perhaps the most emotional and rewarding trend we are witnessing is how travel has become deeply personal. More and more Indians are travelling to spend meaningful time with loved ones—be it family, partners, parents, or close friends.
Post-pandemic priorities have reshaped the idea of a perfect getaway. For many, travel is no longer about ticking off famous landmarks or chasing elaborate itineraries; it’s about connection.
This could mean renting a mountain cabin with friends for long conversations over coffee, taking short weekend trips with parents to cherished destinations, or celebrating anniversaries at a remote beach.
Such personal travel often focuses on smaller groups, intimate experiences, and quality over quantity. Activities are planned to suit everyone’s comfort level—strolling through nature trails, enjoying traditional meals together, or experiencing local crafts. This trend highlights an important shift: modern Indian travellers are valuing time, memories, and relationships over rushing through tourist checklists.
What These Trends Tell Us
Taken together, these trends reflect a more thoughtful, experience-rich approach to travel in India. Unique accommodations are turning into destinations themselves; literature ( in it’s new integrated format with digital and print) is inspiring journeys that mix imagination with reality; and personal travel is ensuring deeper human connections.
The emphasis is moving from pure sightseeing to immersive, emotionally rewarding experiences. For travel businesses, this means offering storytelling in their marketing, highlighting distinctive stays, and catering to smaller, more intimate groups.
India’s travel landscape is entering an era where journeys are guided by inspiration, individuality, and intimacy. Whether it’s reading a book that sparks the desire to see a far-off town, finding a hotel so magical that it becomes the reason for the trip, or simply taking time to reconnect with loved ones, Indian travellers are redefining what “holiday” means.
In the end, it’s clear: the future of travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about why you go and who you go with.
Reference : Agoda survey, Skyscanner survey
