India has officially fallen in love with winter travel. According to Airbnb’s 2025 Winter Travel Trends Survey, the colder months have become the country’s most cherished time to explore, unwind and reconnect. Flexible work schedules, the rise of hybrid lifestyles and a growing appetite for meaningful experiences are redefining how, and when, India travels.
According to the survey, 55% of Indian travellers plan winter trips every year, signalling how winter has evolved as one of the country’s favourite travel seasons for exploration and downtime. This rising trend and traveller behavior in part is fuelled by favourable cooler weather, scenic winter landscapes, better value during winter months.
What’s motivating Indians to travel in winter?
Indians are travelling in winter not just for holidays, but also to unwind and relax:
- Almost 30% of respondents said they travel to celebrate the seasonal holidays.
- Nearly 30% cited they travel to relax.
- Almost 20% travel to discover seasonal or cultural experiences available during winter.
GenZ and Millennials are redefining winter wanderlust
- Nearly half of all winter travellers come from GenZ and Millennial cohorts, choosing winter travel for its comfort, cooler weather and more scenic landscapes.
How are Indians preferring to travel?
Indians continue to prioritize travel with their closest circles:
- Almost 50% travel with their partner or spouse.
- One-third travel with friends.
- Almost 30% plan trips with multi-generational families.
This reflects how travel for Indians remains deeply social and communal. This preference for shared experiences is further fuelling demand for larger homes, villas, and unique stays that bring people together – a trend that continues to define Airbnb’s growth in India.
Where Indians want to travel this winter
Airbnb’s internal search data shows that Indians are opting for destinations that offer warmth, nature and culture. Goa and Kerala continue to shine as top choices, with places like Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, South Goa and Kochi drawing strong traveller interest for their beaches, cafés, and coastal calm.
In the hills, Manali stands out as a major winter favourite, while Mussoorie and Rishikesh remain classic escapes known for their panoramic views, crisp weather, and outdoor experiences.
Culturally rich cities such as Udaipur and Jaipur continue to pull travellers seeking heritage and immersive local stories. Meanwhile, rising interest in Varanasi and Vrindavan signals a growing curiosity among younger Indian travellers for spiritual-leisure journeys that blend reflection with exploration.
“The way India travels is rapidly changing.” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Head – Airbnb India and Southeast Asia. “Today’s travellers are seeking experiences that are spontaneous, expressive, and immersive. From Goa’s beaches and Kerala’s backwaters to mountain getaways in Manali and Mussoorie and the cultural heritage of Udaipur and Jaipur, we’re seeing Indians explore their own country in new and meaningful ways. As this shift gathers pace, Airbnb is focused on helping people discover homes and hosts that make every journey feel personal, inspiring, and true to the spirit of where they travel.”
As India’s travel landscape continues to evolve, the findings from Airbnb’s 2025 Winter Travel Trends Survey underscore how travel is fast becoming an essential part of everyday life – it’s now a form of expression connecting loved ones to discover parts of India, and the world. With travellers seeking stays that combine comfort, design, and a sense of belonging, Airbnb remains committed to supporting this growing culture of meaningful, flexible travel across India.
Survey methodology
The 2025 Winter Travel Trends Survey – India surveyed 2,155 respondents nationwide between13–20 October 2025. The findings highlight evolving travel preferences, motivations, and accommodation choices for the upcoming December–February season, underscoring the growing role of younger travellers and shared experiences in shaping India’s tourism landscape.
