India’s Holiday Travel Demand Doubles as Winter Destinations Lead

Mumbai: With Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, India’s travel sector is witnessing record demand, as both flight and bus searches surge this December. According to ixigo Flights, international bookings are up 40–45% year-on-year, while domestic searches have risen 45–50% month-on-month. AbhiBus data shows bus searches have more than doubled year-on-year, reflecting strong demand for mountain escapes, leisure spots, and spiritual journeys.

Winter Destinations Dominate

Cooler getaways are driving the year-end travel rush. Srinagar has seen over 100% MoM growth in flight searches, while Dehradun (54%) and Jammu (39%) also recorded sharp increases. Bus routes into North India’s winter belts are booming, with Mussoorie, Manali, and Dehradun each reporting over 100% YoY growth. Combined flight and bus trends show mountains are nearly five times more in demand than beaches this season.

Coastal & City Escapes Hold Steady

Despite the mountain surge, beaches remain popular. Goa flight searches rose 67% MoM, supported by a 30–35% YoY rise in bus searches. Other destinations such as Port Blair (38% MoM), Udaipur (32%), and Jaipur (24%) continue to attract travelers. Bus searches to Vizag are also up 55–60% YoY.

International Travel Surges

Short-haul Southeast Asian destinations lead the international surge. Bali bookings more than doubled YoY, while Sri Lanka (63%), Thailand (37%), Singapore (36%), and Vietnam (23%) saw strong growth, aided by relaxed visa rules and attractive fares. Emerging Middle Eastern and Central Asian hotspots are also rising, with Almaty, UAE, and Uzbekistan up 40–42% YoY, followed by Qatar (35%) and Oman (32%).

Spiritual Journeys Gain Momentum

Religious travel is seeing robust demand. Flight bookings to Varanasi, Tirupati, and Ayodhya are up 25–30% YoY, while bus searches to temple towns including Srisailam, Bhadrachalam, Tirupati, Kurnool, and Kadapa have grown 50–55% YoY.

Industry Perspective

“Indians are embracing diverse winter escapes more than ever, from mountain retreats and coastal getaways to spiritual journeys and emerging international hotspots,” said Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO, ixigo. “Improved connectivity, favourable winter climates, and holiday offers are making Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia strong alternatives, reflecting a growing appetite for unique, offbeat holidays this season.