2027 Travel Trends: 5 Ways Indian Travellers Are Planning Their Holidays

Travel plans are beginning to look a little different as Indians move beyond the usual holiday hotspots. While popular destinations continue to draw crowds, there is a growing interest in places that offer a relaxing escape, outdoor experiences and opportunities to connect with local culture. For some, that could mean trading a crowded hill station for a lesser-known mountain town. For others, it could be taking a few extra days off to explore a destination at a slower pace or planning a trip around a spiritual experience.

This changing approach to travel is reflected in Agoda's 2027 Asia Travel Pulse, which identifies five key trends expected to shape travel across the region in the coming year. Based on a survey of more than 3,300 travellers across 11 Asian markets, the findings reveal that Indian travellers are particularly interested in offbeat destinations, adventure-led holidays and spiritual journeys. They are also showing a preference for longer breaks and accommodation benefits that offer better value for money.

Here are five travel trends that could shape how Indians explore in 2027.

Offbeat Destinations Are Becoming The Preferred Choice

Travelling to a popular destination has its appeal, but more Indians are now looking beyond the usual tourist circuit. Whether it is discovering a peaceful mountain town, exploring a small heritage settlement or spending time in a lesser-known coastal destination, the idea of finding somewhere different is gaining ground.

According to Agoda's report, 55 per cent of Indian travellers are likely to visit a lesser-known destination in 2027. This is considerably higher than the Asia average of 36 per cent, making Indians the most likely travellers in the region to venture off the beaten path.

The growing interest could also mean more attention for destinations that are often overlooked in favour of established tourist centres. Instead of heading straight to crowded holiday hotspots, travellers may increasingly consider smaller towns and lesser-explored regions that offer a different perspective on a place.

Outdoor Adventures Are Driving Travel Plans

For many travellers, a holiday is no longer just about sightseeing or spending time at a hotel. Getting outdoors, trying something adventurous and experiencing a destination through its natural surroundings are becoming important reasons to travel.

Agoda's findings show that 42 per cent of Indian travellers identify outdoor adventures and activities as a key motivation for taking a trip. This places India among the highest in Asia for adventure-led travel.

The trend reflects an interest in holidays that involve more than simply visiting popular attractions. Trekking through mountain trails, camping under the stars, exploring forests, cycling through countryside routes and trying water-based activities are some of the experiences that could feature more prominently in travel plans.

India's diverse landscapes, from the Himalayas and Western Ghats to its coastlines and forest regions, offer plenty of opportunities for such holidays. As travellers look for more immersive experiences, destinations that combine natural beauty with outdoor activities could find themselves attracting greater attention.

Spiritual Journeys Are Finding More Travellers

Travel has always had a strong spiritual connection in India, with pilgrimages and religious journeys forming an important part of the country's travel culture. However, the latest findings suggest that spiritual travel continues to hold considerable appeal, particularly among Indian travellers.

According to Agoda, 14 per cent of Indian respondents cited spiritual and religious journeys as a travel motivation. This is three and a half times the Asia average of four per cent, making India the highest in the region for this category.

The interest is also visible in accommodation searches. Agoda's 2026 search data, compared with the same period in 2025, recorded a 195 per cent increase in searches for Pushkar, particularly around Holi. Dharamshala followed with a 154 per cent rise, while Leh saw an increase of 143 per cent.

These destinations offer different experiences, from the religious and cultural atmosphere of Pushkar to the Buddhist heritage of Dharamshala and the monasteries and spiritual landscapes of Leh. Their growing popularity points to an interest in journeys that go beyond conventional sightseeing.

As Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, put it, "Indian travelers are becoming more intentional about how they explore the world, seeking unique experiences through offbeat destinations, outdoor adventures and spiritual journeys, while also opting for longer stays."

Longer Holidays Are Gaining Popularity

A quick weekend getaway may be convenient, but more travellers are considering taking longer breaks to make the most of their holidays. Rather than squeezing several experiences into a short trip, the idea of spending more time in one destination is gaining appeal.

Agoda's survey found that 26 per cent of Indian travellers expect most of their trips in 2027 to last between eight and 12 days. This is considerably higher than the Asia average of 15 per cent.

Longer holidays allow travellers to explore a destination beyond its main attractions. They can spend more time discovering neighbourhoods, trying local food, visiting nearby towns and experiencing the everyday culture of a place. It also makes it easier to combine different experiences within one trip, whether that means a mountain holiday followed by a few days in a nearby city or a road trip through multiple destinations.

The preference for longer stays could also encourage travellers to look at destinations that require more time to explore, rather than limiting their plans to short, activity-packed breaks.

Complimentary Breakfast Is A Big Deal For Indian Travellers

When choosing accommodation, location, room quality and amenities are usually important considerations. But for Indian travellers, one particular hotel benefit appears to carry considerable weight: complimentary breakfast.

Agoda's survey found that 13 per cent of Indian travellers consider complimentary breakfast the most important perk in accommodation loyalty programmes. This is more than three times the Asia average of four per cent.

It may seem like a small addition to a hotel stay, but breakfast can make a difference to the overall travel experience, particularly for families and those travelling on a budget. Having the first meal of the day included offers convenience and helps travellers manage their holiday expenses.

The finding also highlights how Indian travellers are looking beyond the room rate when comparing accommodation options. Added benefits, practical conveniences and overall value are likely to remain important when making booking decisions.

What These Trends Mean For Travel In 2027

Taken together, Agoda's findings suggest that Indian travellers are looking for holidays that offer more than just a change of scenery. They want to discover unfamiliar places, spend time outdoors, explore spiritual destinations and take longer breaks. At the same time, practical considerations such as accommodation costs and complimentary benefits continue to influence their choices.

As Malik pointed out, "Value, convenience and overall travel costs remain key considerations," for Indian travellers.

With lesser-known destinations attracting greater interest and experiences becoming an important part of holiday planning, 2027 could see more Indians stepping away from the usual tourist circuit and finding new ways to explore.

FAQs