Winter Travel Surge 2025: Mountains Outshine Beaches

The year-end holiday season in India is shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular for travel enthusiasts. With Christmas lights twinkling and New Year parties on the horizon, Indians are heading out in droves, seeking a change of scenery, a breath of fresh air, and a well-deserved escape from the daily grind. From snowy peaks to sun-kissed beaches, the data suggests that this December, the mountains are calling louder than ever.

According to ixigo, international flight bookings are up by 40-45 per cent year-on-year, while domestic searches in December alone have surged 45-50 per cent month-on-month. Meanwhile, AbhiBus reports that bus searches have crossed 100 per cent YoY, signaling a remarkable appetite for both short-haul road trips and longer airborne adventures.

India Chases Chill

It’s the cooler destinations that are dominating holiday itineraries. Srinagar, the jewel of Kashmir, is seeing flight searches skyrocket over 100 per cent month-on-month, a clear indicator that winter landscapes, houseboats, and snow-laden vistas are high on travellers’ wish lists. Dehradun and Jammu are also riding this wave, with flight searches up 54 per cent and 39 per cent respectively, while bus routes into North India’s winter belts—Mussoorie, Manali, and Dehradun—are witnessing more than 100 per cent YoY growth.

Mountains are nearly five times more in demand than beaches this season, revealing a clear shift in preferences. The lure of crisp air, scenic treks, and cosy hilltop stays seems to be winning over sunbathing and coastal holidays this December. For travellers seeking both adventure and respite, these northern escapes offer a perfect mix of tranquility and exhilaration.

Coastal Cities Steady

While the mountains dominate, coastal and city destinations are far from neglected. Goa continues to be a perennial favourite, with December flight searches up 67 per cent month-on-month and bus searches climbing 30-35 per cent YoY. The appeal of sun, sand, and laid-back luxury ensures that this beach haven maintains its spot on the top of travellers’ lists.

Other cities are also seeing significant traction. Port Blair is up 38 per cent, Udaipur 32 per cent, and Jaipur 24 per cent in December flight searches, while bus travel to Visakhapatnam (Vizag) has increased by 55-60 per cent YoY. This trend reflects a broader desire for diverse experiences: some travellers are chasing mountain vistas, while others are drawn to cultural richness, heritage stays, or a few days lounging by the sea.

International Getaways Rising

Indians are also broadening their horizons beyond domestic borders. Southeast Asian favourites and emerging Middle Eastern and Central Asian destinations are topping holiday itineraries. Bali leads the charge with over 100 per cent YoY growth in bookings, followed by Sri Lanka (63 per cent), Thailand (37 per cent), Singapore (36 per cent), and Vietnam (23 per cent). Low visa hassles, competitive airfares, and the promise of quick beach escapes are making these destinations irresistible for a festive-season getaway.

Meanwhile, newer hotspots are rising fast. The UAE, Qatar, Oman, Almaty, and Uzbekistan are witnessing YoY growth of 32-42 per cent in bookings, suggesting a growing appetite for value-driven, offbeat international trips. The trend points to a diversification in travel choices, where the allure of familiar sun-and-sand experiences is being balanced by curiosity for emerging destinations and cultural exploration.

Spiritual travel is also seeing its moment. Flight bookings to Varanasi, Tirupati, and Ayodhya are up 25-30 per cent YoY, while bus searches to temple towns like Srisailam, Bhadrachalam, Tirupati, Kurnool, and Kadapa have grown by 50-55 per cent YoY. Winter, it seems, is not only for scenic escapes but also for journeys of introspection, devotion, and pilgrimage.

Escapes In Demand

As we hurtle toward the end of 2025, one thing is clear: winter travel is no longer just about the snow, sand, or spirituality in isolation. Today’s holidaymakers are seeking variety, spontaneity, and a touch of novelty. Mountains may have edged out beaches this December, but the choices across domestic and international destinations ensure that there’s something for every traveller, mood, and festive aspiration.

With bookings, searches, and wanderlust surging, it seems this December, India—and Indians—are taking off like never before.

FAQs

1. Which destinations are seeing the highest travel demand this December?
Srinagar, Dehradun, Jammu, Mussoorie, and Manali are leading domestic searches, with Goa and Jaipur also popular.

2. How much have domestic flight searches grown for December?
Domestic flight searches have risen 45-50 per cent month-on-month, reflecting a strong year-end travel surge.

3. Are bus travels also increasing this holiday season?
Yes, bus searches have crossed 100 per cent YoY, especially to North India’s hill stations and temple towns.

4. Which international destinations are trending for Indian travellers?
Southeast Asia tops the list with Bali, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam, along with emerging Middle East and Central Asia hotspots.

5. Is spiritual travel popular during the festive season?
Absolutely. Flights to Varanasi, Tirupati, Ayodhya and bus trips to Srisailam, Bhadrachalam, Kurnool, and Kadapa are seeing 25-55% YoY growth.