Where Are Indians Travelling This Diwali? 8 Destinations Seeing A Festive Travel Boom

Diwali has traditionally meant returning home, meeting family and celebrating with familiar faces. But for an increasing number of Indians, the festive break is also an opportunity to pack a suitcase and head somewhere new. Whether it is a few days by the beach, a heritage holiday, or an international city break, the long festive weekend is bringing a fresh set of travel plans.

According to Booking.com's latest accommodation search data, Indian travellers are looking at a mix of domestic and international destinations for the Diwali period, with travel searches for November 6-14, 2026, revealing an interesting shift in holiday preferences. Udaipur leads the domestic rankings, followed by Goa and Jaipur, while Bangkok tops the international list. Asian destinations dominate overseas searches, accounting for eight of the top 10 international choices.

From Rajasthan's historic cities to Southeast Asia's lively capitals, here are eight destinations attracting Indian travellers this Diwali.

Udaipur, India

Udaipur takes the top spot among India's most-searched domestic destinations for the Diwali period. Known for its lakes, palaces, and old-world architecture, the Rajasthan city makes a compelling choice for travellers looking to combine a festive break with a heritage holiday. The City Palace, Lake Pichola, and the narrow lanes of the old city provide plenty to explore over a few days. Couples, families and groups are all showing interest in Udaipur, according to Booking.com's findings, making it a destination with broad festive appeal. For those who would rather trade the usual city celebrations for a few days amid Rajasthan's royal architecture and lakeside scenery, Udaipur is clearly on the radar this year.

Goa, India

Goa remains a festive-season favourite, coming in second among the most-searched domestic destinations. Its appeal stretches beyond the familiar beach holiday, with travellers able to choose between North Goa's lively beach stretches and South Goa's quieter coastal settings. Days can be spent exploring beaches, sampling local seafood, visiting Portuguese-era neighbourhoods or simply enjoying the coastal atmosphere. With its mix of beachside accommodation, restaurants and nightlife, Goa is particularly suited to couples and groups planning a Diwali getaway. Its position near the top of the rankings also reflects the continued popularity of leisure-led domestic holidays during India's festive season.

Jaipur, India

Jaipur ranks third in Booking.com's domestic search rankings, bringing Rajasthan's architectural heritage into the festive travel conversation. The Pink City makes an interesting choice for travellers who want a holiday built around history, shopping and local food. Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and the City Palace offer a glimpse into the region's royal past, while the city's bazaars are known for textiles, jewellery, handicrafts and traditional Rajasthani products. Jaipur also attracts a balanced mix of couples, families and groups, according to the report. With its heritage hotels, colourful markets and distinctive food culture, the city offers plenty to fill a short festive break.

Varanasi, India

For travellers seeking a holiday with a spiritual dimension, Varanasi is among the leading choices this Diwali. Ranked fourth in the domestic search list, the ancient city on the banks of the Ganga continues to draw interest from visitors looking to explore India's religious and cultural traditions. The ghats, temple-lined lanes and evening Ganga aarti are central to its appeal. A walk along the riverfront, a boat ride at sunrise and a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple can form the heart of a short visit. Booking.com's findings also indicate that heritage and spiritual destinations such as Varanasi attract interest from couples, families and groups, making it a popular choice across different kinds of travellers.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok leads Booking.com's international destination rankings for Diwali 2026, making Thailand's capital the most-searched overseas choice among Indian travellers for the period. The city's combination of shopping, food, nightlife and cultural attractions makes it a natural fit for a short international holiday. You can explore ornate temples, browse its bustling markets, sample Thai street food, and spend evenings around its lively entertainment districts. Bangkok is particularly popular among couples and groups, according to the report, with its culinary scene and nightlife contributing to its appeal. Its position at the top of the international list also reflects the growing preference for short-haul Asian holidays during the festive break.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai comes second in the international rankings and continues to attract searches from a wide range of Indian travellers. The city has built its appeal around a mix of modern attractions, shopping, entertainment and family-friendly experiences. Spend time around Downtown Dubai, explore the traditional markets of Old Dubai, visit the city's waterfront districts, or plan an excursion into the desert. Its shopping destinations and varied dining scene also make it an attractive choice during the festive period. Booking.com's findings show that Dubai appeals across traveller categories, including couples, families and groups, making it one of the more versatile overseas choices for Indians planning a Diwali holiday.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo ranks third among the most-searched international destinations, offering Indian travellers a chance to experience a city where contemporary urban life and centuries-old traditions coexist. From the busy crossings and shopping streets of Shibuya to the temples and traditional neighbourhoods of Asakusa, the Japanese capital has plenty to explore. Visitors can also spend time discovering its food culture, museums, gardens and distinctive shopping districts. Tokyo's broad appeal is reflected in Booking.com's findings, which identify it as a popular choice across traveller types, particularly families. For those looking to use the festive break for a longer cultural exploration, Tokyo provides a different kind of international holiday from the more familiar short-haul beach and nightlife destinations.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket rounds off the eight destinations, ranking fifth in Booking.com's international search list. Thailand's largest island is a popular choice for travellers looking to combine a beach holiday with island excursions, water-based activities and evenings by the coast. Patong is known for its nightlife and busy beach scene, while areas such as Kata and Karon provide other settings for a coastal getaway. Travellers can also plan boat trips to nearby islands and spend time exploring the island's markets, temples and Old Town. According to the report, Phuket's international appeal is driven primarily by couples and groups, who are drawn to its beaches, nightlife and holiday atmosphere.

The latest search data points to a growing appetite for holidays that bring people together. While heritage and spiritual destinations such as Udaipur, Jaipur and Varanasi continue to attract interest, leisure-led choices such as Goa and Phuket are also finding favour. Internationally, the preference for short-haul Asian destinations is particularly evident, with eight of the top 10 overseas choices falling within the Asia-Pacific region.

Booking.com also notes that Indian travellers are increasingly considering spontaneous getaways, micro-vacations and accommodation suited to group and family travel. Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia, Booking.com, said that travellers were becoming more intentional about shared experiences, with Gen Z showing interest in offbeat island escapes and multi-generational families looking at spacious holiday homes.

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