Booking.com search data reveals where Indians are heading this Diwali and the traveller trends shaping festive getaways

INDIA, 02 November 2026:  With Diwali just around the corner, Indian travellers are gearing up to explore destinations both near and far. Latest search data from Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, highlights a dynamic mix of domestic and international choices this festive season, ranging from Rajasthan’s cultural heritage and Goa’s pristine beaches to short-haul Asian escapes like Bangkok and Tokyo.

Domestic travel: Leisure, Spirituality and Heritage Take Centre Stage

While major metropolitan hubs like Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru continue to see search volume for festive reunions and homecomings, Indian travellers are increasingly searching for leisure and spiritual retreats. Udaipur leads as the most-searched domestic destination for the Diwali period, followed by beach favorite Goa and the historic city of Jaipur.

Spiritual destinations also feature prominently in the rankings, with Varanasi (#4), Puri (#6) and Rishikesh (#7) making the top 10. Rounding out the list are scenic hill stations and coastal retreats, including Munnar (#5), Puducherry (#8), Varkala (#9) and Ooty (#10).

Top 10 most-searched domestic destinations by Indian travellers travelling between 6 November and 14 November 2026, based on accommodation search data from Booking.com*

1. Udaipur
2. Goa
3. Jaipur
4. Varanasi
5. Munnar 
6. Puri
7. Rishikesh
8. Puducherry
9. Varkala
10. Ooty

Key Traveller Trends

• Metros Lead in Couple and Solo Searches: Cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru are primarily driven by solo travellers and couples.
• Heritage & Spiritual Hubs Offer Balanced Appeal: Udaipur, Jaipur, and Varanasi draw balanced interest across couples, families, and groups alike.
• Nature & Hill Stations Anchor Family Getaways: Destinations like Munnar and Puri are favoured by families and larger groups looking to unwind and spend quality time together.

International travel: Short-Haul Escapes and Island Getaways Take the Spotlight

International travel trends for the festive period highlight a rising preference for regional, short-haul getaways, with Asia-Pacific (APAC) destinations securing 8 of the top 10 rankings. Convenient flight connectivity and rich cultural experiences make Asian cities the top choice for festive international breaks.

Bangkok tops the list of most-searched international destinations, followed by Dubai (#2), 

Tokyo (#3), Singapore (#4), Phuket (#5), Phu Quoc (#6), and Hanoi (#8). Regional urban hubs Hong Kong (#9) and Kuala Lumpur (#10) round out APAC’s strong footprint in the rankings. Beyond the Asia-Pacific region, London (#7) stands out as the primary long-haul getaway for Indian travellers.

Top 10 most-searched international destinations by Indian travellers travelling between 6 November and 14 November 2026, based on accommodation search data from Booking.com*

1. Bangkok
2. Dubai
3. Tokyo
4. Singapore
5. Phuket
6. Phu Quoc 
7. London
8. Hanoi
9. Hong Kong
10. Kuala Lumpur

Key Traveller Trends

• Universal Appeal: Dubai, Tokyo, and Singapore attract searches across all traveller types, emerging as especially popular choices for family getaways.
• Couple and group-led escapes: Bangkok, Phuket, Phu Quoc, Hanoi and Hong Kong are driven primarily by couples and groups drawn to vibrant nightlife, beaches, culture and culinary scenes.

Stays built for sharing

To complement evolving festive travel patterns, Booking.com’s “Scene Set Hai” campaign celebrates the joy of shared experiences with family and friends. The limited-period campaign offers discounts of 15% or more on participating properties across India and international destinations, for bookings made between 28 September and 9 November 2026, for stays between 1 October 2026 and 7 January 2027.

Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia, Booking.com said, “We’re seeing a shift in how Indians approach holiday travel. It’s no longer just about taking a break, it’s about micro-vacations, spontaneous getaways and discovering unique local cultures together. Whether it’s Gen Z travellers seeking offbeat island escapes or multi-generational families booking spacious holiday homes, Indian travellers are becoming far more intentional about how they share these moments. Through campaigns like ‘Scene Set Hai,’ we want to make it effortless for travellers to come together, explore new destinations, and celebrate the spirit of the festival wherever they choose to be.”

Contact Details

For further information, contact the Booking.com India Press Office: IN-booking.com@alkimyxglobal.com

Methodology

*This data looks at search sessions between 01-09-2026 to 20-10-2026 on Booking.com, with check-in dates between 06-11-2026 to 14-11-2026. This is forward-looking data based on searches and is subject to change.

About Booking.com

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.