As we look back at 2025 one thing becomes evident - Indians have rekindled their travel spirit in a new rather welcome manner. 2025 was all about slow travel quiet experiences cultural tourism and away-from-the-crowds getaways. Yes there were tourists in metro cities and mainstream hill stations but the major crowd-pullers in 2025 were spiritually and naturally-rich destinations. After analysing this year-end travel trend lists here are the top five Indian places travellers fell in love with in 2025.

1. Kashmir : The Undisputed King Returns

The most-loved destination of 2025 by Indians has to be Kashmir without a doubt. Among the Valley of Kashmir there has been an unprecedented increase in travel to lesser-known destinations such as Sonmarg Aru Valley Gurez Daksum and Doodhpathri compared to more commercialised options. Bursting with snow-capped mountains flower-laden meadows and sparkling rivers Kashmir provided travellers with the much-needed release from city stress.




Instagram reels of snow-covered landscapes tulip gardens houseboats and even skiing on Dal Lake only added to Kashmir’s popularity this year. Kashmir continues to be on everyone’s travel wishlist as the “Paradise on Earth” lived up to its name once again in 2025.

2. Rural Rajasthan : Simple Luxury & Cultural Charm

It’s no surprise that Rajasthan was among the most visited states in 2025. But the true highlights of the state this year were the rural Rajasthan experiences that gave tourists a sense of a cultural connection and immersion. Destinations like Khimsar Osian Barmer and village clusters around Jaisalmer saw an uptick in visitors seeking offbeat yet culturally-rich travel experiences.



Photographers and slow travellers preferred camel safaris in empty dunes and sandstone villages. From listening to folk music around a bonfire in the desert to authentic Marwari cuisine in a traditional home visitors enjoyed rustic Rajasthan as never before. A travel trend for the year 2025 in rural Rajasthan was all about minimalistic meaningful experiences.

3. Prayagraj & Varanasi : Back with a bang

The grand and historic Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 made a comeback in Prayagraj in a big way. The year saw a festival-like atmosphere with lakhs of tourists pilgrims and photographers flocking to the city for one of the largest gatherings of faith humanity and culture at the confluence of the Ganga Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at Triveni Sangam.



Varanasi of course also gained a lot of visitors in the last quarter of the year as a spiritual extension to any Kumbh trip. Waking up to the chanting sounds in ancient temples. Sipping kadha (medicinal tea) at sunset. Eating papri chaat and lazing by the ghats. Varanasi was like magic for many tourists in 2025.

The cultural and spiritual tourism in and around Prayagraj and Varanasi not only reigned but it also opened up a new form of travel and connected people to a deeper level encouraging self-awareness and positivity.

4. Vrindavan - Govardhan : Destination Love

An unexpected and beautiful travel trend in 2025 was the popularity that Vrindavan and Govardhan garnered across age groups. The cities which are well-known for their temples and ashrams along with their deep spiritual and devotional environment became weekend getaways for Indians who wanted to take a break from their hectic lives.



Govardhan Parikrama also gained more popularity among those who wanted to reboot themselves and rediscover their faith. Colourful celebrations of festivals in the cities lively street food serene ghats and melodious bhajans created an emotional atmosphere in Vrindavan and Govardhan. Instagram reels of devotional music and temple views only made the destinations a major hit among Indian travellers this year.

5. Meghalaya: Nature’s Undisputed Favourite

The most favourite place to visit for nature-lovers in India was a state that provided a lot in 2025 - Meghalaya. The place with its foggy hills a number of waterfalls living root bridges clear rivers and verdant forests was a traveller’s dream. From Cherrapunji and Dawki to Mawlynnong Shillong and Krang Suri Meghalaya welcomed record footfall.



Meghalaya is a perfect destination for slow travel as people hiked the hills camped near waterfalls drove through hazy hilly roads and engaged with the friendly local communities. Meghalaya showed this year how powerful and healing nature can be when unspoilt.

It is indeed wonderful to see Indians going back to travelling to these beautiful and spiritually-charged places and soul-stirring natural destinations. It looks like 2026 will continue to see this amazing trend of spiritual and nature tourism in India going strong!