Indian travellers are redefining monsoon travel by prioritising experiences over destinations, according to new accommodation search data from Booking.com. Reflecting the platform’s Travel Predictions 2026 theme, the “Era of You”, travellers are increasingly selecting destinations that align with their personal interests, lifestyles and travel aspirations.
While Mumbai, Bengaluru and New Delhi remain among the most searched domestic destinations for travel between July and August 2026, search patterns indicate growing demand for destinations offering wellness, spirituality, outdoor experiences and cultural exploration.
Rishikesh recorded one of the strongest gains, rising from 18th to third position among the most searched domestic destinations, with searches increasing by more than 200 per cent year-on-year. Mussoorie also climbed significantly, moving from 22nd to sixth place and registering more than 160 per cent growth in searches.
Hill destinations including Ooty, Kodaikanal and Darjeeling also witnessed increased interest, reflecting travellers’ preference for cooler climates and nature-based experiences during the monsoon season. At the same time, Jaipur and Udaipur continued to rank among the most searched destinations, highlighting sustained demand for heritage and cultural tourism experiences.
The top 10 most searched domestic destinations were Mumbai, Bengaluru, Rishikesh, New Delhi, Jaipur, Mussoorie, Chennai, Kolkata, Udaipur and Hyderabad.
Internationally, Indian travellers continue to balance established global favourites with destinations offering diverse cultural and lifestyle experiences. London, Singapore, Paris, Bali and New York ranked among the most searched international destinations, while destinations across Asia accounted for half of the top 10 list.
Japan continued to gain traction among Indian travellers, with Tokyo rising from 12th to eighth position in the rankings. Interest in Indonesia also remained strong, particularly across Bali’s distinct travel hubs. While Ubud maintained its position among the most searched destinations, Seminyak and Canggu recorded notable year-on-year ranking improvements, reflecting travellers’ growing preference for varied experiences within the same destination.
The top 10 most searched international destinations were London, Singapore, Paris, Bali, New York, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo, Amsterdam and Berlin.
Commenting on the trends, Santosh Kumar, Regional Head, South Asia at Booking.com, said: “This monsoon season, Indian travellers are looking beyond traditional seasonal escapes and increasingly choosing destinations that reflect their individual travel interests and aspirations. The growing popularity of destinations such as Rishikesh and Bali reflects a broader shift toward experience-led travel; whether it’s relaxation and wellness, cultural immersion, adventure, or simply taking time to slow down and reconnect. At Booking.com, we remain committed to making it easier for travellers to search and book the stays and experiences that bring their ideal trip to life.”
