Travel to India is heating up ahead of the Diwali festive season, with domestic and international interest surging sharply, according to recent data from digital travel platform Agoda. The company reports a 24% overall increase in searches for travel to India during Diwali week, reflecting both strong domestic activity and a rapid rebound in international markets.
Domestic Travel Leads, International Demand Grows Faster
While domestic travel remains the primary driver, with searches within India up 18%, the pace of growth in international inquiries is particularly notable. Inbound searches from overseas travelers jumped 67% year-on-year, highlighting India’s expanding appeal as a cultural and experiential travel destination.
Asia and Emerging Long-Haul Markets Fuel Growth
Agoda’s data identifies strong interest from across Asia and other emerging long-haul markets. Among the top international markets, South Korea recorded an unprecedented surge, with searches for India growing more than 45 times compared to last year. Southeast Asian markets also showed significant increases, including Thailand, which nearly doubled its search volume, and Malaysia, which rose 25%.
Beyond the Asia-Pacific region, the United Arab Emirates recorded an 87% rise in searches, while the United States saw a 28% increase, demonstrating India’s broadening appeal across both regional and long-haul travelers.
Goa Tops Destination Preferences
In terms of specific destinations, travelers are gravitating toward locations that offer a mix of cultural heritage and festive ambiance. Goa emerged as the most searched destination during Diwali, followed by Rajasthan’s culturally rich cities—Udaipur and Jaipur—which recorded search increases of 49% and 46%, respectively.
Major metropolitan hubs also remain popular. Searches for New Delhi doubled year-on-year, while Mumbai recorded an 18% rise, underscoring the continued importance of urban centers during the festival period.
Cultural Festivals Driving Travel Trends
Diwali’s enduring appeal lies not only in its symbolic celebration of light but also in the immersive cultural experiences it offers. Travelers are seeking authentic exposure to India’s heritage, traditional cuisine, and family-oriented festivities.
Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, remarked:
“It’s wonderful to see so many international visitors eager to experience the unique cultural festivals that India has to offer. Diwali, with its traditions of light, community, and celebration, provides an unmatched opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in India’s rich cultural fabric. What’s particularly exciting is the emergence of newer source markets such as South Korea, alongside consistent demand from regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These insights reflect how cultural travel resonates across borders and how India is increasingly recognized as a vibrant, welcoming destination for diverse global audiences.”
With these trends, the upcoming Diwali season is poised to be a pivotal period for India’s tourism sector, bridging domestic enthusiasm with an expanding international footprint.
