Indian travellers are keen to explore in the 2026 late summer travel season, with distinct choices based on group size, according to a new travel report.
Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest accommodation search data highlights that metropolitan cities continue to feature prominently in solo travellers’ searches, reflecting an interest in flexibility, urban experiences, and independent travel.
Meanwhile, group travellers are searching for hill stations, pilgrimage destinations, and leisure escapes, pointing to trips centred around shared experiences, relaxation, and spending time with family and friends.
Solo travellers balance urban experiences with cultural and nature-led escapes
Metropolitan cities continued to appear across solo traveller destinations of interest, based on accommodation searches – Mumbai and New Delhi occupy the top two positions, reflecting their appeal as destinations offering accessibility, vibrant food and nightlife, and the flexibility to explore independently.
Udaipur, with its lakeside palaces and walkable old city, continues to appeal to those seeking heritage experiences, while Tirupati reflects steady demand for solo pilgrimage travel to one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Leh, Munnar and Srinagar highlight growing interest in Himalayan landscapes, tea-country retreats and houseboat stays for travellers seeking slower-paced, solo scenic experiences.
Together, these shifts show that solo travellers are balancing fast-paced city breaks with heritage, spiritual and nature-focused experiences, reflecting a desire for journeys that combine exploration with personal enrichment, mindfulness, and meaningful cultural connections.
Group travellers prioritise shared experiences across nature, leisure, and spiritual destinations
Puri reflects its enduring appeal as a coastal pilgrimage destination centred around the Jagannath Temple, while Rishikesh, Haridwar and Ujjain underscore sustained interest in destinations with spiritual and cultural significance.
Hill stations including Nainital, Mussoorie and Shimla continue to attract families and groups seeking cooler climates and mountain escapes. Meanwhile, Wayanad points to growing interest in nature-based destinations that offer a slower, more relaxed pace of travel.
Overall, the data highlights a preference for destinations that cater to shared experiences, whether through scenic escapes, spiritual journeys, or leisurely getaways. These choices reflect a growing desire to spend quality time together, create lasting memories, and enjoy experiences that appeal to travellers across different age groups and interests.
Gaurav Malik, country director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at the digital travel platform said, “Travel preferences are becoming increasinglys personal, with solo travellers drawn to destinations that offer relaxation, self-discovery and flexibility and groups continuing to favour places to create shared memories. What stands out is also Goa’s enduring appeal, emerging as a top choice for both solo travellers and groups alike.”
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