The wanderlust of Indian travellers is taking a turn closer to home. Instead of chasing far-off destinations, many are now seeking authenticity, culture, and personal connection within India. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 report reveals that places like Jorhat in Assam and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh are topping the charts, reflecting a growing appetite for journeys that are meaningful and rooted in heritage.Based on Skyscanner’s proprietary flight search data, tracking growth between January and June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, Jorhat recorded a staggering 493% year-on-year increase in flight searches, placing it at the very top. Varanasi followed closely with a 120% rise, securing the sixth spot among trending destinations. This rise of Jorhat and Varanasi is part of a larger trend Skyscanner calls “personal travel”, where trips are defined not just by wanderlust but by passion, purpose, and identity. As international travel recovers, Indians are rediscovering the richness within their own borders, combining heritage-focused itineraries with offbeat explorations.Read more: Is this Baltic country the easiest way to move to Europe? Check its residency perks“One in three Indian travellers are avoiding crowded, tourist-heavy spots in favour of authentic alternatives,” said Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert. The surge in searches for Jorhat and Varanasi, he notes, reflects a deepening curiosity for India’s cultural roots and an interest in travel experiences that feel personal and meaningful.
Jorhat: Assam’s cultural and eco-tourism hub
Jorhat is becoming a popular destination for tourists looking for peaceful yet culturally rich experiences. Jorhat, the cultural centre of Assam and the entry point to Majuli Island, the largest river island in the world, combines eco-tourism, environment, and heritage.
Its tea estates are a highlight, offering visitors sprawling greenery, plantation tours, and insights into Assam’s world-famous tea industry, including a visit to the Tocklai Tea Research Institute. Beyond tea, Jorhat is home to satras, Vaishnavite monasteries that showcase Assamese religious and artistic traditions. Eco-lodges and boutique stays now allow visitors to enjoy immersive, yet comfortable experiences. Majuli Island, accessible from Jorhat, adds another layer of attraction with its tribal communities, riverine landscapes, and cultural festivals, offering travellers authentic encounters that go beyond ordinary sightseeing.
Varanasi
Varanasi, long considered India’s spiritual heart, continues to charm travellers while evolving in how it is experienced. Once primarily a pilgrimage destination, the city now attracts younger visitors drawn to its layered cultural identity.
Heritage walks along the Ganga, boutique stays overlooking the ghats, and creative retreats combining art, spirituality, and gastronomy are reshaping the city’s appeal. Varanasi’s narrow lanes, vibrant markets, and age-old rituals provide a timeless backdrop, while contemporary experiences allow travellers to engage with the city in fresh, personal ways.Read more: From Gir National Park to Somnath Temple: Tracing President Murmu’s journey through Gujarat
Offbeat escapes are the new trend
Analysis of flight searches shows a clear shift toward soulful escapes off the beaten path, favouring destinations rich in culture, scenic beauty, and emerging global appeal. From Jorhat’s lush tea gardens to Varanasi’s heritage districts, Indian travellers are increasingly seeking depth, meaning, and cultural connection over conventional tourism. The growth of places like Varanasi and Jorhat indicates a resurgence of interest in domestic travel, where experiences are carefully chosen to speak to the traveler on a personal level. Nature, heritage, and culture are taking the stage, demonstrating that often the most memorable travel experiences are found closer to home.
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