Shillong Emerges As The Top Destination For Indian Travellers In 2025

Meghalaya's capital city, Shillong, has captured the spotlight as the top travel destination for Indian tourists in 2025, outpacing global hotspots such as Azerbaijan's historic capital, Baku. This insight comes from Skyscanner's newly released "Travel Trends Report," which was made public recently. Notably, Shillong is the only Indian city to feature in this year's list, which highlights emerging destinations favoured by Indian travellers.

Dubbed the "Scotland of the East" for its lush landscapes, Shillong tops the list of sought-after destinations. Locations like Baku and Langkawi, Malaysia, follow closely behind, appreciated for their blend of relaxation and adventure. Other notable destinations that Indian travellers have shown increased interest in include Tromsø in Norway, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia. These choices underscore the trend of Indian tourists seeking diverse and unique experiences in less-travelled areas.

The report sheds light on travel priorities for 2025, with 66 per cent of respondents indicating a strong intent to increase their travel plans over the next year. Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner's travel and destinations expert, highlighted that Indian travellers are embracing more collective and meaningful travel experiences. "Cost remains a crucial factor in decision-making as travellers choose their next adventure," he noted, with hotel costs (65 per cent), flights (62 per cent), and food and drink prices (54 per cent) playing key roles in shaping itineraries.

The report also introduces a "Best Value Destinations" category, which spotlights destinations where airfare has dropped significantly over the last year. Leading this category is Almaty, Kazakhstan, with a remarkable 44 per cent reduction in airfare from India. Jakarta (27 per cent), Singapore (19 per cent), and Kuala Lumpur (19 per cent) are other destinations offering budget-friendly travel options, reflecting the growing trend among Indian tourists for value-driven travel.

In addition, the report highlights a surge in demand for experiences like live sports events, with 44 per cent of travellers aged 25 to 34 expressing interest. Nearly half (47 per cent) are also keen on immersive art experiences, reflecting an inclination towards unique, interactive travel moments. Major events, such as the Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi, have seen a notable spike in bookings, with a 188 per cent increase in flights booked ahead of the event on December 2.

With trends like "Gami-Vacation" and "Astro-adventures" gaining traction, the allure of gaming-inspired destinations and stargazing experiences has drawn substantial interest. Fifty-three per cent of Indian travellers desire to sleep under the Milky Way, underscoring a growing fascination with the cosmos.