India’s Travel Trends 2025: Spiritual Tourism Dominates Google’s Year in Search

Travel in 2025 has reached unprecedented heights, with Indians increasingly chasing experiences rather than just destinations. Google’s annual India Year in Search 2025 report reveals the evolving wanderlust of Indian travellers, highlighting a clear shift toward spiritual tourism alongside traditional leisure escapes.

Maha Kumbh Mela Tops Travel Searches

The most-searched travel query in India this year was the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, an event that occurs once every 144 years. Its prominence was not just limited to travel searches — it also ranked high in News Events and Overall Trending Searches, reflecting its profound impact on Indian society.

Experts say the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela has been a game-changer for spiritual tourism, attracting younger generations and positioning India on the global spiritual-tourism map.

“Earlier, spiritual tourism was seen as something primarily for the elderly. But the 2025 Maha Kumbh has drawn younger visitors, forging a lifelong bond with India’s spiritual traditions,” said Dr. Vikram Kamat, chairman and managing director of The VITS Kamats Group.

The event also encouraged travellers to explore other spiritual destinations such as Varanasi, Rishikesh, Bodh Gaya, and Somnath, the latter securing the ninth spot on the trending list.

International Destinations Remain Popular

While spiritual tourism soared, beach escapes and tropical getaways continued to captivate Indian travellers. Top international destinations included:

• Philippines – 2nd

• Georgia – 3rd

• Phu Quoc, Vietnam – 6th

• Phuket, Thailand – 7th

• Maldives – 8th

Georgia’s charm, with its postcard-worthy monasteries, European-style streets, and rich culinary heritage, kept it high on the list, as it did in 2024. Similarly, Kashmir (5th) and Pondicherry (10th) also remained consistent favourites.

A New Era of Experiential Travel

The 2025 data highlights a broader trend: Indians are increasingly valuing cultural and spiritual experiences, rather than just leisure tourism. Digital platforms and guided tours have made spiritual destinations more accessible, encouraging a younger demographic to engage with India’s heritage.

As the year concludes, it’s clear that India’s travellers are seeking meaningful journeys, blending spirituality, culture, and adventure, both within the country and abroad.