Varanasi To Vietnam Tops Easter Travel Wishlist For Indians In 2026

Indian travellers are becoming more intentional about their travel, making the most of long weekends. With over half (53%) planning to take more domestic weekend getaways and 35% opting for international weekend trips in 2026, Booking.com, one of the world’s leading online travel platforms, reveals the top destinations defining this Easter break.

Domestic getaways: Purpose-led journeys meet seasonal escapes

From spiritual exploration to scenic retreats, Indian travellers are embracing diverse experiences this Easter long weekend. While Bengaluru and Mumbai remain top-searched hubs due to their logistical ease, Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Ooty feature among the top five most searched destinations for travellers seeking meaningful, high-value experiences.

Culturally immersive destinations like Varanasi have seen a 135% spike in searches compared to last year, while heritage hotspots such as Jaipur (75%) and Udaipur (49%) continue to gain traction.

Seasonality is also playing a key role in shaping travel choices. As temperatures rise, travellers are increasingly gravitating towards cooler climates, driving demand for hill stations such as Ooty (22%), Munnar (41%), Mussoorie (78%), Varkala (39%), and Kodaikanal (20%).

Top 10 most searched domestic destinations by Indian travellers travelling between 02.04.2026 to 05.04.2026:

Bengaluru
Mumbai
Rishikesh
Varanasi
Ooty
Puducherry
Jaipur
New Delhi
Chennai
Hyderabad

Beyond borders: Short-haul international destinations meet rising discovery

Alongside domestic travel, Indian travellers are opting for short-haul international getaways that balance convenience with diverse experiences. Southeast Asia continues to dominate the Indian traveller’s wishlist, with Thailand and Vietnam emerging as top favourites.

Top 10 most searched international destinations by Indian travellers travelling between 02.04.2026 to 05.04.2026:

Bangkok, Thailand
Singapore
Tokyo, Japan
Patong Beach, Thailand
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hanoi, Vietnam
Danang, Vietnam
London, United Kingdom
Hong Kong
Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia, Booking.com, said, “In 2026, we are seeing the Indian traveller move away from autopilot vacations towards more intentional journeys. Travel has evolved into an act of self-expression, where the choice of destination reflects personal values and specific intentions. Whether it’s a family seeking a ‘connected trip’ that balances leisure with learning, or individuals exploring destinations like Rishikesh and Vietnam for cultural depth, the focus is on immersive experiences that feel personal. At Booking.com, we are committed to making these meaningful journeys seamless, ensuring every traveller can turn a short break into a lasting story.”