Forget the usual tourist traps and over-posted landmarks. The future of Indian travel is refreshingly different. A landmark survey by Agoda reveals a major shift in what travellers want, with a surprising 55% now seeking 'offbeat' adventures.
The Offbeat Advantage
The headline
figure from Agoda's 2027 Asia Travel Pulse survey is clear: 55% of Indian travellers plan to visit a lesser-known destination in the coming year. This makes Indians the most adventurous travellers in Asia, significantly outpacing the regional average of 36%. But 'offbeat' doesn't mean swapping a five-star hotel for a tent in the wilderness. Instead, it signals a move towards more meaningful travel. It's about choosing Pushkar over Paris or exploring the serene landscapes of Leh. This trend is a response to years of over-tourism and a collective desire for authentic connections. Travellers are looking for unique cultural experiences, genuine local interactions, and a sense of discovery that has become rare in the world’s more famous hotspots.
Adventure and Soul-Searching
The survey shows that the 'why' of travel is becoming as important as the 'where'. For Indian travellers, two key motivators stand out: outdoor adventure and spiritual journeys. An impressive 42% identify outdoor activities as a primary reason to travel, placing India among the highest in Asia for adventure-led trips. This is mirrored in the rising search interest for destinations like Dharamshala and Leh. Furthermore, 14% of Indians cite spiritual or religious journeys as a motivation, a figure that is three and a half times the Asian average. This has led to a surge in interest for places like Prayagraj, as people combine faith with exploration.
The Rise of Longer, Slower Trips
The quick weekend getaway is making way for more immersive journeys. According to the Agoda report, Indian travellers are opting for longer holidays that allow them to properly settle in and explore a destination. About 26% of Indian respondents said their trips in 2027 will likely last between 8 and 12 days. This is significantly higher than the Asian average of 15%. This trend suggests a desire to move beyond surface-level sightseeing and gain a deeper understanding of a place. It aligns with a broader recalibration in travel, where people may take fewer trips overall, but make each one count by extending its duration.
Value Is the New Luxury
While the appetite for unique experiences is growing, travellers remain keenly aware of their budgets. But value doesn't just mean finding the cheapest flight. It's about getting the most for your money. This mindset is actually helping to fuel the offbeat travel trend, as lesser-known destinations often offer better value than their crowded counterparts. The survey also found that small perks can make a big difference. For example, 13% of Indian travellers said complimentary breakfast was the most important loyalty perk a hotel could offer, a rate more than three times the Asian average. It shows that practical benefits that enhance the travel experience are highly prized.
AI as the New Travel Agent
Technology continues to reshape how we plan our adventures. The Agoda survey revealed a sharp increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence for travel planning across Asia. More than half of all travellers surveyed (53%) now use AI to help organise their journeys, a significant jump from 33% the previous year. Travellers are using these tools to research destinations, build itineraries, and compare options. However, the human touch remains vital. While AI is a popular assistant for planning, the vast majority of travellers still prefer to make the final booking themselves, highlighting a desire to retain control over their final decisions.
