With the 79th Independence Day falling on a Friday, Indian travellers are doing what they do best: turning a national holiday into a mini vacation opportunity.
Whether it's a peaceful break in the hills, a beachy reset, a budget-friendly flight to Thailand or dune bashing in Dubai, this long weekend from August 15 is seeing major getaway energy. Thanks to fresh data from Booking.com, it’s clear that we're a nation in motion, with searches surging for everything from Lonavala to London.
Road Trips Are The New Ritual
If you’re in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru, chances are your weekend bag is already packed. Over 58% of Indian travellers are sticking closer to home, heading to places that don’t need a plane ticket, just a full tank of fuel. Destinations like Alibaug, Karjat, and Igatpuri and Rishikesh or Mussoorie (Delhi’s old faves) are witnessing a huge bump, up to 80% more searches than this time last year. And of course, Lonavala, Jaipur, Mahabaleshwar, and Chikmagalur are holding strong as go-to destinations.Beaches Over Cities
If you thought beaches were only for December, think again. With the monsoon painting the coast lush green, destinations like Varkala and Gokarna are quietly climbing up the charts. Even Goa, the old faithful, is seeing up to 40% more searches. Whether it’s watching the rain with chai or catching a break between showers on the beach, these coastal towns are proving to be the perfect antidote to city stress.APAC "Mini-Cations" Are In
While some are driving to the hills, others are flying off to Thailand, Singapore, or Dubai for a bite-sized international escape. Among international searches, Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya are showing more than 60% growth. Thailand is, as always, on the Indian travel map in a big way. Why? Short flights, easier visa processes, great food, spa days, and budget-friendly resorts. It's an unbeatable combo when you’ve only got 3-4 days but want it to feel like a real vacation.
The Top 10 Weekend Getaways
According to Booking.com, here are the most searched domestic and international destinations for August 14–17, 2025:
Domestic favourites: Udaipur, Lonavala, Jaipur, Puducherry, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ooty, Munnar, Kodaikanal, New Delhi
International picks: Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, London, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Abu Dhabi, Pattaya, Hong Kong
