What is the story about?
With Kedarnath, Gulmarg and upper reaches of Himachal already seeing snowfall, the winter travel season might have just come early for Indians. Regardless
of the season or the weekend, Indian travellers are packing their bags with one thing in mind-experiences. The post-pandemic traveller isn’t just looking for snow or sunshine, but for stories to bring home. Whether it’s watching the northern lights from a glass igloo or glamping under Rajasthani stars, winter 2025 looks set to be a season of slow travel and cultural immersion.
India Calling: Destinations For Snow, Safaris & Spiritual Travel
“Offbeat locales have become compelling reasons to travel,” says S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited. “We’re witnessing a strong demand for global cultural events, and a growing interest among Young India, Gen Z and millennials, who are heading to spiritual hubs like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj for upcoming cultural winter festivals like the Rann Utsav, Bikaner Camel Fair, and Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival.”It’s a trend that signals something new: the rise of cultural and spiritual tourism that isn’t about religion alone, with travellers looking to stay and experience the destination beyond lakeside aartis.
Adventure, too, is on our minds. “Activities like mountain biking and gondola rides in Gulmarg, ice skating in Shimla, and skiing in Auli are in strong demand,” Nandakumar notes. “What’s particularly encouraging is the shift in demand from metro cities to regional India’s tier-2 and tier-3 markets.” Meanwhile, India’s national parks are once again teeming with both wildlife and visitors. Ranthambore, Periyar, and Kaziranga are drawing multi-generational families and groups of friends keen to spot tigers, elephants, deer and more.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, sees a similar pattern. “Top choices include Andamans, Kerala, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and spiritual circuits like Char Dham, Kailash Mansarovar, Ayodhya, and Varanasi,” he says. "And for those who prefer a gentler pace, Cordelia Cruises from Mumbai, Goa, and Cochin to Lakshadweep offer a slice of the tropics without needing a passport. Across the deserts, glamping in Rajasthan is also reinventing Indian luxury," he adds.
Across Borders: From Northern Lights To Nordic Saunas
If 2025’s travel trends are any indicator, Indian travellers are drafting their winter bucket lists with intention. “There’s a growing appetite for global cultural events, gastronomy trails, and wellness-focused escapes,” says Nandakumar. Think fondue aboard Zurich’s Fondue Tram, ice wine in Austria, gløgg by a fireside in Sweden, or the endorphin rush of ice bathing in Uppsala. The charm lies in experiences that feel deeply local, a far cry from checklist tourism.Europe remains the classic winter destination, but this year, it’s less about shopping streets and more about slow moments. “Europe’s Christmas markets and festive displays in Switzerland, France, and Austria continue to be favourites,” notes Kale. “Travellers are also drawn to aurora hunting in Sweden, husky safaris in Finland, and stays in ice hotels or glass igloos in Norway with spectacular views of the Northern Lights.”
He adds, “Panoramic cable car rides across Europe’s Alpine regions-from Switzerland and France to Austria and Germany-are popular with families, while younger travellers are exploring unique stays: eco-friendly domes in the Swiss Alps, châteaux and palaces in France and Italy, and traditional log cabins in Scandinavia.”
Beyond Europe, Australia and New Zealand are calling those who crave rugged coasts, marine encounters, and open skies. Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, are luring younger travellers with their heady mix of tradition and pop culture. “Japan’s Sapporo is seeing strong interest for its hot springs at Jozankei Onsen and visits to the Sapporo Beer Museum,” says Kale.
Closer to home, the visa-free circuit is driving quick getaways. Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, and the Philippines continue to dominate, while Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Macau are back in the mix.
And then there’s the new map entirely: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Jordan, Oman, Finland’s Kemi and Oulu, Phu Quoc and Sapa in Vietnam, Hamamatsu and Sapporo in Japan, and Harbin in China. These destinations that just a few years ago were off the Indian radar, are now trending for their adventure offerings and affordability.
Both experts agree: winter 2025 isn’t about ticking off countries but travelling for experiences that are unique and long-lasting. As Nandakumar sums it up, “The shift is clear: people are no longer travelling to escape. They’re travelling to experience.”
Do you find this article useful?
