Wanderlust by Indian travelers takes a trip closer to the home. Instead of hunting remote destinations, many are now looking for authenticity, culture and personal link in India. SkyscannerThe report’s travel trends in 2026 reveal that places such as Jorhat in ASSAM and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh top the lists, which reflects a growing appetite for trips that are meaningful and rooted in inheritance.Based on Skyscanner’s proprietary flight search data, which tracked growth between January and June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, Jorhat registered an astonishing 493% from year to year in flight increases and placed it at the top. Varanasi followed closely with an increase of 120% and secured the sixth place among trending destinations. This increase in Jorhat and Varanasi is part of a larger trend that Skyscanner calls “personal travel”, where travel is not only defined by walking desire but by passion, purpose and identity. When international travel recovers, the Indians resume wealth within their own boundaries and combine inheritance -focused travel plans with off -beat explorations.Read more: Is this Baltic country the easiest way to move to Europe? Check its residence benefits“One of three Indian travelers avoids narrow, tourist -heavy places in favor of authentic alternatives,” said Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destination Expert. The increase in searches for Jorhat and Varanasi, he notes, reflects a deeper curiosity for India’s cultural roots and an interest in travel experiences that feel personal and meaningful.
Jorhat: Asam’s cultural and ecotourism hub
Jorhat becomes a popular destination for tourists looking for peaceful but culturally rich experiences. Jorhat, the cultural center of AsSam and the entrance to Majuli Island, the largest river island in the world, combines ecotourism, environment and heritage.
Its tea goods are a highlight that offers visitors who spread greenery, plantation tours and insights into the world-famous tea industry, including a visit to the Tocklai Tea Research Institute. In addition to tea, Jorhat is home for Satras, Vaishnavite -Kloster showing ASSAMISE religious and artistic traditions. Eco-Lodges and Boutique Stays Now allow visitors to enjoy engrossing yet comfortable experiences. Majuli Island, available from Jorhat, adds another layer of attraction with its trunk communities, river landscapes and cultural festivals and offers travelers authentic meetings that go beyond regular sightseeing.
Varanasi
Varanasi, which is long considered to be India’s spiritual heart, continues to charm travelers as they develop in how it is experienced. When the city is primarily a pilgrimage, the city now attracts younger visitors who are drawn to its layered cultural identity.
Heritage walks along Ganga, the store stops with views of Ghats, and creative retreats that combine art, spirituality and gastronomy, the city’s appeal. Varanasis narrow lanes, lively markets and aged rituals provide a timeless background, while contemporary experiences allow travelers to cooperate with the city in fresh, personal ways.Read more: From Gy National Park to Svomnath Temple: Tracking President Murmus travel through Gujarat
Offbeat escape is the new trend
Analysis of flight increases shows a clear shift towards soulful escape from the abused path, benefits destinations that are rich in culture, natural beauty and emerging global appeal. From Jorhat’s lush tea gardens to Varanasi’s inheritance district, Indian travelers are increasingly depth, meaning and cultural connection over conventional tourism. The growth of places such as Varanasi and Jorhat indicates a resuscitation of interest in domestic travel, where experiences are carefully chosen to talk to the traveler at a personal level. Nature, inheritance and culture take the stage and show that the most memorable travel experiences are often closer to the home.
