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If anything, traveling in 2025 has grown more prominent than before. People are exploring more places, and seeking out experiences has become a common trend. Just check social media, and you'll find everyone is on some journey to a different part of the globe. As the year comes to an end, Google has shared its yearly report called India’s Year in Search 2025 - and it shows how varied Indian travelers' wish lists have become. This yearly list highlights what Indians were most interested in over the year. When it comes to the desire to travel, Indian travelers displayed a strong interest in spiritual journeys. So, what trends stood out in India's travel scene based on Google's research?
India’s top travel search was not about beaches, mountains, or peaceful stays at home. Instead, it was something more cultural and intimate - the Maha Kumbh Mela (which happens only once every 144 years). Looking back, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has been a significant moment for the nation. It not only took the top spot in Google's Most Trending Searches for Travel 2025 in India but also appeared in the Top Trending Searches for News and in the Overall Top Searches. And rightly so. This shows how greatly it has affected the growth of spiritual tourism, impacting people of all ages. Many travel specialists believe that the Maha Kumbh Mela has strengthened India's presence on the global spiritual-tourism scene, especially as the country’s spiritual legacy gains worldwide recognition.
In a conversation with India Today earlier this year, Dr. Vikram Kamat, who leads The VITS Kamats Group, called the 2025 Maha Kumbh a turning point for spiritual tourism. “Previously, spiritual tourism was mainly perceived as an activity for older individuals. However, the 2025 Maha Kumbh has drawn in younger people, who are now building a lasting connection with India’s spiritual customs.” In many respects, it opened doors for travelers to visit places like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Bodh Gaya. Improved online platforms and guided tours have made the experience easier for international visitors as well. Adding to the excitement around spiritual tourism, Somnath - another prominent pilgrimage site - claimed the ninth position on the Most Trending Searches list.
While spiritual tourism in India gained popularity, beach vacations and island getaways still captured tourists' attention. The search list indicates a rising interest in travel within South Asia. Locations like the Philippines (2nd), Phu Quoc in Vietnam (6th), Phuket in Thailand (7th), and the Maldives (8th) also made the list. Georgia remains another popular choice for international trips, coming in third. Its stunning views, beautiful monasteries, lovely European-style streets, and deep culinary traditions keep attracting visitors.
Kashmir (5th), Maldives (8th), and Pondicherry (10th) also appeared in the top trending searches. Interestingly, while preferences shifted from one trend to another, Georgia and Kashmir remained consistent on the list. Both locations were also included in the searches for 2024, ranking sixth and ninth respectively.
