Shillong has been crowned as the most popular travel destination for Indian travellers in 2025, according to the latest 'Travel Trends Report' from global travel app Skyscanner.
The capital city of Meghalaya beat out Baku, the historic capital of Azerbaijan, to take the top spot.
The 'Scotland of the East' is the only Indian city to feature in the report, which was released on Wednesday.
The annual travel report offers a glimpse into the future of travel for Indian globetrotters, revealing a growing interest in new and unique experiences.
According to the findings, 66 per cent of Indians plan to increase their travel in 2025.
"Shillong, often referred to as the 'Scotland of the East' for its lush greenery and cool climate, has emerged as the top destination for Indian travellers. It’s followed by Baku, Azerbaijan, and Langkawi, Malaysia, which are known for offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure," the report said.
Other destinations that have captured the interest of Indian tourists include Tromso in Norway, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and al-Ula in Saudi Arabia.
"These places demonstrate a clear shift in Indian travellers' preferences as they search for unforgettable and diverse experiences in less conventional destinations," the report highlighted.
In addition to spotlighting the hottest destinations for 2025, Skyscanner’s report also included a list of 'Best Value Destinations.'
This category highlights cities where airfares have seen the biggest price drops over the past year, offering excellent value for travellers.
Leading this list is Almaty, Kazakhstan, with airfare prices having dropped by 44 per cent. It is followed by Jakarta, Indonesia, which has seen a 27 per cent decrease, and Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, where prices have fallen by 19 per cent.
Cost-conscious travel remains at the forefront of Indian holidaymakers' minds, with the report showing that 65 per cent of respondents consider hotel expenses, 62 per cent focus on flights, and 54 per cent weigh the cost of food and drinks when planning their trips.
"Indian travellers are not just venturing to new destinations; they’re also searching for meaningful, shared experiences," noted Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner's travel and destinations expert.
"In 2025, 86 per cent of travellers plan to spend the same or more on flights, while 80 per cent will allocate similar or
increased budgets for accommodation," Joshi added.
As well as the emphasis on affordability, the report reveals a growing appetite for immersive travel experiences.
According to the data, 44 per cent of Indians in the 25-34 age group are particularly interested in attending live sports events, while 47 per cent are keen to explore immersive art exhibitions.
The report pointed out the impact of major sporting events on travel trends, noting that Formula 1 races are spurring a rise in flight bookings.
"For instance, Abu Dhabi saw a 188 per cent spike in flight bookings ahead of its Grand Prix (6-8 Dec), and Singapore experienced a 189 per cent increase in bookings just days before the race," the report said.
Furthermore, 'Gami-Vacation' and 'Astro-adventures' have emerged as two key trends driving Indian travel choices in 2025. 'Gami-Vacation' taps into the growing influence of video games on travel decisions, with 62 per cent of Gen Z respondents citing gaming as their top leisure activity.
Remarkably, 57 per cent of those surveyed admitted that they had been inspired to visit a destination after seeing it in a game.
Meanwhile, 'Astro-adventures' appeal to a rising number of Indians keen to witness the wonders of the night sky.
The report found that 53 per cent of respondents were eager to sleep under the Milky Way, while 56 per cent hoped to capture night photography on their travels.
The Northern Lights remain a bucket-list item for 44 per cent of Indian tourists, all seeking a once-in-a-lifetime celestial experience.
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