Jorhat, a scenic city nestled in Assam’s tea country, has emerged as the unexpected star of India’s travel scene for 2026, outpacing world-renowned destinations like Berlin, Langkawi, and Phuket. According to Skyscanner’s freshly released Travel Trends 2026 report, searches for flights to Jorhat have soared by an astonishing 493% compared to the previous year, making it the top trending destination for Indian travellers. This dramatic surge is more than just a statistical blip—it signals a profound shift in how Indians are choosing where, how, and why they travel.
The annual report, unveiled in New Delhi on October 10, 2025, in the presence of India’s T20 cricket captain and Skyscanner’s inaugural Indian brand ambassador Suryakumar Yadav, sheds light on the evolving motivations of the Indian traveller. As reported by The Assam Tribune and Business Today, the data is drawn from Skyscanner’s proprietary flight search analytics, comparing trends from January to June 2025 with the same period in 2024, and complemented by a survey of 2,000 Indian travellers.
Jorhat’s meteoric rise is not an isolated phenomenon. Other destinations experiencing significant increases in searches include Jaffna in Sri Lanka (up 325%), Muscat in Oman (211%), Queenstown in New Zealand, and Mueang Chiang Rai in Thailand. Yet, it’s Jorhat’s leap that has captured the national imagination, putting this cultural capital of Assam—and gateway to the river island of Majuli—firmly on the travel map.
What’s driving this newfound wanderlust? Neel Ghose, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert, points to a growing appetite for authenticity and personal connection. "One in three Indian travellers are avoiding crowded, tourist-heavy locations in favour of authentic alternatives," Ghose noted in the report. He added, “The surge in searches for places like Jorhat and Jaffna reflect a desire to explore relatively lesser-known gems, rich in heritage and local flavour. This shows how travellers are becoming more intentional and strategic in their choices for 2026.”
Jorhat’s appeal lies in its blend of tranquility and cultural depth. Known for its lush tea estates, historic Vaishnavite monasteries (satras), and a burgeoning eco-tourism scene, the city offers experiences that resonate with a new generation of Indian travellers seeking meaning, not just monuments. As Business Today highlighted, Jorhat is increasingly recognized as a place where travellers can connect with Assam’s rich heritage, sample local cuisine, and use it as a launchpad to explore the world’s largest river island, Majuli.
Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart, also made the top ten trending list with a 120% increase in flight searches, coming in sixth. While Varanasi’s ancient ghats and temples remain timeless, the city is being rediscovered by younger travellers through riverfront heritage walks, boutique stays, and creative retreats that blend art, spirituality, and gastronomy. This reflects a broader trend that Skyscanner describes as “personal travel”—journeys shaped as much by individual passion and identity as by wanderlust.
Cost remains a crucial factor for Indian travellers. The survey revealed that 63% prioritize food costs, 60% flight prices, 56% accommodation, and 48% visa requirements when planning trips. In fact, Skyscanner’s report also identifies the best-value destinations for 2026—Tirupati leads with an 18% drop in airfares, followed by Langkawi (down 17%) and Berlin (down 16%). This balancing act between indulgence and prudence is emblematic of the modern Indian traveller, who seeks enriching experiences without exhausting their budget.
Technology is playing a transformative role in this evolution. An impressive 86% of Indian travellers reported feeling confident using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to plan and book their journeys—the highest rate globally. Skyscanner’s own AI-powered “Savvy Search,” developed with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, is at the forefront of this shift, offering curated destination ideas and flight options tailored to individual preferences. As Outlook Traveller reported, this trust in digital tools is giving rise to a generation of explorers who are not only travelling more, but also travelling smarter.
The 2026 Travel Trends report identifies seven major trends shaping the Indian travel landscape. Among the most striking is “Destination Check-In,” where 82% of Indians say they now choose destinations for their unique accommodations rather than iconic landmarks. Whether it’s a bohemian boutique hotel or a cliffside penthouse, the place you sleep is fast becoming the reason you travel. The search for the perfect stay—filtered by mood, vibe, or design—has turned into an adventure in itself.
Other trends include “Book-bound” journeys inspired by literature, with nearly eight in ten Indians booking or considering getaways based on favorite novels or story-rich libraries. The “Family Mile” trend reveals that 38% of Indians have experienced three-generation trips, bridging parents, children, and grandparents. “Glowmads”—travellers who blend beauty, wellness, and wanderlust—are on the rise, with 57% stocking up on skincare abroad and 45% seeking local spa treatments. Mountains are overtaking beaches in popularity, with 92% dreaming of alpine escapes, and “shelf discovery” is turning local supermarkets into cultural adventures, as 60% of travellers see grocery shopping as a window into everyday life abroad.
At the heart of these trends is a search for connection—whether with family, culture, or oneself. The report found that 87% of Indians have sparked a new friendship, romance, or human connection through travel. As Ghose put it, “Travel is no longer just about escaping life—it’s about discovering deeper ways to connect with it.”
The launch event in New Delhi was marked by the presence of Suryakumar Yadav, affectionately known as SKY, who expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Skyscanner. “As the name says, I think that they scanned me really well. I love travelling, and I love going on holidays. So it's a great partnership, which will continue for a long time. I am really excited to be a part of this wonderful family,” Yadav said. Ghose added, “SKY was our first and last choice. He’s loved by millions but he's also very authentic, wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s passionate and has had so many lessons in life, and obviously his name is ideal. When SKY is going to talk about Skyscanner, everyone's going to listen and step up, so we are very grateful for this partnership.”
As international travel rebounds and Indians rediscover the diversity within their own borders, the compass is shifting closer to home. Jorhat’s rise as the top trending destination is not just about numbers—it’s a reflection of a nation eager to explore its roots, embrace new experiences, and craft journeys that are as unique as the travellers themselves.
