India’s 79th Independence Day is just a few days away, and the best part is that it falls on a Friday this time. With the three-day break, many Indian travellers are planning short trips with their friends and families. Travellers are looking forward to the long weekend, staying close to nature, and enjoying time with their loved ones. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, then don’t look further. From tranquil coastal towns to misty hill retreats, Booking.com’s data reveals the most searched domestic and international destinations for travel between August 14 and 17.
Most Searched Domestic Destinations For Independence Day Long Weekend
For the Independence Day long weekend, many Indian travellers are planning short trips in nearby cities to spend time with their friends and families. As per Booking.com, one of the most sought-after online travel platforms, travel lovers are looking for both domestic and international getaways this upcoming long weekend.
On the domestic front, this year, over 58% of Indian travel lovers are choosing short trips. Compared to last year, vacation destinations like Alibaug, Karjat, and Igatpuri (near Mumbai), and Rishikesh and Mussoorie (near Delhi), have seen a 40% to 80% surge in accommodation searches. Famous places like Lonavala, Jaipur, Mahabaleshwar, and Chikmagalur are among the top choices for a relaxing weekend.
Here’s the list of the top 10 most-searched domestic destinations for the long weekend –
- Udaipur
- Lonavala
- Jaipur
- Puducherry
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Ooty
- Munnar
- Kodaikanal
- New Delhi
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Most Searched International Destinations For Short Trips
Travel lovers are going international too for the upcoming long weekend! Indian travellers are looking at international destinations within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to enjoy this short break. Thailand has maintained its popularity, while Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya have observed a 60% increase in interest. These places usually attract tourist with their lively culture, serene beaches, and delicious food.
Here’s the list of the top 10 international destinations –
- Dubai
- Singapore
- Bangkok
- London
- Phuket
- Kuala Lumpur
- Bali
- Abu Dhabi
- Pattaya
- Hong Kong
74% of Indian travellers are looking for homely stays, which include villas, apartments, and guesthouses, during their Independence Day weekend getaway. These homestays offer more comfort and flexibility than hotels, making them perfect for family trips.
Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com, said, “As Indian travellers plan for the Independence Day long weekend, we are seeing a shift toward more spontaneous, short-haul travel – both within the country and across the APAC region. Whether it’s scenic getaways that are just a drive away, a quick international break or the emerging preference for home stays, we see a preference for flexibility and convenience in terms of travel. At Booking.com, we continue to bring together accommodation, transport and experiences on one platform to make travel more seamless and convenient – in one Connected Trip.”
Where are you planning to go for the long weekend? Let us know in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Bikram Bezbaruah