67% Indians Travel To Relax; Dharamshala, Rishikesh & Uttarkashi Emerge As New Favourites

When Naina says in ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, “Jitna bhi try karo Bunny, life mein kuch na kuch toh chhootega hi. Toh jahan ho, wahin ka mazaa lete hain,” it instantly struck a chord with audiences. More than a decade later, that very philosophy seems to be finding real meaning among travellers. The idea of slowing down, soaking in experiences, and truly enjoying the place you’re in, just like Naina suggested, is now becoming a growing trend among Indian travellers embracing “slow travel.”

No Hush Please! Indians Now Prefer To Travel Slow & Relax

According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook report, relaxation is the primary motivation for travel among 67% of Indian travellers. This growing preference is driving a shift toward slower, quieter getaways, with increased interest in destinations across India’s Himalayan belt. Places like Dharamshala, Rishikesh, and Uttarkashi have all recorded year-on-year growth in accommodation searches, reflecting this changing trend.

This shift also highlights an evolving mindset among travellers who are rethinking what a meaningful holiday looks like. Increasingly, it’s about stepping away from urban chaos, staying closer to nature, and embracing a slower, more unhurried pace, something that many tourist hotspots often fail to offer.

Also Read: What Is ‘Whycation’? The Travel Trend That’s Changing How We Plan Holidays In 2026

Dharamshala Sees 154% Increase In Interest

On its platform, Agoda recorded a 154% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches for Dharamshala, highlighting the growing interest in slow travel among Indian travellers. Increasingly, people are choosing this quaint hill town for its Tibetan Buddhist culture, peaceful meditation centres, and scenic forest trails that offer a calm escape from fast-paced urban life.

Following close behind, Rishikesh saw a 65% increase in accommodation searches compared to the same period last year. Known for its yoga traditions, wellness retreats and ashram stays, Rishikesh offers both a spiritual and an adventurous escape to travellers.

It is worth noting that not just Indians, search interest for these destinations is also coming from international travellers across the United States, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and the UAE.

Another emerging destination in Uttarakhand is Uttarkashi, which has registered a 17% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches. Interestingly, international interest is also rising, with searches coming from countries such as South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Nepal.

Also Read: 87% Of India’s Gen Z Prefer Trips Under 7 Days; 66% Book Travel Just Days Before Leaving

Which is your favourite destination to slow down and relax? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/M.Emin BİLİR (representative image)