Aurora Borealis, famously known as the Northern Lights, never fails to enthral travellers. Now, Indian tourists are joining the chase in growing numbers, by splurging up to ₹4 lakh per person for a chance to witness the mesmerising dance of lights across Arctic skies. From glass igloos to Arctic treehouses, the quest for this once-in-a-lifetime experience is driving a booming tourism trend and inspiring wanderlust like never before.
Northern Lights Tourism Booms As Indians Chase Auroras
Despite trips costing lakhs per person, an increasing number of Indians are checking the Northern Lights off their travel bucket lists. So, what’s driving this surge in demand? Speaking to Moneycontrol, Hari Ganapathy, founder of travel platform PickYourTrail, explained that the Northern Lights are no longer a niche aspiration but have now become a mainstream, once-in-a-lifetime experience for Indian travellers.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, also told Moneycontrol that Indians are readily spending ₹1-4 lakh per person to experience Northern Lights in real life. The budget varies, depending on the country, accommodation, activities, and transportation. Overall, he added that there has been a 4-5% Year-On-Year increase in Indians wanting to experience auroras. This demand is mainly driven by travellers in the 28-40 age group.
Also Read: Craving Mallu Food In NYC? Actor Siddharth Says THIS Spot Is Better Than Kappa Chakka Kandhari
Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience!
Moneycontrol report further revealed that Indian travellers are increasingly opting for premium packages to enhance their Northern Lights experience. With global demand soaring, limited availability, and peak viewing months from December to March, the cost of staying in glass igloos or Arctic treehouses has risen by 10-12% compared to last year. According to Hari Ganapathy, this highlights India’s “growing appetite for high-value travel.”
Metro cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad make up nearly 90% of Northern Lights bookings from India. Travellers are flocking to Norway, Finland, and Sweden to witness the Northern Lights, often pairing the spectacle with adventures like snowmobiling, husky and reindeer safaris, sledging, king crab fishing, and immersive cultural experiences with the indigenous Sami communities.
Also Read: In Pics: From Florida To Washington, Americans Capture The Northern Lights In All Their Glory
Have you added Northern Lights to your travel bucket list for 2026? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Rustic Wanderlust