In today's age, traveling is not just a hobby, but an essential part of life. Open any social media platform, and you'll see people exploring corners of the globe. As 2025 comes to a close, Google has released its annual search report.
This report reveals which places reside closest to the hearts of Indians. Surprisingly, the beaches of Goa did not top the list, nor did the snowy peaks of Kashmir. In 2025, Indians turned their gaze to the holy city of Kumbh.
Google's list indicates that Indian travelers are now in pursuit of serenity and experiences, prompting a major spiritual event to become the nation's largest travel search. Let's explore which destination captivated Indians the most in 2025, and which other locations trended as well.
Mahakumbh Emerges as India's Prime Travel Destination
If you thought Indians most searched for Vietnam or the Maldives, think again. In fact, 2025's top trending travel search in India was the Mahakumbh Mela. Mahakumbh didn't just top the list of travel locales; it was also a part of the year's top trending news and searches.
The Mahakumbh 2025 became a monumental event for the nation, underscoring the strength of spiritual tourism in India. Travel experts assert that Mahakumbh has firmly established India on the global spiritual map. Earlier this year, when speaking with India Today, Dr. Vikram Kamat, Chairman and Managing Director of The Wits Kamat Group, hailed the 2025 Mahakumbh as a revolutionary change for spiritual tourism. Previously, religious journeys were deemed suitable primarily for the elderly, but this Mahakumbh has drawn a significant number of the younger generation.
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Youths Reconnect with Their Roots
This Mahakumbh was not merely a religious fair but also an opportunity for young people to connect with India's ancient spiritual traditions. Consequently, there was a surge in searches for destinations like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Bodhgaya. This year's journeys were not just about reaching temples; people were enchanted by cultural narratives, art, music, yoga, and philosophy.
This spiritual wave was so profound that Somnath, a major pilgrimage site, managed to secure the ninth spot in the top trending search list. Clearly, Indians are now traveling not just for leisure, but to reconnect with their roots and find peace of mind.
Beaches and Islands Still Trending
However, it's not as if beaches and holiday islands were completely forgotten. Enthusiasts of international travel were still on the list. Google's search data reveals growing interest in South Asia. The Philippines ranked second in the top trending list, while Phu Quoc in Vietnam secured the sixth spot, and Phuket in Thailand was at seventh. Meanwhile, the Maldives remained at the eighth position. Speaking of Europe, Georgia captivated travelers as the third most favored international destination, thanks to its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and exquisite cuisine.
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Destinations That Maintained Their Stand
Interestingly, while several destinations experienced fluctuations in search interest, some maintained their strong presence. Within India, Kashmir (ranked 5th) and overseas, Georgia (ranked 3rd) managed to secure their places on the list for the second consecutive time. In the 2024 search, these locations were ranked 6th and 9th, respectively, reflecting their growing popularity. Additionally, within India, Pondicherry also made it to the top 10.
