"Inward wanderlust": why more Indians are exploring their own country in 2026
35% of Indian travellers now plan to travel more within India than abroad, an Agoda survey finds.
Indian travellers are increasingly choosing destinations closer to home. In Agoda's 2026 travel trends survey, 35% of Indian respondents said they plan to explore within India more than abroad, up from 25% a year earlier. Another 51% plan to split their time evenly.
Cultural experiences, lower costs and fewer crowds are pulling people towards lesser-known places. Relaxation is the top motivation (67%), followed by outdoor adventure (28%) and cultural exploration (26%).
Budgets remain practical: 47% plan to spend Rs 5,000 or less per night on stays. Trips typically last four to seven days, most often with family. And technology is changing planning too: 68% say they are likely to use AI to plan their next trip.
Source: Agoda via Hotel Online
