Travel Trends for 2025: Adventures in India and the Indian Subcontinent
Looking ahead to 2025, travel is all about diving deeper into the places you visit, and India, along with its neighbouring regions, is ready to offer experiences you won’t forget. From epic festivals and dreamy islands to cooking up a storm and meeting local communities, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest travel trends for 2025 across India and the Indian subcontinent!
1. Affordable Paradise – Andaman and Nicobar Islands
First on our list of Travel Trends for 2025 is a secret island paradise! The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are quickly becoming the go-to spot for anyone craving peaceful vibes and untouched beauty. With stunning beaches, lush green forests, and vibrant coral reefs, this tropical paradise has something for everyone—whether you’re an adventure junkie or just want to relax. If the Maldives are out of your budget, these tropical islands are a great alternative.
In 2025, the islands will be the perfect destination for enjoying paradise on a budget. Activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and birdwatching will let you explore the area’s natural beauty and marine life. Whether you’re lounging on pristine sands or discovering underwater wonders, the Andamans offer an affordable yet enchanting tropical getaway.
2. Kumbh Mela: The World’s Biggest Festival
Our list of travel trends for 2025 couldn’t be complete without mentioning the Kumbh Mela. If you’re looking for a festival experience like no other, this massive Hindu pilgrimage is for you. The festival, held once every twelve years, draws millions of people to bathe in sacred rivers, rotating between four cities: Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik, and Ujjain. It’s a sensory overload of colour, devotion, and tradition.
Whether you’re spiritually curious or just love witnessing once-in-a-lifetime events, the Kumbh Mela offers an unforgettable experience. You’ll see rituals, ceremonies, and epic processions all in one place—2025 is set to be a great year to dive into this vibrant festival.
3. Cookery Tours: Flavours of India
Love food? Then cookery tours are a must-do in India. The next in our list of travel trends for 2025, these food-centric trips are getting even more popular, taking travellers on a flavour-packed journey through India’s regional cuisines. You can learn to whip up spicy curries in Kerala, master the art of biryani in Hyderabad, or explore street food secrets in Mumbai.
It’s not just about cooking though—you’ll visit bustling markets, spice farms, and tea plantations, and get hands-on with local chefs. For a standout experience, our 14-day Taste of South India tour with chef Monisha Bharadwaj dives deep into Southern India’s culinary delights, or try our South India Culinary tour on alternative dates.
4. Birdwatching: Feathered Friends in South India
Birdwatching has always been a popular pastime, and India is home to an incredible array of birds with over 1,300 species! South India is especially great for this, thanks to its diverse landscapes, from the Western Ghats to serene backwaters.
Birdwatching tours are one of the key travel trends for 2025, letting you explore these breathtaking habitats, spotting rare species like the Great Indian Hornbill and the Nilgiri Flycatcher. Keen to try it? The South India Bird Watching Tour is the perfect way to combine wildlife exploration with comfortable, eco-friendly stays. Find out more here.
5. Cultural Tours: Meet Locals and Discover Traditions
If you’re after a deeper connection with local cultures, cultural tours are the way to go. By 2025, these tours will offer even more personal experiences, allowing travellers to meet locals, learn traditional crafts, and experience life in rural villages.
Whether it’s learning how to weave intricate textiles, watching ancient ceremonies, or simply sharing a meal with a local family, these tours offer a true sense of India’s heritage. One of our more immersive travel trends for 2025!
For an in-depth cultural dive, our Tribes and Textiles tour in Gujarat gives you a front-row seat to indigenous customs and art. Check it out here.
6. Wellness, Ayurveda, and Yoga: Reconnect and Recharge
India is the birthplace of Ayurveda and yoga, making it a go-to destination for anyone seeking balance and relaxation. Wellness tourism will continue to be one of the major travel trends for 2025, with visitors heading to Ayurvedic retreats in Kerala, Goa, and the Himalayas for detox programs, herbal treatments, massages, and more.
But it’s not just about the body—India’s yoga retreats are perfect for finding inner peace too. Whether you’re looking to practice meditation in Rishikesh (the “Yoga Capital of the World”) or join a spiritual retreat in Dharamshala, India’s blend of wellness and spirituality will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
7. Thrills with a View – Adventure in the Himalayas:
Thrill-seekers will love the next on our list of travel trends for 2025! If you’re seeking excitement and adventure, the Indian Himalayas are a dream come true. 2025 is set to be a big year for adventure tourism here, with treks like the Valley of Flowers, Markha Valley, and the icy Chadar Trek attracting adventurers from around the world.
But the fun doesn’t stop at trekking—think white-water rafting, paragliding, skiing, and more. With a focus on eco-friendly travel, adventure tours will ensure you can enjoy these breathtaking landscapes responsibly.
8. Live Like Royalty in Heritage Hotels
Fancy staying in a palace? In 2025, more travellers will be booking stays at heritage hotels, where you can experience India’s royal past in style. From Rajasthan’s grand palaces to Kerala’s elegant mansions, these luxurious stays offer a unique way to connect with history while enjoying top-notch hospitality.
Whether you’re dining in an opulent setting or relaxing in a Maharaja’s former suite, heritage hotels give you a regal escape unlike any other.
9. Explore India’s Hidden Gems
While the big cities like Delhi and Mumbai remain popular, 2025 will see a rise in travellers venturing off the beaten path to explore India’s hidden gems. The Northeast, including places like Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, is gaining attention for its stunning natural beauty and rich tribal culture.
In the north, Ladakh’s stark, otherworldly landscapes and peaceful monasteries are perfect for those wanting a quieter, more spiritual escape. These lesser-known regions offer a more authentic and untouched side of India.
10. Sustainable Stays: Eco-Resorts that Give Back
With travellers becoming more eco-conscious, sustainable luxury is taking centre stage. The last of our travel trends for 2025 is eco-resorts, which will be the go-to choice for those wanting to blend luxury with responsible travel. Whether it’s a safari lodge in Madhya Pradesh or a coastal villa in Kerala, these resorts offer luxury without the guilt.
From reducing plastic waste to supporting local communities and wildlife conservation, eco-resorts ensure that you can indulge in luxury while helping protect the planet.
Conclusion
There are some travel trends for 2025 to look forward to in India and the Indian subcontinent, from spiritual pilgrimages to culinary adventures. Whether you’re wandering the Andaman Islands, exploring tribal traditions, or soaking up the serenity of a yoga retreat, this region offers something unforgettable for every traveller.
If you’ve been inspired by our travel trends for 2025, why not get in touch to create a bespoke tour? We’d be happy to help incorporate as many of these options as you like! All our tours are protected by ABTA and flights by ATOL.