India’s Travel Boom: Stargazing, Road Trips, and Global connections
India’s travel sector is experiencing a phenomenal surge, with diverse trends captivating travelers both domestically and internationally. From gazing at the cosmos to exploring far-flung corners of the country and beyond,the indian travel landscape is transforming at a rapid pace.
Reaching for the stars: The Rise of Astro Tourism
India’s burgeoning interest in astro tourism is undeniable. Online travel aggregator Skyscanner identifies this as a major travel trend for 2025 among Indian travelers. This celestial interest is fueled by initiatives like the “Nakshatra Sabha” campaign,a collaboration between the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Starscapes,offering unique stargazing experiences.
Starscapes founder, Ramashish Ray, notes a significant shift in the appeal of astro tourism. “A few years ago, there were very few options for anyone wanting to experience astro tourism activities, like stargazing and observing celestial events. It was mostly limited to those with a strong interest in astronomy. Today, though, the appeal is much broader,” he explains. The frist three phases of Nakshatra Sabha drew over 500 participants, while the fourth event attracted over 100 attendees from across India and even the Netherlands.
Starscapes’ observatories across India are witnessing a similar surge in popularity. “At our observatories,we regularly see families,children,and young adults coming in for stargazing and solar observations as part of their travel plans,” Ray adds. “One reason for this shift is that people now have more disposable income,and they are looking for experiences beyond the usual. More people are open to trying new things.” He further points out that millennials, known for their adventurous travel styles, are a key driver of this growing demand.
According to Skyscanner, the most popular dark sky experiences for Indian travelers include night sky photography and the romantic allure of sleeping under the stars.
hitting the Road: Intercity Travel Soars
Uber India has reported it’s highest-ever intercity ride bookings in 2024, surpassing previous records. This surge reflects a broader trend of increased domestic travel within India.
Uber attributes this growth to several factors, including improved road infrastructure and a rising demand for leisure travel, pilgrimages, and family visits.”Road travel is increasing in popularity as the network of highways and expressways is expanding in India,” the company stated. “Long-distance trips are becoming more efficient and accessible, and there is a considerable reduction in travel time.” The popularity of weekend getaways, further amplified by long weekends and major holidays like Holi, Eid, and Independence Day, has significantly contributed to this boom.
Delhi Airport Reaches New Heights: 150 Destinations and Counting
Delhi’s indira Gandhi International Airport has achieved a significant milestone, now connecting to 150 domestic and international destinations following the launch of direct flights to Bangkok-Don Mueang by Thai AirAsia X. This makes it the first airport in India to reach this extraordinary number of connections, according to Delhi Airport International Limited (DIAL).
DIAL highlights a remarkable 100% increase in transfer passengers over the past decade, alongside the addition of over 20 new international destinations, including Phnom penh, bali Denpasar, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, Washington Dulles, and Chicago O’Hare. The airport’s strategic location solidifies its role as a major hub, with 88% of long-haul destinations from India connected through Delhi, and 56% of all weekly long-haul flights departing from India originating from this crucial airport.
India’s Travel and Tourism Sector Takes flight
India’s travel and tourism industry is experiencing a period of significant growth, with several key developments shaping its future. From ambitious infrastructure projects to innovative tourism strategies, the country is positioning itself as a major player on the global stage. These developments have significant implications for both domestic and international travelers.
Highway Hotels: A New Frontier for Indian Hospitality
Sarovar Hotels, a prominent Indian hotel chain, is strategically investing in highway hotels and resorts near major cities. This move capitalizes on India’s expanding national highway network, a development that’s creating new opportunities for tourism and hospitality. Sarovar Hotels managing director, Ajay Bakaya, highlighted the potential of this emerging market in a recent interview. “It is indeed connecting places,and creating opportunities for highway hotels and resorts closer to cities,” he stated.
Andhra Pradesh Courts the Wedding Tourism Market
The state of Andhra Pradesh is actively pursuing a slice of the lucrative indian wedding market. With an estimated 4.8 million weddings expected this year, generating a potential $70.4 billion in revenue according to a Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) study, the state aims to attract couples seeking unique wedding destinations. Andhra Pradesh’s tourism minister,Kandula durgesh,emphasized the state’s potential to offer attractive alternatives to international wedding venues. The state is developing tailored facilities to cater to this burgeoning market as part of its upcoming tourism policy.
IndiGo Expands US Reach with New Codeshare Agreements
Budget airline IndiGo is significantly expanding its presence in the United States. The airline recently announced four new codeshare connections to Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles via Istanbul, in partnership with Turkish Airlines. This expansion brings IndiGo’s total number of US destinations to nine, adding to its existing network which includes New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco. This increased connectivity is expected to boost tourism between the US and India.
These developments underscore India’s dynamic and rapidly evolving travel and tourism landscape. The strategic investments in infrastructure, coupled with innovative tourism initiatives, are poised to attract a significant influx of both domestic and international visitors in the coming years.
