Indian Travelers Flock to Monsoon Destinations

Indian Travelers Flock to Monsoon Destinations

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 12, 2024

Traveling during the monsoon season has become a captivating experience for many Indian travelers. Scenic treks, cascading waterfalls, vibrant wildlife, and seasonal delicacies are making more people pack their bags and head to destinations that truly come alive during the rainy season. According to Booking.com’s Travel Trends for 2024, 53% of Indian travelers are seeking destinations known for their beautiful natural scenery, 39% are interested in exploring mountains, and 31% want to visit iconic landmarks.

Booking.com, a leading digital travel company, reveals that Lonavala, Udaipur, Jaipur, Ooty, and Mussoorie are among the top searched leisure destinations for Indian travelers this monsoon. Additionally, metros such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad are popular among domestic travelers. This trend indicates a strong preference for a mix of serene natural retreats and bustling urban experiences.

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Indians are also showing a keen interest in international travel during the monsoon season. Short-haul destinations like Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo top the list, while long-haul favorites include London, Paris, and Amsterdam. This surge is driven by eased border restrictions and increased accessibility to international destinations, allowing Indian travelers to explore new cultures and experiences.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, commented on this trend: "Indians are increasingly seeking enriching experiences year-round. The monsoon season offers a unique opportunity for travel, and we see a strong interest in both domestic and international destinations. Our goal is to simplify the travel process by offering comprehensive services including accommodations, flights, rental cars, and attractions to ensure travelers have memorable getaways."

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Domestic travel remains robust, with a notable increase in bookings for nature-centric experiences. Popular destinations include the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, the hill stations of Kerala, and the Western Ghats. Kerala, in particular, is favored for its hill stations, backwaters, and wildlife-rich forests. Adventure seekers are also drawn to trekking and hiking in Tawang, exploring root bridges in Meghalaya, and visiting waterfalls in Karnataka.

Spiritual and pilgrimage tours continue to attract travelers, with destinations like Varanasi, Mahakaleshwar, and the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka seeing significant interest. The trend towards frequent and shorter trips is noticeable, with emerging travel destinations such as Varanasi, Kochi, and Mysore gaining popularity.

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For international travel, Dubai's luxurious offerings, Singapore's vibrant city life, and Bali's serene landscapes are high on the list for Indian travelers. The easing of visa policies in short-haul destinations is contributing to this trend, making foreign travel more accessible.

The monsoon season in India is becoming a favored time for travel, with a growing interest in both domestic and international destinations. The lush green landscapes, exciting activities, and diverse cultural experiences make this season an appealing time for travelers. Companies like Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel are catering to this adventurous spirit, offering a range of travel options to meet the demands of the modern traveler.


India’s Longest Glass Skywalk Bridge to Open in Vizag’s Kailasagiri Hills

India’s Longest Glass Skywalk Bridge to Open in Vizag’s Kailasagiri Hills

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 9, 2025

Visakhapatnam is about to add a new landmark to its tourism map with the launch of India’s longest glass skywalk bridge at Kailasagiri Hills. The 55-metre-long structure, perched 862 feet above ground, will offer visitors panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal, the bustling city of Vizag, and the Eastern Ghats.

The new attraction has been designed with both thrill and safety in mind. Built with three layers of 40-mm thick tempered laminated glass imported from Germany, the bridge is supported by 40 tonnes of steel and engineered to handle up to 500 kg per square metre. The project, developed at a cost of INR 7 crore, also takes into account the region’s cyclone-prone climate, with the structure built to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 km/h.

While the bridge can technically accommodate over 100 people, entry will be carefully regulated for safety and visitor experience. Only 40 visitors will be allowed at a time, with each visit lasting between 5 and 10 minutes, ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy the walk.

The glass skywalk at Kailasagiri Hills surpasses Kerala’s Vagamon bridge, which measures 38 metres, making it the longest hanging glass bridge in the country. Its location was finalized after a detailed survey to ensure visitors get the most scenic vantage points.

The initiative was developed through a public-private partnership between the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA), SSM Shipping & Logistics, and Bharat Mata Ventures, the creators of the Vagamon bridge. Alongside the glass skywalk, other attractions such as ziplining and sky cycling by RJ Adventures are also being introduced, turning Kailasagiri into a growing adventure hub.

The bridge is expected to be inaugurated soon, with final touches like lighting and safety checks underway. Once opened, it is anticipated to become one of the most popular attractions in the region, drawing tourists from across India and abroad to experience Vizag’s natural beauty from a whole new perspective.


Biggest Setback to Char Dham Yatra Since the 2013 Kedarnath Disaster

Biggest Setback to Char Dham Yatra Since the 2013 Kedarnath Disaster

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 7, 2025

The Char Dham Yatra this year has suffered its worst disruption in more than a decade, second only to the catastrophic Kedarnath floods of 2013. Continuous rains, flash floods, and landslides have brought the annual pilgrimage to a standstill for over 50 days, leaving behind significant human and financial losses.

According to official data, 80 people lost their lives, 114 were injured, and 95 remain missing due to weather-related incidents since April 1. The calamities also destroyed 229 houses and left 1,828 partially damaged, underscoring the widespread impact of the extreme weather conditions.

The pilgrimage to Gangotri and Yamunotri was halted for over 20 days each, while Badrinath and Kedarnath saw shorter suspensions of four days each. Since the yatra began on May 4, more than 40 lakh devotees have visited the four Himalayan shrines. However, from July onwards, heavy rains forced authorities to impose repeated bans on movement, causing a steep decline in pilgrim turnout.

Stakeholders said that excluding the pandemic years, this season may have caused the highest financial losses in recent history. “This has been the most challenging season in recent memory. Many bookings have been cancelled, and there are no new inquiries. September was our last hope, but numbers may fall far below last year’s,” said Sudhir Rana, a travel agency owner.

Among the worst-hit destinations is Gangotri, where the Dharali disaster caused severe damage. “It will take us a long time to recover. Most people are still coming to terms with the magnitude of their losses,” said Rajnikant Semwal, a resident of Mukhba.

The shortened duration of the yatra has worsened matters. With Diwali falling earlier this year, three of the four shrines are expected to close by October, reducing the earning window for locals. “Hotel occupancy rates in July, August, and now early September have plummeted to around 10%. Except for some business in May and June, the season has remained completely dry,” said Rakesh Ranjan, president of the Joshimath Hotel Association.

Echoing these concerns, Brijesh Sati, general secretary of Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat, said, “We had just begun recovering from the Covid-induced losses. This year’s natural disasters have pushed us back further.”

As the season heads towards an early closure, pilgrims, hoteliers, and traders remain uncertain about recovery, with many still grappling with the devastation caused by nature’s fury.


Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Akasa Air has strengthened its international operations by inaugrated its direct flight from Chennai to Abu Dhabi route with 6x weekly services. The flights, which began on 1st September, are now operating with enhanced frequency to meet growing travel demand.

This new route not only improves connectivity between Chennai and Abu Dhabi but also offers travellers the airline’s signature service at affordable fares. The route functions as a turnaround flight, with inbound and outbound operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a ground time of just two hours, ensuring efficiency and convenience.

This inaugral service reflects Akasa Air’s focus on expanding its global footprint and supporting seamless travel between India and the UAE. By offering more flight options, the airline continues to cater to both business and leisure travellers while reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer-friendly service.

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