Assam Jorhat tops popular destinations for Indian travelers as Skyscanner reveals travel trends for 2026 with Suryakumar Yadav

The Indian traveler’s compass is changing and pointing towards a place closer to home. According to Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends Report, Jorhat in Assam and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh have emerged among the top ten trending destinations for Indian travellers, reflecting the growing appetite for experiences steeped in authenticity, culture and connectivity.

Based on Skyscanner’s proprietary flight search data, tracking increases between January and June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, Jorhat registered a notable 493% year-on-year increase, topping the list. Varanasi, often celebrated as the spiritual heart of India, saw a 120% rise in flight searches, ranking sixth among the top 10 most popular destinations.

The importance of Jorhat and Varanasi underscores the broader trend that Skyscanner describes as “personal travel” where trips are shaped not just by wanderlust but by individual passion, purpose and identity. As international travel picks up, Indians are rediscovering the diversity within their borders, blending heritage-rich itineraries with exotic exploration. “One in three Indian travelers are avoiding crowded and tourist-heavy locations in favor of authentic alternatives,” noted Neil Ghose, travel trends and destinations expert at Skyscanner. The spike in searches for Jorhat and Varanasi shows a growing curiosity about India’s cultural roots and a growing interest in experiences that feel more personal and meaningful, he added.

For travellers, this means smaller cities like Jorhat. The cultural capital of Assam and the gateway to Majuli Island, it finds a place on the national map. With its vibrant tea plantations, Vaishnavite monasteries, and thriving eco-tourism scene, Jorhat offers a mix of tranquility and cultural depth that resonates with the new-age Indian traveler looking for something beyond the ordinary.

Varanasi, on the other hand, remains timeless, yet evolving in how it is experienced. The city was once seen as a pilgrimage destination, but is now gaining attention for its multi-layered cultural identity. Heritage riverside walks, boutique stays overlooking the Ganges, and creative retreats that blend art, spirituality, and gastronomy attract young travelers as interested in history as introspection.

The launch of the report in New Delhi saw Skyscanner’s first brand ambassador in India, Suryakumar Yadav, unveil the findings alongside Neil Ghose. Suryakumar Yadav, popularly known as SKY, spoke about the suitability of the partnership with Skyscanner. “As the name suggests, I think they have vetted me really well. I love travelling, I love going on holidays. So it’s a great partnership, and it will continue for a long time. I’m really excited to be part of this amazing family,” Yadav said.

Ghose spoke about how they needed a very strong voice to communicate their Indian story to millions of people. He added: “SKY was our first and last choice. He is loved by millions but he is also very authentic, and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is passionate and has taken a lot of lessons in life, and obviously his name is perfect. When SKY will talk about Skyscanner, everyone will listen and come forward, so we are very grateful for this partnership.”

‘Destination check-ins’, where design hotels become a reason to travel, to ‘book-bound’ trips inspired by literature, ‘family miles’ where 38% of Indians surveyed have taken three-generation trips with both parents and children, and ‘glowmads’, where wellness and beauty itineraries form, are among the seven key trends that have defined 2026 travel trends, according to For the latest report.

There is also a significant increase in the use of artificial intelligence to plan and book trips. The report revealed that 86% of Indian travelers are confident in using artificial intelligence tools to plan and book their trips, which is the highest rate in the world. With Skyscanner’s Savvy Search (powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT) offering curated destination ideas complete with flight options, Indian travelers are now combining inspiration with practicality like never before.