For many young Indians, festive season travel is about more than relaxing on a beach or getting away to a favourite holiday destination. Spiritual experiences, cultural exploration and city breaks are now part of the picture as well with Varanasi emerging as one of the destinations attracting Gen Z travellers this festive season.
As Airbnb data reported in October 2026, domestic travel searches by Indian users for the upcoming festive season increased by nearly 40% compared with the previous year. Searches by Gen Z travellers also grew by almost 40%, suggesting a growing interest in travelling around India.
The trend does not suggest that young travellers are deserting beaches. But it does show there is more than one type of holiday preference: spiritual destinations and cultural hubs to coastal getaways and urban experiences.
Why is Varanasi attractive to Gen Z travellers?
Varanasi (or Kashi or Banaras) is among India’s oldest cultural and spiritual centres. Its temples, historic streets, riverfront ghats, and evening Ganga Aarti make it a good place to visit for people looking to come and experience the country’s history and heritage, as well.
Visiting Varanasi for younger visitors is a different kind of holiday from a beach break. A trip to the Ganga would take you to the ghats along the Ganga, visit temples, learn local food and experience the city’s special atmosphere.
The appetite also speaks to travel preferences beyond sightseeing. Some travellers want to know what local traditions are like, what’s happening in old neighbourhoods and what do you think is different from their everyday life.
But the figures are based on travel searches. They indicate interest in visiting a destination, not that travellers have made bookings or taken their trips.
Goa, Kolkata and Bengaluru are still popular choices
Varanasi isn’t the only destination drawing younger Indian travellers. Airbnb’s data also revealed North Goa, South Goa, Kolkata and Bengaluru are among the places drawing Gen Z interest for the festive season.
It is different to each place.
Goa for beaches and relaxation
North Goa and South Goa are still attractive to people looking to walk the coast, stay at beachside resorts, go out for dinner with friends. Goa is still a popular choice for young people at Christmas and for group holiday trips.
Kolkata for culture and celebrations.
Kolkata offers a mix of heritage, food, art and cultural activities. Its festive atmosphere and historic landmarks can appeal to visitors looking for a city experience with a strong local identity.
Bengaluru for an urban getaway
Bengaluru offers restaurants, cafés, entertainment venues and nearby weekend spots. It’s in the list because there’s something to be said for city-based experiences as well as traditional holiday locations.
The combination of these destinations with Varanasi suggests that Gen Z travellers are considering different kinds of trips rather than following a single holiday trend.
Family Travel Searches Are Rising Too
The growth in festive travel interest is not limited to younger travellers. Airbnb data also showed that searches by families increased by more than 40% year-on-year.
Srinagar, Kangra and Amritsar enjoyed the highest interest from family travellers. Other destinations generating interest include Guwahati, Nashik and East Khasi Hills.
These places offer different combinations of mountain scenery, cultural attractions, religious heritage and opportunities to spend time outdoors. Their appeal indicates that families are also looking about a wider range of domestic holiday experiences.
Family travel decisions will be based on many factors for travel for families (such as accessibility, accommodation, activities for different age groups and time together). And destinations that are natural and culturally integrated can be an option for everybody's interests as well.
Interest in Rural and Less-explored destinations is growing
Another trend is growing interest in destinations outside major urban centres. Searching for rural and non-urban destinations increased by more than 30% in Airbnb figures in the past year, the report said.
Kurung Kumey in Arunachal Pradesh was among the places with growing interest. And Shimla, Manali and other well-known mountain places continued to attract tourists.
This change may be a reaction to a preference for quiet surroundings, natural places and a different pace in places away from the crowd of busy cities. But people who are looking to travel to lesser-known cities should look to travel and research transport links, accommodation situations and weather conditions before they head there.
More search interest does not necessarily mean all of your destinations have the infrastructure or ability to accommodate a sudden increase in visitors.
What the festive travel trend tells us?
The new figures indicate that Indian domestic travel interest is broadening across several types of destinations. Spiritual centres, coastal regions, cultural cities, mountain retreats and less-explored areas are all in the festive-season conversation.
The presence of Varanasi alongside Goa and other popular places, in particular, is a reminder to Gen Z people alike that travel preferences are not limited to one group and everyone gets that a beach holiday might be a good place to go to, but also to visit heritage places and cultural events or to experience a city life in the daily life of people.
The figures also need to be interpreted carefully. They reflect searches by Airbnb and do not speak to every Indian traveller or the entire tourism business. Actual bookings and travel choices may differ.
But the picture is clear: festive travel is not limited to one kind of destination. Whether it is Varanasi’s spiritual heritage, Goa’s coastline, Kolkata’s cultural character or Bengaluru’s urban energy, young Indians are looking for more choices in planning their holidays.
Rather than replacing beaches, Varanasi’s growing visibility demonstrates that cultural and spiritual travel is becoming part of the wider range of experiences young Indians are considering for the festive season.
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