India's most Googled travel destinations in 2023, from Vietnam to Coorg

Still wondering (and searching) where to travel for the year ender 2023 special break? Or are you wondering where others are going, to welcome 2024 in? If you answered in the affirmative – here are the top 10 most searched travel destinations in India. We give you a roundup of what to do in these places.

Vietnam

With a currency exchange that is favourable to the Indian rupee and being visa free until May 2024, Vietnam is the number one Google-searched travel destination in India. Depending on how you want to travel, a 10-day trip can cost you between Rs 40,000 and Rs 1 lakh per person.

The current exchange rate is around INR 1 for 290 Vietnamese Dong, Additionally, Indians don't need a visa to travel to Vietnam till May 2024. (Photo by Tomáš Malík via Pexels)

With easy connectivity to the capital Hanoi, you can explore the myriad sights here from its tropical islands and rugged landscape to its seafood.

Interestingly, it is the potpourri of activities that will ensure anyone has a good time here. If you like hiking, visit Cat Ba Island and check out the hiking and cycling options at Mai Chau. Trekking in Sapa is also a good idea.

Nature lovers must check out one of the most splendid freshwater lakes in the world, Ba Be Lake, and visit the world’s largest cave in Phong Nha National Park. Do visit the Cat Tien National Park to spot rare primates.

For more nuanced experiences, a visit to the coffee-making heartland, Buon Ma Thuot, and stargazing over the millions-of-years-old crater in Ly Son Island are recommended. Do not forget to savour a cup of hot coffee and watch the sunrise in the cloud paradise of Ta Xua and shop at Ben Thanh Market.

Goa

Everyone’s favourite destination, Goa shows no sign of slowing down in terms of its popularity and for good reason. With its endless beaches, Goa has so much more to see and do that the traveller can always seek new adventures each time they visit.

Within the small state, there are numerous experiences that you can check out in the North and South areas. Beyond its popular beaches, Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, and Candolim, and its popular partying spots, Goa is a treasure trove of experiences. Trek to the Harvalem waterfalls and enjoy scenic vistas or check the Bamanbudo waterfalls for some tranquillity. Check out the Portuguese Ruins at Cabo De Rama and admire the Portuguese architecture at Fort Tiracol and Sinquerim Fort.

Did you know that some of Goa's caves also have a rich Buddhist history? Well, if you did not, visit the Rivona caves. There are also caves like the ancient Arvalem Caves and architecturally rich Lamgau Caves that are a must see.

Also read: 60 things to do in Goa

One of the other lesser-known aspects of Goa is its amazing biodiversity, and a visit to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary will get you up close with it.

If you love beaches, ditch the touristy ones and instead check out the beaches that are quiet, clean and quaint like the ones at Kakolem, Galgibaga, Hollant Beach, Betul, Cola, Velsao, Arambol, Ashwem, Bogmalo, Butterfly Beach and more.

Goa is also getting a rash of new live entertainment and dining spaces, if all you want to do is kick back, relax, and maybe party a little.

Birding trail in Goa (Photo courtesy Preeti Verma Lal)

Bali

The island paradise of Bali in Indonesia has always been a hit with Indian travellers. With just about Rs 50,000, you can enjoy a week in this beach city. Indian tourists can get a visa on arrival at the airport, which makes this destination accessible as well.

Bali has everything from beaches, waterfalls, volcanic peaks, cycling treks, to a vibrant arts scene, shopping districts, and spas. There are many Hindu temples that are an attraction here.  No visit to Bali is complete without seeing the Pura Tanah Lot or Tanah Lot Temple located on a rocky islet of the sea that gives you great views. Believed to be among the most sacred temples, if you are here at sunset, you will see the most amazing colours of the sky.

If you are the adrenalin seeking sort, you can trek up the 1700-meter-high Mount Batur. Start early and catch an amazing sunrise amidst the mist-laden mountains. Being an active volcano, this trek on clear days will give you stunning views of the main source of water here - Lake Batur.

Also check out the Pura Ulun Danu Batur temple and hot springs at Toya Bungkah. Another must see is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud and the Jatiluwih rice terraces, a 90-minute drive from Ubud. The 8th century national heritage site Tirta Empul Temple that has a pool connected to a holy mountain spring is a must do.

Round off your trip with a visit to Sekumpul, a cluster of seven waterfalls. And if you are looking for an Instagram-worthy image, do not miss the Bali Swings to get on to a swing set amidst a tropical paradise.

Bali, Indonesia. (Photo by Oleksandr P via Pexels)

Sri Lanka

With Sri Lanka announcing visa-free entry for Indian tourists until March 2024, this island nation is getting more attractive to visit. A trip for one person can cost you upwards of Rs 60,000 per person for a week.

When here, look for a local village experience at Marawila in the northern province for a slice of rural Sri Lankan life. Biking, farmer’s markets, local temples, learning about organic coconut oil and more is what you can do.

If you are an adventure enthusiast, ditch the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and instead climb the Pidurangala Rock, which is a little harder but has far fewer crowds, is much cheaper and gives you astounding views of the landscape including Sigiriya.

And while Yala National Park is well known, check out the biggest cloud forest of the nation at Horton Plains National Park.

For something unique, a hot air balloon in Dambulla is also recommended.

The Fa Hein cave or Pahiyangala Cave in Kalutara is one of the oldest in Asia and has the remains of a 37,000-year-old prehistoric civilisation and must be on your to do list. And finally a visit to Jetavanaramaya stupa in the heritage city of Anuradhapura said to be the tallest stupa in the world is a must do.

Sri Lanka (Photo by Bindu Gopal Rao)

Thailand

With Thailand also joining the bandwagon of countries offering India visa free entry till May 2024, the centre of mainland South-East Asia is becoming even more attractive now. A week’s travel for one person will cost you upwards of Rs 50,000 per person.

‘Thailand’s Stonehenge’, Mor Hin Khao, is a couple of hours drive from Pa Hin Ngam. You can also see Hin Sam Wan or the Three Whales Rock at Bueng Kan. At the Pa Hin Ngam National Park in Chaiyaphum, there are several unusual rock formations, including one that resembles the football world cup. Also check out the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park in Chiang Mai where you can learn all about the process, from collecting the dung, rinsing, and drying out the fibres in the sun. Also stop at the longest wooden bridge in Thailand, Saphan Mon at Sangkhlaburi in Kanchanaburi province.

If you happen to be in Pattaya, you can admire the detailed carvings on the Sanctuary of Truth that combines features of a gallery, religious building, and museum. The Mae Klong Railway Market in Samut Songkhram set amidst a railway line is a fun shopping experience. And finally do not miss seeing the stone Buddha head at Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya. The air of mystery here and stories of how the head is entwined in the tree's roots are fascinating.

Kashmir

Known for its timeless beauty, the verdant valley of Kashmir has always been a top traveller’s choice. Crystal clear lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this is what picture-perfect moments are made of. One of the more unusual places here is Chatpal where babbling brooks and birdsong are probably the only 'noise' you can hear.

The Aharbal waterfall, Sonmarg, Lolab valley, and Kishtwar National Park are also in the vicinity of the wildflower paradise. For a dose of nature's raw beauty, head to Lolab Valley where the Lake Atisar and Lavnag spring are key attractions. Sinthan Top offers bird's eye views of two valleys from the top and can be accessed by a well-maintained road. And given India's Chandrayaan success, if you want to see a landscape that resembles the moon, head to Lamayuru, about 130 kilometres from Leh - you could stop here on the way to the Lamayuru monastery. And to see what it is to be in the state's tiniest hill station, visit Aru Valley and the Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary.

Charar-e-Sharief in Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir. (Photo by Imad Clicks via Pexels)

Coorg

Famously dubbed as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is a melting pot of varied experiences from coffee to local cuisine to nature and spirituality. For a taste of all things local, head to Somwarpet to see the magical Mallalli or Kumaradhara Falls, one of the tallest here and is a sight to behold especially post the monsoons.

Homestays are a great choice for accommodation as you can stay in a place where there are coffee estates and see the process of bean to cup firsthand. A must-do activity is to hire a jeep or a 4x4 vehicle and head up hills like Mandalpatti for a nice off-roading experience. If you love waterfalls, check out the beautiful Iruppu Falls - it is a stunning visual as it cascades down shrouded amidst thick forests.

Coorg (Photo by Bindu Gopal Rao)

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

An archipelago in the Northeastern Indian Ocean, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is where you will find India's most pristine beaches that also have some unique biodiversity. The islands have many innovative places that are generally off the tourist radar. One of the more interesting places is Chidiya Tapu, located at the edge of Southern Andaman, as it has several bird species and has an eco-trail as well. If you can trek ahead for an hour, you will reach Munda Pahad, one of the best sunset viewing points here. Also visit the tiny island of Jolly Buoy, which is part of the Mahatma Gandhi National Park’s Marine Sanctuary whose waters are home to exotic fish and other marine life.

If you like exploring limestone caves, the Baratang island must be on your itinerary and you can also check out Barren Island, home to the only active volcano in India. The mangrove creeks at Baratang islands are a great place to get up-close with the local flora and fauna. Some of the best beaches that you can check out are at Mayabunder, Diglipur and Rangat.

Andaman (Photo by Bindu Gopal Rao)

Italy

One of the most attractive places for Indians in Europe is Italy, buoyed especially by the growing interest in foods especially pizzas and pastas. While Lake Como has come to the limelight, courtesy of some celebrity weddings, the quaint town of Varenna, closer here is a real gem. A medieval town that is best explored as you head into its narrow streets and alleys, this is the place to try delicious Italian cuisine at family-owned restaurants.

You can also explore the towns of Bellagio, Menaggio, and Tremezzo when you are here. The town of Trieste with its Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences, has an Austro-Hungarian influence and is a must see.

If hiking is your thing, Valsugana is the place for you as it has many hidden lakes. When in Italy, do not miss a cooking session, especially at the Perugina chocolate factory and explore its old town.

Switzerland

With its scenic vistas, it is impossible not to love this country. If you want to explore nature on an easy hike, the Bachalpsee hike is a great introduction to Switzerland, as you can see the snow-capped mountains, wildflowers, lush green meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.  As you see the lake post the hike do not miss the peaks of Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn and Finsteraarhorn.

Take a trip to one of the steepest funiculars in Gelmersee to see an amazing lake and optionally hike as well. A must visit is the turquoise hued Lake Brienz as well as the charming town of roses Rapperswil.

A visit to Switzerland’s very own Grand Canyon, the Rhine Gorge, a 13-kilometre stretch that has seen geological events dating over 10,000 years ago will also give you some stunning views.

One of the best ways to see the country is to sign up on its numerous train journeys, like the Bernina Express that will take you through UNESCO World heritage sights.