Darjeeling emerges as the most-searched North-East destination for winter 2025

Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills, tops North-East winter travel searches for 2025 with its scenic Kanchenjunga views, colonial charm, and tranquil tea gardens.

As winter approaches and the hills slip into their most evocative mood, India’s North-East is quietly reclaiming its place on the domestic travel map. According to a press release by digital travel platform Agoda, domestic searches for North-Eastern destinations have surged for travel between October and December 2025, highlighting a growing preference for slower, nature-led holidays.

Topping the list is Darjeeling, the timeless Queen of the Hills. Despite its familiarity, the hill station continues to draw travellers with its Kanchenjunga sunrises, colonial-era bungalows and tea gardens wrapped in drifting clouds. Winter lends Darjeeling a softer rhythm — fewer crowds, clearer mountain views and a chill that makes the town feel almost cinematic.

Early mornings often begin with mist rolling over Tiger Hill, followed by leisurely breakfasts overlooking terraced tea estates. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds a touch of nostalgia, while heritage hotels and old-world cafés reinforce the town’s enduring charm. For many Indian travellers, Darjeeling isn’t about ticking off attractions — it’s about slowing down, revisiting familiar comforts and finding calm in repetition.

Darjeeling

As per reports, Darjeeling’s enduring appeal is also driven by its easy accessibility, a mature hospitality ecosystem and its ability to suit families, couples and solo travellers alike. It continues to stand out as a winter destination that feels dependable yet deeply rewarding, combining scenic beauty with a sense of emotional familiarity.

Beyond Darjeeling, search data points to a growing curiosity among travellers to explore both well-known hubs and quieter towns across the North-East. Here’s a look at the other destinations that emerged as the most searched in the region for winter 2025.

Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok blends spirituality with modern life

Following closely behind is Gangtok, Sikkim’s vibrant capital, where tradition and contemporary living coexist effortlessly. Prayer flags flutter beside bustling cafés, monasteries overlook lively streets and snow-dusted peaks frame the skyline. As per reports, Gangtok’s appeal lies in its balance — offering cultural depth without isolation and urban energy without overwhelming pace.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong’s winter charm keeps Meghalaya in focus

Shillong ranks third, reinforcing Meghalaya’s growing popularity beyond the monsoon season. Often called the ‘Scotland of the East’, the city comes alive in winter with clear skies, pine forests bathed in soft sunlight and music-filled cafés. Nearby lakes and waterfalls add to its charm, making Shillong a favourite for travellers seeking atmosphere as much as scenery.

Guwahati and Siliguri emerge as more than gateways

Beyond the top three, Guwahati and Siliguri continue to feature prominently in search trends. Guwahati’s urban energy, shaped by the Brahmaputra and ancient temples, makes it both a spiritual stop and a cultural destination. Siliguri, long viewed as a transit hub, is increasingly being explored for its proximity to hill towns, wildlife reserves and tea estates.

Smaller towns see rising interest among travellers

Search data also points to a growing curiosity for quieter, lesser-known destinations. Cherrapunji continues to attract nature lovers with its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and living root bridges even outside the rainy season. Pelling offers uninterrupted views of the Kanchenjunga range and a slower, more reflective travel experience. Kalimpong, with its flower markets, heritage buildings and crowd-free streets, is emerging as a preferred retreat for travellers looking to disconnect.

Dzüko Valley, Nagaland

Why the North-East is becoming a repeat winter choice

Commenting on the trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, noted that travellers are increasingly embracing both popular and offbeat destinations across the North-East, supported by a growing mix of hotels, homestays and alternative accommodations.

Based on accommodation searches made between July and September 2025 for travel later in the year, the findings suggest a broader shift in travel behaviour. As per reports, the North-East is no longer viewed as a once-in-a-lifetime or seasonal destination. Instead, it is becoming a recurring choice for slow holidays, winter escapes and immersive journeys that prioritise experience over speed.

The takeaway for winter travellers

As 2025 draws to a close, India’s eastern hills are attracting travellers not through spectacle, but through stillness. With mist-covered landscapes, cultural depth and space to slow down, the North-East is shaping up as one of the country’s most meaningful winter getaways.