From Udaipur to Thailand: Indian travellers opt for quick getaways this 79th Independence Day long weekend

From Udaipur to Thailand: Indian travellers opt for quick getaways this 79th Independence Day long weekend

As India marks its 79th Independence Day, travellers are turning the holiday into an opportunity for short yet meaningful escapes. According to new data from Booking.com, this year’s mid-August long weekend (14–17 August 2025) is driving a surge in both domestic road trips and short-haul international “mini-cations.” The trend reflects a growing desire for quick breaks that balance relaxation, exploration and quality time with loved ones.

Road Trips from City to Serenity

The report shows that 58% of Indian travellers are choosing short domestic trips in 2025, with destinations within driving distance from major metros seeing a 40–80% rise in accommodation searches compared to last year. Weekend favourites such as Alibaug, Karjat and Igatpuri near Mumbai, and Rishikesh and Mussoorie near Delhi, are topping the charts for travellers eager to swap city noise for nature’s calm.

Lonavala (Image: Canva)

Perennial favourites like Lonavala, Jaipur, Mahabaleshwar and Chikmagalur are also seeing an uptick, proving that the charm of a quick hill station or countryside escape never fades.

Coastal Calm for a Relaxed Retreat

Beyond the hills, many are heading for the coast in search of gentle sea breezes and laid-back charm. As per the report, quieter beach towns like Varkala and Gokarna have seen a 10–40% surge in interest, alongside evergreen favourite Goa, offering a mix of golden sands, fresh seafood and leisurely sunsets.

APAC Mini-Cations on the Rise

Internationally, the Asia-Pacific region is stealing the spotlight. Thailand has emerged as the star, with Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya witnessing over a 60% increase in searches. The country’s blend of street markets, tropical beaches and rich cultural heritage makes it a perfect choice for a short but impactful getaway.

Other popular international destinations for this long weekend include Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.

Top 10 Most Searched Destinations

Udaipur (Image: Canva)

Domestic:

1. Udaipur
2. Lonavala
3. Jaipur
4.Puducherry
5. Mumbai
6. Bengaluru
7. Ooty
8. Munnar
9. Kodaikanal
10. New Delhi

Dubai (Image: Canva)

International:

1. Dubai
2. Singapore
3. Bangkok
4. London
5. Phuket
6. Kuala Lumpur
7. Bali
8. Abu Dhabi
9. Pattaya
10. Hong Kong

Rise of the ‘Home Away from Home’ Stay

The report also highlights a growing preference for alternative stays over hotels. Homestays, guesthouses, apartments and villas are leading the list, with 74% of travellers favouring these for their comfort, flexibility and immersive experiences—especially for family getaways.

Thailand (Image: Canva)

This Independence Day long weekend is shaping up to be a vibrant travel period, with Indians embracing everything from quick drives to hill retreats and coastal hideaways to short international escapes. Whether it’s the green hills of Lonavala or the golden sands of Thailand, travellers are making the most of the extended break to reconnect, recharge and explore.