India is lighting up global travel maps this festive season. As Diwali 2025 approaches, international curiosity for the country has soared — with searches to India rising a massive 67% year-on-year, according to new data from Agoda. From South Korea to the UAE and the United States, travelers are flocking online to plan trips that capture the sparkle of India’s most vibrant festival, signalling a powerful comeback for festive tourism.
India’s Festival Glow Attracts Global Tourists
Among the top international markets showing keen interest in visiting India this Diwali, South Korea stands out, with searches soaring over 45 times compared to last year. Travel enthusiasm is also strong across Southeast Asia, with Thailand searches nearly doubling and Malaysia up 25%.
Beyond the Asia-Pacific region, the UAE has recorded an 87% rise in searches, while interest from the United States climbed 28%, reflecting how India’s cultural festivals are resonating with travelers across continents.
“Diwali, with its traditions of light, community, and celebration, offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience India’s vibrant cultural fabric,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda. “The rise in interest from new markets like South Korea alongside steady growth from the Middle East and Southeast Asia shows how India is gaining global appeal as a festive destination.”
Domestic Travel Still Dominates
While international curiosity is surging, domestic travel remains the backbone of Diwali tourism. Agoda’s data shows searches within India growing 18% year-on-year. With families reuniting and leisure travelers taking advantage of long holiday breaks, Indian travelers are exploring both heritage cities and leisure destinations across the country.
Top Trending Diwali Destinations
This festive season, travelers are gravitating toward destinations that combine cultural heritage with festive vibrancy.
- Goa has emerged as the most searched destination overall.
- Udaipur and Jaipur follow close behind, recording 49% and 46% rises in searches, respectively.
- New Delhi saw its search volume double, while Mumbai recorded an 18% increase, reaffirming their status as key urban centers for Diwali festivities.
These trends underline how travelers—both local and global—are eager to experience Diwali’s mix of ritual, gastronomy, and grandeur in diverse settings, from beachside celebrations to royal city palaces.
India’s Cultural Tourism on the Rise
Beyond the fireworks and lamps, Diwali is fast becoming an international showcase of India’s living heritage—a time when visitors can explore traditional crafts, festive cuisines, and the country’s warm sense of community.
As Malik notes, “Cultural travel is breaking borders. Festivals like Diwali are helping redefine India’s position on the global tourism map—not just as a destination, but as an experience.”
Note: Agoda’s insights are based on accommodation searches made between February and August 2025 for check-ins between October 17–23, 2025, compared to the Diwali week of 2024 (October 28–November 3).
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