Indians redraw domestic travel plans

After the current unrest in Jammu & Kashmir, which impacted many parts of northern India, domestic travellers are turning towards safer, scenic alternatives for their summer vacations. New trends are shaping the summer getaway plans, as safety and flexibility take priority for the travellers. Tour operators report a surge in interest for South India and the Northeast.

Surbhi Sharma

As security concerns disrupt travel plans to Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and other border areas in the northwest, Indian domestic tourism is witnessing a marked shift. Travellers are now opting for alternative destinations within India, particularly in the South and Northeast.

Northern destinations take a backseat

Ather Narwari, Founder, Earth Explorer, says, “Given the recent security concerns in Kashmir, many tourists are cancelling or postponing their bookings. We are diverting interest towards Uttarakhand and Ladakh, but they are cautious in approach.” However, he remains hopeful with celebrity-led campaigns like Agli Chutti Kashmir Main, which promise long-term recovery potential.

Zahoor Ahmed Qari, Kashmir Chapter President, TAAI, agrees to Narwari’s views. “Following recent attack (in Pahalgam), traveller sentiment has clearly shifted. Bookings to the northern states are down and travellers are heading towards South India and Northeast,” says Qari.

South India and Northeast see upsurge

Mariyamma Jose, Managing Director, Athena Travels, observes that “travellers are moving away from politically sensitive regions and heading to quieter, wellness-focused destinations.” She highlights Coorg, Munnar and Kodaikanal in the South and Meghalaya and Sikkim in the Northeast as top picks this summer. Beach destinations like Gokarna and Varkala are also trending due to their peaceful, scenic appeal, she adds.

H Radhakrishna Sharma, Director, Seven Sisters Holidays, notes a “marginal increase” in queries for the Northeast, especially Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. “Sikkim and Darjeeling remain popular,” he observes.

“With uncertainty around North India, people are travelling to Ooty, Coorg and Kerala while pilgrimage routes in Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand continue to attract domestic traffic,” said Lokesh Bettaiah, Vice President, TAAI.

Looking forward

As travellers increasingly demand real-time safety updates and flexible bookings, industry experts emphasise the need for strong security reassurances and promotional campaigns.