Agoda reveals contrasting travel choices among Indian solo and group travelers

International

Accommodation searches for late summer 2026 show solo travelers favoring major cities and independent escapes, while groups lean toward nature, pilgrimage and leisure destinations

Indian travelers are showing markedly different destination preferences depending on whether they plan to travel alone or with family and friends. Agoda accommodation search data for the late summer 2026 season suggests that solo travelers are combining metropolitan breaks with cultural and nature-focused trips, while groups are looking more frequently at hill stations, pilgrimage centers and destinations suited to spending time together.

One destination bridges the divide. Goa is attracting strong interest from both solo and group travelers, underlining the coastal state's broad appeal across different types of trips.

Mumbai and New Delhi lead solo travel interest

Major cities remain prominent in searches by solo travelers. Mumbai and New Delhi occupy the top two positions, combining easy accessibility with extensive dining, nightlife and cultural offerings that can be explored independently.

Beyond the metropolitan centers, the search data points to a more diverse picture. Udaipur appeals to travelers interested in heritage, with its palaces, lakes and compact old city, while Tirupati demonstrates continuing demand for independent pilgrimage travel.

Leh, Munnar and Srinagar represent another side of the solo travel market. Himalayan landscapes, tea-growing regions and houseboat experiences are attracting travelers looking for quieter journeys surrounded by nature.

Taken together, the searches suggest that independent travel in India is no longer dominated by one particular type of destination. Urban experiences sit alongside spiritual journeys, cultural discovery and slower-paced retreats.

Groups look to mountains and pilgrimage destinations

Travelers planning trips with others show different priorities. Puri remains popular as both a coastal destination and an important pilgrimage center associated with the Jagannath Temple. Rishikesh, Haridwar and Ujjain similarly demonstrate continued interest in places with religious and cultural significance.

Mountain destinations also feature prominently. Nainital, Mussoorie and Shimla are attracting families and groups looking for cooler temperatures and scenic surroundings, while Wayanad reflects demand for nature-oriented trips with a more relaxed pace.

The pattern indicates that group travelers are particularly interested in destinations where activities and experiences can be shared across different generations and interests.

Goa attracts solo travelers and groups alike

“Travel preferences are becoming increasingly personal, with solo travellers drawn to destinations that offer relaxation, self-discovery and flexibility, and groups keen to visit places to create shared memories,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda.

Goa stands out because it appeals to both segments. “Goa in particular has enduring appeal, emerging as a top area of interest for both solo travellers and groups alike,” Malik added.

The findings suggest that Indian travel demand is becoming increasingly differentiated. Rather than a single set of popular destinations dominating the market, travelers are selecting places according to who they are traveling with and what they expect from the journey.

Agoda currently offers more than six million accommodation properties, over 130,000 flight routes and more than 300,000 bookable activities worldwide.