Published on
September 11, 2025
India is gearing up for a major surge in travel demand as the country approaches its peak festive season. With Durga Puja and Diwali on the horizon, Ebix Travel, one of India’s leading travel platforms, is projecting a significant rise in bookings for both domestic and international trips. In particular, the emergence of new pilgrimage hotspots like Khatushyam Ji in Rajasthan and Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh is contributing to the growing demand. Early bookings are reflecting a shift in travel behavior, with travelers planning their journeys weeks in advance. This increase in travel is also accompanied by rising fares and occupancy levels on buses, trains, and flights. As India embraces its rich cultural traditions, the travel industry is responding with enhanced services and strategic partnerships to accommodate the festive rush.
Rising Demand for Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism
One of the key trends driving the festive travel surge in India is the increasing popularity of pilgrimage and spiritual tourism. Locations like Khatushyam Ji and Omkareshwar are emerging as top destinations for devout travelers seeking to reconnect with their spiritual roots during the festival season. With India’s deep cultural and religious heritage, these places have become significant pilgrimage sites, contributing to a major shift in travel patterns.
The rise in pilgrimage tourism reflects a growing trend among Indians to visit these sacred sites during the auspicious period of Durga Puja and Diwali. As a result, booking platforms are witnessing a surge in demand for spiritual travel packages, with more travelers opting for spiritual journeys to enhance their festive celebrations.
Domestic Travel: Regional Mobility Takes the Lead
Ebix Travel’s data shows that domestic travel, especially to tier 2 and tier 3 cities, is at an all-time high this year. About 62% of the bookings are coming from these regions, as families return home for the festive season. Key metro-to-hometown routes, such as Bengaluru to Andhra Pradesh and Delhi to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are registering peak occupancy levels. This increase in regional mobility is indicative of the strong cultural drive to reunite with families during festivals.
Additionally, in Eastern India, Durga Puja has spurred heavy travel between Kolkata and other regional destinations like Asansol, Durgapur, and Siliguri. These routes have seen a consistent increase in bookings, as people head back to their hometowns to participate in traditional celebrations.
Air Travel: A Shift in Composition and Increasing Demand
The aviation sector is also experiencing a significant shift in traffic composition during the festive period. The share of corporate travel is expected to decline to just 15–20%, while family and leisure segments are projected to make up 65–70% of total bookings. This represents a major change from non-festive periods, where business travel dominates.
International leisure travel is expected to see a spike, with Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok emerging as top destinations. The rise in short-haul international trips during Diwali and the lead-up to the Christmas-New Year period further reflects the growing appetite for global travel. Meanwhile, domestic air traffic is also witnessing a major surge, particularly to destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, which are all major hubs for festive tourism.
Train and Bus Travel: A Strain on Resources
With a limited number of train tickets available, the demand for long-distance train travel is reaching a breaking point. The usual supply crunch during the festive season is pushing millions of passengers to shift their travel plans to buses and flights. This has triggered a ripple effect, leading to increased demand and higher fares for both modes of transport.
For bus travel, routes such as Delhi to Patna and Kolkata to Siliguri are already at 95-100% occupancy, underscoring the high demand. Fares on premium intercity buses have risen by 1.5 to 3 times the normal levels, indicating a high elasticity of demand. With travelers looking for quicker and more comfortable alternatives to crowded trains, buses and flights are expected to continue experiencing a significant surge.
The Role of UPI in Revolutionizing Travel Payments
One of the most notable shifts in India’s festive travel landscape is the rapid adoption of digital payment systems, particularly UPI (Unified Payments Interface). UPI is now the fastest-growing mode of payment, reflecting India’s growing move towards cashless transactions. This change is being embraced by younger travelers and millennials, who are looking for seamless and convenient payment options while booking their festive travel. This trend is further supported by platforms offering easy-to-use booking tools and real-time tracking, enabling passengers to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free experience.
A Thriving Festive Travel Season
As India enters its peak festive season, the surge in travel demand reflects the country’s deep cultural traditions and the desire to celebrate festivals with family and friends. Whether it’s domestic pilgrimage tourism, regional mobility, or a rise in short-haul international trips, the travel industry is gearing up for an exceptionally busy period. With growing digital adoption, rising fares, and shifting travel behaviors, the 2025 festive travel season promises to be one of the most dynamic in India’s history. Travelers and the industry alike are preparing for a season of connection, celebration, and unforgettable journeys.
