Astro-Tourism And Offbeat Destinations To Lead Travel In 2026

2026 To Witness Growth In Astro-Tourism 

The entire concept of travel has been evolving over time. Travel, which has been majorly connected with sightseeing and experiencing newer locations, has been replaced with self-identity, self-discovery, disconnecting with the materialistic world and even meditation.

The travel industry witnessed a huge boom in 2024, which sustained through 2025 and is expected to continue in 2026 too. Over the last two years, there has been emergence of newer markets, growth of domestic and international travel and even the growing impact of technology impacting consumer behaviour. 

Amongst these, changing consumer behaviour has been one of the most prominent reasons impacting travel trends in India. As for 2026, around 60 per cent people are expected to travel this year, compared to 2026. 

One in four travellers are avoiding tourist heavy destinations, and looking for places, which relate more to their choices and personalities. There is a huge growth in consumers, looking at technology support for their travel plans. Around 90 per cent people are looking at AI for travel itineraries, connecting with company bots for suggestions around customised travel.

Below are the key trends which will shape up travel in 2026: 

Emergence in Offbeat and Local Destinations

Picturesque Jorhat has outshone global destinations to become the top trending destination for Indian travellers. There has been change in the entire pattern of travel, where consumers are looking at local destinations which are blessed with nature. In place of crowded international destinations, people are getting drawn to culturally rich, immersive locations, which are known for tea gardens, rivers, heritage sites and experiential travel.

North-East is one such region, which has witnessed a sudden boom amongst travellers due to its natural beauty. People are enjoying the local food, eco-tourism, mountains, rivers and this region is being discovered as “Hidden Gem” of India. 

Spiritual Travel

Another segment which is growing amongst Indian travellers today, is the rising concept of spiritual tourism. 

In fact, spiritual travel is one of the fastest growing travel segments in India. While spiritual travel was earlier more associated with travel amongst elderly population, it has taken a new form with millennials and Gen Z getting drawn towards spirituality.

Around 34 destinations in India, witnessed double digit growth due to spiritual travel and 15 per cent destinations grew by more than 25 per cent. 2026 will witness growth in destinations like Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Amritsar, Puri, Kyatushyam ji and Tirupathi in 2026. Improved infrastructural connectivity is also leading to the growth in pilgrim led travel. 

Community Travel

Community based tourism is growing at a significant rate, as consumers are also looking at socially immersive experiences. Changing trends show that people are preferring travel with their friends, rather than families; there are also people who are looking at connecting with strangers over travel. People indulge into cultural engagements, tribal homestays, local food and experiences and India is emerging as one of the key destinations in Asia Pacific, for its community tourism. 

Family and Multi-Generational Travel

Travelling with families will witness sustenance in 2026. People will continue travelling with parents, children, relatives, grandparents, making travelling a shared family experience. Heritage visits, bonding over good food and hotel stays, celebration of family events, religious pilgrimages will continue to see growth as a prominent segment in this year’s travel patterns. 

Growth in Astro-Tourism

There is one segment which is slowly witnessing growing in the travel segment. There is growing interest towards stargazing, nigh-sky experiences, meditating under the moonlight, dark-sky destinations. The demand is increasing due to a mix in nature-led and science themed travel. Many places have also developed Astro focused offerings like special camps, protecting night led group travel. Places like Hanle in 

Ladakh and Spiti, and a series of stargazing events at multiple Himalayan locations have drawn sold out crowds from across India and abroad, combining telescope viewings, astrophotography and cultural sky tours. Many states are also identifying villages to develop Astro villages to expand rural tourism at night. 

With changing preferences and demand for offbeat travel, the industry is witnessing interesting travel patterns amongst consumers today. There is definitely a shift from conventional travel to experience driven travel today, and the patterns are bringing a change amongst travel providers, on how best they can cater to today’s consumers.