Top Spots Indians Are Heading to This Independence Day

Long weekends have quietly become one of the most prized opportunities in the Indian travel calendar. This year, Independence Day isn’t just about flying the flag it’s about flying the coop for a short, well-earned break. With August 15 falling on a Friday, and when a national holiday falls near the weekend, Indian travellers don’t waste the chance. Many are already seizing the rare three-day window for a refreshing break.

Platforms like Agoda and RateGain have offered a close look at how Indian travellers are thinking, and booking, right now. Both reports highlight a sharp rise in domestic travel, centred on easy, experience-driven destinations that can be enjoyed over 72 hours without months of planning.

According to Agoda here are the top five spots that are catching the eyes and filling up fast. Whether you're chasing sunsets, lakeside serenity or monsoon magic, these spots promise just the right dose of adventure, comfort and charm all in 72 hours.

Goa

It’s hard to beat Goa when it comes to a well-rounded getaway. From beaches and backwaters to cafés and night markets, Goa has something for every kind of traveller and even in the rains. But while the state’s popularity remains evergreen, it’s Candolim in particular that’s stealing the spotlight this season. According to RateGain, this quieter northern stretch has seen a 1,700 per cent spike in hotel bookings, signalling a shift towards peaceful stays over party scenes.

Candolim offers easy beach access, a more laid-back vibe, and plenty of boutique resorts and homestays that let you unwind without the crowds. Whether it’s seafood by the sea, monsoon walks on the beach, or simply lounging with a book, this pocket of Goa makes for an effortless escape.

Udaipur

Topping the charts this year is Udaipur and not just in search results. RateGain reports a brillient spike of 6,860 per cent increase in bookings compared to last year, putting the City of Lakes firmly on the radar for Indian holidaymakers.

Monsoon makes Udaipur even more photogenic. The city’s lakes brim with water, the Aravalli hills wear a fresh green coat, and the old-world architecture glistens under grey skies. A boat ride on Lake Pichola, an afternoon exploring City Palace, and evenings at rooftop cafés overlooking the water, Udaipur blends royal charm with monsoon romance. It’s a perfect pick for couples, culture lovers, and anyone who wants to slow down.

Lonavala

When it comes to last-minute weekend plans from Mumbai or Pune, Lonavala rarely disappoints. This hill station has always been a go-to, but even so, it’s seen a sharp 540 per cent jump in bookings this year, according to RateGain. The monsoon months bring out the best in it and waterfalls at full flow, mist rolling through the hills, and treks that feel just the right amount of challenging.

Booking.com has reported that, with over half (58 per cent) of Indian travellers opting for short domestic trips this year, destinations within drivable distances from major metros are seeing a rise in travel interest. Weekend hotspots such as Alibaug, Karjat and Igatpuri near Mumbai or Rishikesh and Mussoorie near Delhi are experiencing a 40-80 per cent surge in accommodation searches compared to the same time last year. Additionally, all-time favourite destinations such as Lonavala, Jaipur, Mahabaleshwar and Chikmagalur are also witnessing an increase in searches, reflecting the growing appetite for quick, restorative breaks.

Top stops like Tiger’s Leap, Rajmachi Fort, and Bhushi Dam are well within reach on a 2- or 3-day itinerary. Add in hot vada pav, chikki from local shops, and long drives through cloud-covered roads, and you’ve got the perfect mix of thrill and comfort.

Ooty

For those heading south, Ooty continues to be a strong contender for a refreshing long weekend. Nestled in the Nilgiris, this former colonial hill station offers everything from scenic boat rides and lush botanical gardens to panoramic treks and tea estate visits. RateGain saw a notable spike in Mysuru, Mahabaleshwar, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru hotel bookings also.

Agoda reports strong interest for Ooty this August and it’s not hard to understand why. The cool weather provides a much-needed break from the heat, while activities like riding the toy train, visiting the Rose Garden, or trekking to Doddabetta Peak keep things interesting. Families, solo travellers, and honeymooners alike will find something to love.

Coorg

Known as the Scotland of India, Coorg turns into a postcard-perfect retreat during the monsoon. Thick coffee plantations, mist-draped hills, and the sound of water everywhere, therefore August in Coorg is pure magic.

Search interest has remained consistently high, says Agoda, especially among travellers looking for nature-led experiences. Whether you’re hiking up to Tadiandamol Peak, enjoying a meal of pandi curry in a local home, or simply watching the rain fall over Abbey Falls, Coorg invites you to slow down and soak in its wild, untamed beauty. It's a favourite among both nature lovers and those seeking solitude.

Home Away from Home

Beyond hotels, Indian travellers are gravitating toward alternative accommodations this long weekend. Booking.com has reported that Homestays, guesthouses, apartments and villas emerged as the top searched types, a trend that aligns with our data. 74 per cent of Indian travellers prefer homely stays for their comfort, flexibility and immersive experiences, especially when travelling with family.

Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com, said, “As Indian travellers plan for the Independence Day long weekend, we are seeing a shift toward more spontaneous, short-haul travel - both within the country and across the APAC region. Whether it's scenic getaways that are just a drive away, a quick international break or the emerging preference for home stays, we see a preference for flexibility and convenience in terms of travel. At Booking.com, we continue to bring together accommodation, transport and experiences on one platform to make travel more seamless and convenient - in one Connected Trip.”

What’s driving this surge?
For one, there’s better infrastructure from expressways to budget flights and hotels making it easier to step out without much notice. But more than that, there’s a shift in mindset. Indian travellers, especially in urban centres, are no longer saving their travel plans for one big annual trip. Instead, they’re favouring regular, short breaks that offer just enough distance from the everyday.

Agoda's findings mirror this behavioural shift: these top-searched destinations combine ease of access, natural beauty, and cultural experiences that feel immersive yet doable in a short span. Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, shared his thoughts on the trend, “It is encouraging to see Indian travellers planning ahead and using long weekends to explore the country’s diverse offerings, seeking experiences that blend relaxation with discovery. Interestingly, this trend aligns with Agoda’s recent findings on the rise of micro-travel - shorter, more frequent trips that allow people to recharge without major time or budget commitments. At Agoda, we’re focused on making these getaways seamless and accessible by offering a wide range of stay options and travel tools tailored to evolving traveller behaviours.”Whether it’s sipping chai in a palace courtyard in Udaipur, driving through cloud-draped hills in Lonavala, or tucking into spicy pork curry in a Coorgi homestay travellers want to feel transported, even if just for three days.

So if you’re one of the many packing bags this weekend, you’re not alone. You’re part of a growing community that’s choosing slow, soulful escapes one long weekend at a time.