More travellers are choosing slower, quieter holidays, with destinations in India’s Himalayan region seeing a rise in popularity. According to digital travel platform Agoda, accommodation searches for Dharamshala, Rishikesh and Uttarkashi have increased compared to last year, reflecting the growing trend of ‘hushpitality’ – holidays centred on peace, nature and a slower pace of life. The company’s 2026 Travel Outlook report found that 67% of Indian respondents said relaxation was their main reason for travelling. Instead of busy tourist hotspots, many are now looking for places where they can unwind and reconnect with nature. Dharamshala recorded the biggest increase, with accommodation searches rising by 154% year on year. Known for its Tibetan Buddhist culture, meditation centres and forest trails, the hill town continues to attract both domestic and international visitors. Rishikesh followed with a 65% increase, drawing travellers with its yoga traditions, wellness retreats and riverside ashrams. Uttarkashi also saw growing interest, recording a 17% rise in searches. The destination appeals to those looking for a quieter mountain experience away from crowded tourist circuits. Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, said, “Indian travellers are increasingly looking for holidays that allow them to slow down and disconnect from the pace of everyday urban life. Destinations such as Dharamshala, Rishikesh and Uttarkashi are attracting interest because they offer a different kind of travel experience centred on time, space and simplicity.” The findings suggest that travellers are increasingly redefining what makes a meaningful holiday, placing greater value on calm surroundings, slower experiences and time away from everyday pressures.
