How Indians Are Travelling This Valentine's Day: Puducherry And Varkala See Sharp Rise In Bookings

For many Indians, Valentine's Day has quietly evolved from flowers and dinner dates to something far more experiential: travel. As couples look for meaningful ways to spend time together, short escapes, scenic stays and thoughtfully planned trips have become the new love language. Whether it is the charm of a coastal promenade, the calm of a hill retreat, or simply the delight of a partner handling all the planning, Valentine's Day travel in India is now as much about connection as it is about celebration - and the data agrees.

India's Top 5 Trending Valentine's Day Destinations

Digital travel platform Agoda has observed a clear rise in accommodation searches for Valentine's Day weekend, pointing to growing interest in peaceful, scenic destinations. Agoda analysed searches between 1 January and 26 January 2026 for check-ins on 13 and 14 February 2026, comparing them with the same period last year.

1. Pondicherry: Up 48%  

Pondicherry saw the sharpest rise, with a 48% increase in searches. The seaside town continues to draw couples with its quiet beaches, French-influenced architecture, cafe culture and walkable neighbourhoods.

2. Varkala: Up 41%  

Varkala in Kerala recorded a 41% jump in interest. Its cliff-edge cafes, relaxed coastline and romantic sea views make it a favourite for couples seeking a slower pace.

3. Chennai: Up 38%  

Chennai's blend of culture, beaches, and food saw a 38% rise. A combination of Marina Beach strolls, temple visits and museums gives the city a flexible itinerary for couples.

4. Lonavala: Up 36%  

Lonavala remains a convenient Valentine escape for travellers from Mumbai and Pune, with a 36% increase in accommodation searches. Its misty hills, waterfalls and nature trails continue to charm couples.

5. Udaipur: Up 33%  

Udaipur, known for its lakes, palaces and narrow old-city lanes, saw a 33% rise. Heritage hotels and romantic views ensure it remains a Valentine classic.

Agoda's India Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Gaurav Malik, noted that Valentine's Day is shifting towards shared, meaningful experiences rather than grand gestures.

Travel as a Love Language in India  

A separate study by Booking.com titled "This Guy Books" highlights how strongly travel now features in romantic expectations in India. According to the report:  

• 76% of Indian women believe men should take charge of planning holidays.  
• Yet 8% said they have never had a partner fully plan or book a trip.  
• This year, 91% want their partners to show more initiative - starting with travel planning.

Travel Over Traditional Gifts  

Booking.com found:  

• 86% of Indian travellers find it "sexy" when a partner surprises them with a booked trip.  
• 92% of women find a partner more attractive when he plans the travel.  
• 82% prefer a man who plans thoughtful experiences over one with a great physique.  
• 99% said they would likely give their partner extra affection if he booked a trip without being asked.

Booking.com's South Asia Regional Manager, Santosh Kumar, said that planning a holiday has become an act of love rather than simple logistics. The study was based on responses from 1,000 Indian adults in romantic relationships, collected in October 2025.

The Valentine's Day Takeaway  

Across platforms, the trend is clear: Indian couples are embracing travel as their preferred way to celebrate love. Valentine's Day 2026 is shaping up to be a season of getaways, shared experiences and thoughtful planning.