This South Indian City Is India's Fastest-Growing Destination For International Travellers, As Per Report

Thiruvananthapuram has emerged as India's fastest-growing destination for international travellers, according to a new travel trends report released by Agoda. The finding is part of the platform's annual New Horizons ranking, which tracks shifts in accommodation bookings to identify destinations seeing the sharpest rise in traveller interest. The report offers a snapshot of how travel preferences are evolving within India and abroadat a time when travellers are increasingly looking beyond traditional hotspots. Rather than focusing on absolute visitor numbers, the ranking highlights momentum: cities and regions that are climbing quickly year-on-year. Alongside Thiruvananthapuram's strong inbound performance, the report also points to changing domestic travel patterns and a growing appetite among Indian travellers for newer international destinations.

Key Takeaways From The Report

Among all inbound destinations in India, Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest growth in international traveller interest. The city climbed 11 places in Agoda's ranking, moving from 33rd position in 2024 to 22nd in 2025, making it the fastest riser in the country for overseas bookings.

Thiruvananthapuram. Photo Credit: Unsplash

On the domestic front, Indore emerged as the top trending destination among Indian travellers. The city moved up seven places in the ranking, from 35th in 2024 to 28th in 2025, indicating a noticeable increase in domestic travel interest.

The data suggests a broader shift toward emerging Indian cities rather than only long-established leisure hubs. Indore's growing appeal is often linked to its strong food culture, urban infrastructure, cleanliness rankings, and its positioning as a modern city with historical roots: factors that are increasingly influencing short breaks and city-focused trips within India.

Also Read: Kerala Joins World's Top 26 Destinations For 2026: Report

For outbound travel, Almaty stood out as the fastest-rising international destination among Indian travellers. The Kazakh city climbed 12 places, from 47th in 2024 to 35th in 2025, marking the strongest growth in bookings by Indians travelling abroad. The rise points to growing curiosity about less conventional international destinations, particularly in Central Asia. Almaty's mountain backdrop, winter experiences, adventure tourism options, and improving flight connectivity appear to be contributing factors behind its increased visibility on Indian travellers' radar.

Agoda's ranking compared accommodation booking data from January to November 2025 with the same period in 2024. Together, the findings suggest a gradual broadening of travel choices, within India and beyond, as travellers explore destinations that offer new experiences, regional character, and emerging tourism infrastructure. And if Thiruvananthapuram has caught your interest, here's what you must know:

Mini Travel Guide: Exploring Thiruvananthapuram

Often overshadowed by Kerala's more commercial tourist hubs, Thiruvananthapuram offers a slower and more distinctive travel experience. As the state capital, the city feels orderly yet relaxed, with wide tree-lined roads, heritage institutions, and easy access to beaches and natural spots. For travellers who prefer meaningful exploration over checklist tourism, it serves as both a destination in itself and a convenient base for discovering southern Kerala.

What To See And Do In Thiruvananthapuram

1. Cultural landmarks: The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the city's most significant sites, known for its architectural grandeur and historical importance. Nearby museums, including art and history institutions, provide context to Kerala's royal and cultural past.
2. Beaches and coastal escapes: Kovalam's crescent-shaped beaches are among the most accessible seaside spots, while less crowded stretches nearby offer quieter alternatives. A short drive north brings visitors to Varkala, known for its cliffside views overlooking the Arabian Sea.
3. Nature and day trips: Thiruvananthapuram is close to backwaters, hill regions, and wildlife areas such as Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, making it easy to plan short nature-focused excursions.
4. Wellness experiences: The city has long been associated with Ayurveda and traditional wellness therapies, with options ranging from short treatments to longer retreats.
5. Local food and markets: From coastal seafood preparations to vegetarian Kerala meals, the city's food scene reflects everyday regional cooking rather than tourist-driven menus.

Also Read: Kerala's Culinary Culture Named Among World's Best Travel Experiences For 2026

How To Reach Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram is well connected by air, rail, and road. Trivandrum International Airport handles both domestic and international flights, including connections to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The city is also a major railhead, with direct trains from several Indian metros, and is linked by highways to other parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Kovalam. Photo Credit: Unsplash

Best Time To Visit Thiruvananthapuram

The most comfortable months are October to March, when the weather is relatively cooler and less humid. The monsoon season, from June to September, appeals to travellers interested in lush landscapes and Ayurveda-focused stays, though outdoor sightseeing may be limited by rain.

Thiruvananthapuram is ideal for travellers seeking culture, wellness, and slow travel. It also suits those who want a balanced itinerary that combines city life with easy access to beaches and nature, without the intensity of high-footfall tourist centres.