Summer holiday trends 2025: Why Indians are opting for hills, beaches, and temples

As per a recent report published by YoloBus, a noted intercity bus service in India, people are planning to escape the heat with refreshing vacations. As India braces for a scorching summer, hill stations such as Manali, Shimla and Nainital have emerged as top destinations this year. These destinations have long been visited for their cooler temperatures and pretty landscapes.
Besides hills, people seem to be inclined towards coastal retreats which are gaining popularity as well. Goa, Gokarna, Cochin, and Puri are emerging as preferred vacation spots for those looking for a beach vacay this summer.
In addition, pilgrimage travel is also seeing a boom as increased footfall in religious cities such as Tirupati, Shirdi, Katra, and Varanasi are simply incredible. Other cities like Amritsar, Tenkasi, and Cochin have also seen a hike in number of visitors, joining famous pilgrimage circuits like Delhi-Manali, Dehradun, and Lucknow-Manali.

Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, is noted for its cool climate and adventure sports. The hill station has been a popular destination for both leisure and adventure lovers. Similarly, Rishikesh attracts thrill-seekers with its world-famous river rafting and spiritual retreats. Meanwhile, Nainital’s scenic beauty and pleasant weather make it an ideal escape from the summer heat.
Tirupati on the other hand is a prominent pilgrimage city in Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for the Sri Venkateswara Temple which is set on the Tirumala hills. The temple has been attracting millions of devotees annually globally and is also among the richest and most visited temples in the world!
Shirdi is also among the most visited spiritual retreat in India. Situated in Maharashtra, Shirdi is the home of the revered saint Sai Baba where devotees from all over the country visit the Sai Baba Temple to seek blessings. The town has a peaceful vibe and is centered around his love, compassion, and unity. Some of the prime attractions here include Dwarkamai, Samadhi Mandir, and Gurusthan.

Varanasi, set on the banks of the Ganges, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. The city is noted for being a major center for Hindu spirituality and rituals and is noted for its old ghats, ancient temples, and the Ganga Aarti. It’s also known for being a place where many seek liberation or moksha.
Katra in Jammu and Kashmir is the base camp for the Vaishno Devi Yatra. Pilgrims trek around 13 kilometers to reach the sacred Vaishno Devi shrine set in the Trikuta Mountains. The town is well-organized for devotees, offering facilities like ponies, helicopter rides, and accommodations.
So where are you heading to this summer?