Darjeeling tops Agoda searches for North-East travel this winter

MUMBAI: When wanderlust goes uphill, Darjeeling is where it seems to pause and stare. Agoda’s latest search data shows the Queen of the Hills emerging as the most searched destination in India’s North-East for the October to December 2025 travel window, signalling a strong domestic appetite for misty views, cool weather and unhurried escapes.

The findings, based on accommodation searches made by Indian travellers between July and September 2025, place Gangtok in second position and Shillong third, completing a hill-station hat-trick that continues to define the region’s holiday appeal. Together, the trio reflects a clear seasonal pattern, as travellers gravitate towards scenic, slower-paced destinations in the final quarter of the year.

Rounding out the top five are Guwahati at number four and Siliguri at number five. While Guwahati draws visitors with its urban buzz and cultural energy, Siliguri’s role as the gateway to the North-East keeps it firmly embedded in many itineraries, acting as a launchpad for hill-bound journeys.

Beyond the usual favourites, Agoda’s data also points to growing curiosity around smaller towns. Cherrapunji, Pelling and Kalimpong are attracting increased search interest, suggesting that travellers are looking beyond headline destinations. From Cherrapunji’s rain-soaked waterfalls and Pelling’s sweeping views of the Kanchenjunga range to Kalimpong’s flower markets and colonial charm, these quieter spots are adding texture to the North-East travel map.

Commenting on the trend Agoda country director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands Gaurav Malik noted that domestic travellers are increasingly embracing the region’s mix of well-known and lesser-explored destinations. He added that a growing number of accommodation providers, from hotels and hostels to homestays and serviced apartments, are tapping into this interest by partnering with digital platforms.

The data underlines a broader shift in domestic travel behaviour, where familiarity is giving way to curiosity, and year-end holidays are becoming an excuse to explore landscapes that feel both restorative and culturally rich. For the North-East, it appears the season of travel is also a season of rediscovery.