Kolkata top city in 2025 for summer escape; Ahmedabad, Chennai, Mumbai follow

As the temperature begins to rise across the country including Mumbai, the summer season has also led people to take a break from their daily lives, or simply plan their annual vacations. 

According to latest travel data, there has been a noticeable surge in online searches for water parks, amusement parks, and various types of resorts indicates a strong desire for leisure and recreation as we move further into the year. 

This heightened interest, according to the report by Justdial, is clearly reflected in a significant 21 per cent increase in overall search interest nationwide when comparing the period from February 1 to April 16 in 2025 during the same time in 2024.

This growing enthusiasm for leisure travel is evident across different regions, with non-metro cities showing particularly strong momentum. These areas have registered a 22 per cent rise in searches, slightly outpacing the 19 per cent growth observed in metro areas, suggesting that the desire for recreational escapes is widespread. 

Within the metro cities, Kolkata and Ahmedabad are experiencing a remarkable surge in interest, with search queries jumping by 75 per cent and 85 per cent, respectively, highlighting these cities as potential hotspots for leisure activities. Chennai and Mumbai also show significant increases of 26 per cent and 22 per cent, while Bengaluru and Pune indicate a steadier growth in this category, with increases of 10 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively.

The allure of unique destinations is further underscored by the impressive growth in non-metro areas, where Chandigarh leads with an extraordinary 205 per cent jump in search queries, closely followed by Lucknow with a substantial 131 per cent increase. This indicates a strong appetite for leisure options beyond the major urban centres, with Vadodara, Coimbatore, Goa, Indore, and Surat also contributing to this trend with growth rates of 74 per cent, 29 per cent, 22 per cent, 14 per cent, and 7 per cent, respectively.

Looking closer at the types of accommodations and recreational venues being sought after, reveals evolving preferences and priorities for different travel needs. Notably, resorts catering to corporate outings have witnessed a remarkable 143 per cent surge in searches, pointing towards a strong return of team-building activities and corporate retreats, with Bengaluru experiencing an exceptional 395 per cent increase in this specific category. The appeal of combining relaxation with aquatic fun is evident in the significant 74 per cent rise in interest for water park resorts, with Delhi leading this trend with an astounding 521 per cent increase, suggesting a high demand for integrated leisure experiences. Jaipur, Pune, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mumbai also show substantial interest in water park resorts, with growth rates of 269 per cent, 164 per cent, 138 per cent, 95 per cent, 89 per cent, and 46 per cent respectively.

For those seeking a more traditional and rustic experience, village resorts are also gaining popularity, showing a substantial 72 per cent growth in searches, with Pune displaying a notable 156 per cent increase in this segment. The timeless appeal of coastal getaways is reflected in the 50 per cent rise in searches for beach resorts, particularly in Mangalore (89 per cent ), Mumbai (67 per cent), and Chennai (17 per cent).

Beyond resorts, the desire for day trips and recreational activities is also on the rise. Interest in picnic spots has grown significantly, with a 34 per cent increase in searches, highlighting the appeal of outdoor gatherings, especially in cities like Surat (460 per cent), Bangalore (221 per cent), Delhi (87 per cent), Mumbai (35 per cent), and Kolkata (22 per cent). For those seeking scenic escapes, mountain resorts have seen a moderate increase of 26 per cent in search interest. Interestingly, the growing trend of pet ownership is reflected in the 20 per cent rise in searches for pet-friendly resorts.

When it comes to dedicated entertainment venues, theme parks have experienced a 17 per cent increase in search interest, with Mumbai (39 per cent), Chennai (37 per cent), and Delhi (16 per cent) leading this category. Water parks specifically have seen an 8 per cent increase in searches, with Chandigarh showing the highest growth at 467 per cent, followed by Ahmedabad (92 per cent), Jaipur (77 per cent), and Mumbai (35 per cent). Similarly, amusement parks have also seen an 8 per cent rise in searches, with Kolkata (269 per cent), Chennai (112 per cent), Pune (83 per cent), Hyderabad (62 per cent), and Indore (30 per cent) showing the most significant increases.

The substantial increase in online searches across a wide range of leisure and recreational categories strongly indicates a positive outlook for the tourism and hospitality sectors. The data reveals a growing enthusiasm for travel and provides valuable insights into the types of experiences and destinations currently capturing the interest of people across India.