New Delhi: India’s Northeast hill station and Meghalaya’s capital Shillong secures first position as the World’s most popular travel destination for 2025 by leaving Azerbaijan’s Baku in the top 2 position. As per the Skyscanner ‘Travel Trends Report’ Shillong has been the most popular destination among the Indians to explore and witness the beauty in 2025. Shillong is the only Indian city to make it to the list of most popular destinations.
Additionally, Langkawi in Malaysia captivates visitors with its pristine, pearl-white sandy beaches. These destinations reflect a growing trend among Indians to seek diverse and enriching travel experiences.
With 66 per cent of Indians intending to increase their travel in 2025, the desire for global exploration is becoming a significant focus. Travellers are actively seeking destinations that provide enriching and fulfilling experiences, highlighting a growing trend towards discovering new cultures and landscapes.
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Most Popular Destinations for 2025
| Trending | Destination | % Search increase |
| 1 | Shillong, India | 828% |
| 2 | Baku, Azerbaijan | 744% |
| 3 | Langkawi, Malaysia | 433% |
| 4 | Tromsø, Norway | 251% |
| 5 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | 158% |
| 6 | al-Ula, Saudi Arabia | 133% |
| 7 | Colombo, Sri Lanka | 120% |
| 8 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 116% |
| 9 | Krabi, Thailand | 106% |
| 10 | Tokyo, Japan | 87% |
Mohit Joshi, a Skyscanner travel and destination expert shared that people are more inclined towards choosing destinations which have experience-based journeys to share with others or for lasting memories.
Shillong – Scotland of East
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is one of the most beautiful NorthEastern hill stations. It is also known as Scotland of the East due to its picturesque landscapes and rolling hills. Nestled amidst lush greenery and pine forests, it offers breathtaking views and cool, pleasant weather throughout the year. Known for its natural beauty, Shillong is home to stunning waterfalls, serene lakes, and vibrant local culture. The city’s colonial architecture and lively markets further add to its charm, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and travellers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Major attractions to visit in Shillong
- Shillong Peak: One of the most unique and picturesque travel destinations covered with scenic views. If you want to explore the city go local and also be mesmerised by the stunning snow mountains.
- Umiam Lake: Also known as the Barapani Lake, it is one of the most beautiful water bodies in the Northeast.
- Don Bosco Museum: Go off-roading and choose some cultural activities to experience Shilling like never before and create some memories with historical fun.
- Mawphlang Sacred Forest: Just 25 km away from the main Shillong, this area is a sacred forest protected by the Khasi tribe.
