Not Goa or Jaipur But This Indian Tourist Destination Is Winning Over Global Travellers !

Travel has expanded well beyond the familiar. These days, it is studded with unusual experiences, intriguing new trends, and surprising places that end up on bucket lists. No location feels too far away, too little, or too strange to modern travelers.

Unconventional locations are still being added to the global travel map due to this expanding wanderlust. It is interesting to note that inbound travel to India is also picking up speed, going beyond well-known cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa.

A place tucked away in Kerala has become the fastest-growing attraction for foreign visitors to India, according to travel website Agoda's annual New Horizons Rankings.

This Indian City Ranked Top Against Foreign Travellers !

Thiruvananthapuram is the Indian destination that is subtly expanding around the world.

Let us stop skirting the issue. Kerala's capital city is the fastest-growing destination for foreign visitors to India,rising 11 spots from 33rd in 2024 to 22nd in 2025. The rankings determine which Asian tourism locations are experiencing the fastest growth in international travel by comparing lodging booking data from the preceding two years.

For a city that has never really pursued the travel limelight, it is not too awful.

Why Tourists are Choosing Kerala as Their Favourite Travel Destination?

There is a reason Kerala is known as God's Own Country.

• It is picturesque and abundant in backwaters, beaches, and hilltops.
• Some centuries-old temples and palaces immerse you in history, serene, leisurely beaches where time seems to stand still, and quick access to Kerala's hill stations and backwaters for those seeking even more seclusion.
• Thiruvananthapuram starts to feel less like a stopover and more like a destination to settle down when you consider the area's longstanding associations with Ayurveda and wellbeing.

Mix Blend of Culture and History In Thiruvananthapuram

Travelers can experience Thiruvananthapuram's blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty from a contemporary perspective.Legends and folklore dating back thousands of years abound in the city. Thiruvananthapuram, which translates to "The City of Anantha" in Malayalam, is named for Lord Anantha, the cosmic serpent that coils around Lord Vishnu.The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here also honors this very manifestation of Vishnu.

City Of Lord Anantha

• It is more than just a monument; it is one of India's wealthiest temples. The rhythm and character of the city are shaped by the temple. It draws pilgrims and tourists from all over the world into the city's spiritual core with its spectacular Dravidian architecture and layers of history.
• The city's ability to effortlessly blend culture and tranquility is what makes it so appealing. In addition to being a center for water sports and Ayurvedic retreats, Kovalam Beach attracts tourists with its golden sands, views of lighthouses, and gradual, colorful sunsets.
• The Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which are close by and offer everything from rare artifacts and Indo-Saracenic architecture to Tanjore paintings and Mughal miniatures, are great places to take a cultural break.

Best Time To Visit Kerala

The winter months of October through March are typically the greatest times to visit Kerala because of the nice, temperate weather that is ideal for the state's beaches, backwaters, and wildlife.

• Visit during the monsoon season (June to September) for waterfalls and lush vegetation, which is perfect for Ayurvedic treatments.
• Although hot, summer (April–May) is a great time to visit hill stations and watch elephants.Winter (November to February is the peak season.
• The weather is lovely, dry, and cool.Ideal For: Trekking, backwaters, wildlife safaris (Periyar), beach vacations, and houseboat excursions.Vibe: Most well-liked, although packed in December and January.

Indore Also Emerges as a Popular Tourism Location 

Travelers from other countries are not the only ones who are adopting slower, more experience-driven travel. Domestically, the list also highlights Indore as a popular tourism location, demonstrating how Indian tourists are now exploring beyond the obvious. The city is establishing a reputation as a contemporary metropolitan center that adheres closely to tradition. It is well-known for its vibrant street food culture, particularly Chhappan Dukan, as well as its cleanliness and orderliness.

Destinations like these are reinventing what it means to fully explore the nation, with eco-tourism, slow travel, and more experience-led journeys influencing travel choices.