Travel in 2025 will be centred around diving deeper into our holiday destinations - and the Indian Subcontinent is ready to offer experiences you won't forget. From celebrating epic festivals and learning from local communities to relaxing on dreamy islands and cooking up a storm with trendsetting chefs, there's something for everyone. Let's take a look at some of 2025's hottest travel trends across the Indian subcontinent!

1. Secluded Paradise - Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Situated 1000 km off India's Coromandel Coast and accessed through regular flights from the mainland, the secluded Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an unspoilt jewel in the Bay of Bengal. The islands' emerald vegetation boasts hundreds of endemic species of birds and other wildlife, while the crystal clear seas hold an unmatched kaleidoscope of underwater life. 

With stunning sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant coral reefs, these idyllic islands will turn this year's holiday into the trip of a lifetime. Whether you're a committed underwater adventurer, a seasoned birdwatcher or you simply daydream about listening to the gentle crash of the waves from the comfort of your sunlounger, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can offer you the trip of a lifetime. 

2. Onam: A Vibrant Harvest Festival

The Kerala-based festival of Onam is a Hindu celebration of community, where families, friends and neighbours come together to share in the joy of the harvest and express gratitude for life's blessings. Over ten days, festivities include processions, feasts and performances. You won't want to miss the stunning floral carpets, or Pookalam, that decorate each household and temple in anticipation of the return of benevolent King Mahabali, as they grow more beautiful and intricate with each passing day. 

Whether it's through sharing a meal, dancing in the streets, or even creating a Pookalam, Onam is a wonderful way to experience the bridge between India's rich past and vivid present, keeping alive the traditions that define Kerala's beautiful cultural heritage.

3. Cookery Tours: Flavours of India

Think you know your balti from your bhuna? 2025 could be your year for adding a little sophistication to your seasoning on a flavour-packed journey through India's regional cuisines. You can learn to whip up spicy curries in Kerala, master the art of biryani in Hyderabad, and explore one of the most magical street food scenes in the world in Mumbai.

While visiting bustling markets, spice farms, and tea plantations, you'll meet local people who've passed down their traditions for growing, preparing and cooking their own produce for generations. Then you'll have the opportunity to get hands-on with local chefs at the cutting edge of India's world-famous culinary arena. For a standout experience, our 14-day Taste of South India tour with chef Monisha Bharadwaj dives deep into Southern India's culinary delights, or try our bespoke South India Culinary tour on alternative dates.

4. Birdwatching: Feathered Friends in South India 

With over 1300 species to spot, it's no surprise that India is a prime location for birdwatching. South India is especially great for this, thanks to its diverse landscapes, from the lush greenery of the Western Ghats to the serene backwaters of Kerala.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned ornithologist, a bespoke birdwatching tour will give you the opportunity to maximise your time exploring these breathtaking habitats, spotting rare species like the Great Indian Hornbill and the Nilgiri Flycatcher. Keen to learn more? The South India Bird Watching Tour is the perfect way to combine wildlife exploration with restful, eco-friendly stays. Find out more here.

5. Cultural Tours: Meet Locals and Discover Traditions

If yearn for a deeper connection with the region's rich and fascinating heritage, our tailor-made cultural tours are the way to go. With a more personal touch than the typical guidebook outings, our tours give travellers the opportunity to meet locals, learn traditional crafts passed down through generations, and experience a slice of life in rural villages.

Whether it's learning how to weave intricate textiles, watching ancient ceremonies, or simply sharing a meal with a local family, these tours offer a glimpse into India's complex past and vibrant present.

For an in-depth cultural journey, our Tribes and Textiles tour in Gujarat gives you a front-row seat to indigenous customs and art. Check it out here.