Discover the Best Domestic Destinations in India for 2025, including beach paradises, cultural hotspots, wildlife retreats, and wellness escapes. Explore why these destinations top Travel + Leisure’s India’s Best Awards, what to do there, and curated travel packages to plan your perfect Indian getaway.
Introduction — Why India’s Top Domestic Spots Matter in 2025
India’s travel landscape is experiencing remarkable transformation. With diverse geographies, rich cultural experiences, and world-class hospitality, Indian travellers now explore beyond typical city breaks to experiences that blend beauty, tradition, food, nature, and adventure. The list of Best Domestic Destinations in India for 2025 reflects this trend—showcasing places that have won the hearts of travellers and critics alike in Travel + Leisure’s India’s Best Awards (IBA) 2025.
The IBA awards are reader-driven recognitions that highlight excellence in travel, hospitality, and destination experiences across the country. In 2025, domestic destinations spanned beaches, culinary regions, cultural capitals, wellness retreats, wildlife havens, and emerging destinations that have combined authenticity with accessibility. BurdaLuxury
In this guide, we’ll explore these top destinations, what makes them outstanding, what you can do there, and suggest tailored travel packages to help you plan your next trip.
1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands — Best Beach Destination
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands were voted the Best Beach Destination among the Best Domestic Destinations in India for 2025 at the India’s Best Awards 2025.
Why It’s Special
The Andamans offer azure waters, coral reefs, tropical forests, and secluded beaches. It’s a tropical paradise perfect for both adventure seekers and peace lovers alike.
Top Experiences
- Scuba diving and snorkelling at Havelock and Neil Islands
- Visit the historic Cellular Jail at sunset for light and sound show
- Radhanagar Beach—rated among Asia’s best beaches
- Glass-bottom boat rides and bird watching in mangroves
Best Time to Visit
October to May
Suggested Travel Package:
Andaman Explorer (5 Nights / 6 Days)
- Approx Price: ₹34,000 per person (off-season)
- Includes: Return flights from major cities (Delhi/Mumbai/Bengaluru), hotel stays (3-star), inter-island ferry rides, guided beach tours, and watersports.
- Highlights: Scuba session at Havelock, sunset cruise, and forest mangrove tour.
2. West Bengal — Best Culinary Destination
West Bengal has been recognised as the Best Culinary Destination among the top Best Domestic Destinations in India in 2025.
Why It’s Famous
From street food to royal cuisine, Bengal’s culinary identity reflects centuries of history. Executive chefs and food-loving travellers laud Kolkata’s iconic eateries, sweets, and unique flavours.
Top Things to Do
- Food walk in Kolkata: enjoy phuchka, kathi rolls, sweetened yoghurt desserts
- Visit Darjeeling for its tea estates and Himalayan views
- Try fresh fish curries and traditional Bengali thalis
- Attend a cooking class focused on local delicacies
Best Time to Visit
October to March
Suggested Travel Package:
Flavours of Bengal (7 Days)
- Approx Price: ₹28,000 per person
- Includes: Kolkata city tour, Darjeeling tea trip, local food experiences, and inter-city transfers.
- Highlights: Street food tour, tea garden walk, and scenic toy train ride.
3. Punjab — Best Cultural Destination
Another standout among the Best Domestic Destinations in India, Punjab was recognised for its vibrant culture, hospitality, and historic depth.
Why It’s Iconic
Punjab offers lively folk music, grand gurdwaras, rich cuisine, and heart-warming hospitality. Whether exploring heritage sites or enjoying live bhangra, Punjab engages all senses.
Top Experiences
- Visit Golden Temple in Amritsar
- Explore Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border ceremony
- Try Amritsari kulcha and lassi at iconic city eateries
- Heritage walks in old quarters of Amritsar and Patiala
Best Time to Visit
October to March
Suggested Travel Package:
Punjab Heritage Trip (5 Nights / 6 Days)
- Approx Price: ₹24,000 per person
- Includes: Amritsar sightseeing, heritage walks, culinary experiences, and comfortable accommodations.
- Highlights: Evening aarti at Golden Temple, Wagah Border retreat.
4. Rajasthan — Best Wedding Destination
Rajasthan has won the title of Best Wedding Destination among the Best Domestic Destinations in India for 2025, thanks to its regal palaces, opulent venues, and cultural charisma.
Why It’s Perfect for Weddings
From Udaipur’s lake palaces to Jaipur’s forts, and Jaisalmer’s desert camps, Rajasthan provides spectacular backdrops for destination weddings that blend tradition with extravagance.
Top Wedding Settings
- Lake Pichola views at Udaipur palace hotels
- Royal forts and gardens in Jaipur
- Camel-back desert ceremonies in Jaisalmer
- Luxury campsites with sunset views
Best Time to Plan Weddings
October to February
Suggested Wedding & Group Package:
Royals & Celebrations (6 Nights / 7 Days)
- Approx Price: ₹1.25 lakh onward (for groups / family wedding stays)
- Includes: Venue management, palace hotel stays, pre-wedding photoshoot, and local food experiences.
- Highlights: Heritage processions, camel-safari farewell.
5. Maharashtra — Best State Overall
Maharashtra was recognised as Best State among the Best Domestic Destinations in India for 2025, blending city life, historic forts, hill stations, beaches, and cuisine.
Why It’s Outstanding
The state offers Mumbai’s cosmopolitan charm, Pune’s cultural scenes, hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala, and ancient caves of Ajanta & Ellora.
Top Attractions
- Gateway of India & Marine Drive, Mumbai
- Heritage caves at Ajanta & Ellora
- Hill stations with viewpoints & waterfalls
- Konkan coast beaches & seafood
Best Time to Visit
October to March
Suggested Travel Package:
Maharashtra Highlights (7 Nights)
- Approx Price: ₹30,000 per person
- Includes: Mumbai city tour, hill station excursions, cave visits, and coastal drive.
- Highlights: Bollywood tour, sunset marine cruise, hilltop sunrise.
6. Kerala — Best Wellness Destination
Kerala was named Best Wellness Destination among the Best Domestic Destinations in India for 2025, reflecting the state’s strong reputation in Ayurveda, backwaters, and rejuvenation experiences.
Why Kerala is Unique
Kerala’s identity as a wellness retreat comes from its Ayurvedic centres, peaceful backwater cruises, and lush landscapes that promote rejuvenation and relaxation.
Top Wellness Activities
- Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments
- Yoga & meditation retreats in hill stations
- Backwater houseboat stays
- Beachside meditation in Kovalam or Varkala
Best Time to Visit
September to March
Suggested Wellness Package:
Kerala Rejuvenation (6 Nights / 7 Days)
- Approx Price: ₹48,000 per person
- Includes: Ayurveda treatments, houseboat cruise, yoga sessions, and beach relaxation.
- Highlights: Traditional healing, organic meals, guided wellness sessions.
7. Madhya Pradesh — Best Wildlife Destination
Madhya Pradesh, known for its rich biodiversity and central location, was recognised as the Best Wildlife Destination in the Best Domestic Destinations in India list for 2025.
Why It’s Great for Wildlife
The state is home to world-renowned wildlife reserves such as Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Park, where you can spot tigers, leopards, elephants, and unique birdlife.
Top Wildlife Experiences
- Jeep safari in Bandhavgarh
- Birdwatching and nature treks in Kanha
- Night camps & forest lodges
- Tribal cultural walks
Best Time to Visit
October to March
Suggested Wildlife Package:
Wildlife Expedition (5 Nights / 6 Days)
- Approx Price: ₹42,000 per person
- Includes: Safari passes, guided tours, forest lodge stays, and meals.
- Highlights: Early morning and evening safaris, expert naturalists.
8. Sikkim — Best Emerging Destination
Voted the Best Emerging Destination in the Best Domestic Destinations in India for 2025, Sikkim’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and Himalayan charm make it a fast-rising favourite.
Why It’s Emerging
Sikkim’s dramatic vistas, monasteries, flower festivals, and organic farming communities are increasingly attracting visitors seeking offbeat Himalayan experiences.
Top Attractions
- Gurudongmar Lake & Tsomgo Lake
- Rumtek Monastery & Namchi
- Trekking routes and waterfalls
- Gangtok’s café culture
Best Time to Visit
March to June & September to November
Suggested Travel Package:
Sikkim Discovery (6 Nights / 7 Days)
- Approx Price: ₹38,000 per person
- Includes: Gangtok stay, North Sikkim tour, monastery visits, guided excursions.
- Highlights: Himalayan views, local culture, and scenic drives.
9. Andaman + Nicobar Combined Experiences
While the Andaman Islands were already highlighted as Best Beach Destination, you can expand your journey by combining Andaman with Nicobar insights for deeper exploration—one of the Best Domestic Destinations in India when treated as a combined archipelago experience.
Extended Experiences to Add
- Visit Nicobar for tribal heritage and unspoiled beaches
- Scuba dives in unique reef zones
- Island camping & cultural immersion
Best Time
October to April
Expanded Package:
Andaman + Nicobar Island Circuit (8 Nights)
- Approx Price: ₹58,000 per person
- Includes: Flights, stays, island transfers, adventure activities, and cultural tours.
10. Cultural & Heritage Circuit (Udaipur, Jaipur, Delhi)
This combined itinerary blends the historic states and cities often recognised in global travel awards, including Jaipur’s rising global recognition, positioning this circuit among the Best Domestic Destinations in India.
Why It Works
- Jaipur ranked among top global cities in 2025
- Udaipur’s lakes and heritage hotels
- Delhi’s monuments, museums, and urban experiences
Top Experiences
- Amber Fort & City Palace in Jaipur
- Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and food walks in Delhi
Best Time
October to March
Suggested Package:
Golden Triangle + Rajasthan Heritage (7 Nights)
- Approx Price: ₹45,000 per person
- Includes: All transfers, city tours, heritage hotel stays, and guided experiences.
Planning the Perfect Trip to the Best Domestic Destinations in India
How to Choose
- Beach Lovers: Andaman & Nicobar
- Food Enthusiasts: West Bengal
- Culture Seekers: Punjab & Cultural Circuit
- Wildlife Buffs: Madhya Pradesh
- Wellness Seekers: Kerala
- Emerging Explorers: Sikkim & Islands
Tips for Indian Travelers
- Book early (especially for winter and festival seasons)
- Consider package inclusions for cost efficiency
- Choose local experiences for authenticity
- Mix comfort and adventure for best value
Conclusion: A 2025 Travel Year for Every Type of Explorer
From tropical beaches to Himalayan heights, rich culinary trails to serene wellness retreats, the Best Domestic Destinations in India for 2025 offer something extraordinary for every traveler. Whether you’re planning a leisurely food tour, a wildlife safari, a wellness reset, or a cultural deep dive, this curated list helps you choose with clarity and confidence.
