Shillong: Meghalaya’s capital Shillong has emerged as a top tourist destination in India, according to a global survey.
This was revealed during a global survey “Travel Trends Report 2025” that was released by Skyscanner, a global travel app, on Wednesday.
Known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is the only city to feature in the list as part of the annual report.
The report, which offers insights into the pulse of Indian travellers in the coming year, claimed that 66 percent of Indians plan to “travel more” in the coming year.
Shillong, a city blessed with natural beauty and a temperate climate, sits on top among the most buzzing destinations followed by Baku, Azerbaijan and Langkawi, Malaysia known for their diverse experiences and the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
In the report, Shillong is featured as the only Indian city in the top ten destinations for which global travellers are seeking flight connectivity.
As per the report, Shillong witnessed an increase of 828 percent flight searches compared to 2023 during the same period.
Despite a consistent increase in tourism, particularly in Shillong and its surrounding areas, Meghalaya’s full potential remains untapped. The state government is actively working to attract visitors by expanding hotel and homestay options and improving airport infrastructure. Plans are underway to enlarge the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.
“Other destinations that Indians are searching for are Tromso in Norway, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and al-Ula in Saudi Arabia, highlighting that Indian travellers are seeking unforgettable and diverse experiences in newer destinations,” read the report.
It has also come out with another list, called “Best Value Destinations category”, which names the cities that give the most value for their money and have seen the biggest airfare price drop from India over the last year.
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According to the report, cost is an important consideration for value-driven Indians, with the cost of hotels (65 percent), flights (62 percent), and food and drinks (54 percent) being important factors in the decision-making process.
