A recent study has revealed that Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Bhutan are among the top emerging travel destinations for Indians. The surge in interest is largely due to easy visa access and direct flights.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian travel enthusiasm has skyrocketed, with the Reserve Bank of India reporting that Indians are spending approximately ₹12,500 crore per month on foreign travel this financial year.
According to MakeMyTrip’s ‘How India Travels Abroad’ report for June 2023 to May 2024, Kazakhstan leads the list, followed by Azerbaijan and Bhutan. Notably, interest in Kazakhstan has surged by 491%, while Azerbaijan has seen a 404% increase in searches.
Kazakhstan: The Visa-Free Attraction
Kazakhstan’s appeal skyrocketed after it introduced a 14-day visa-free regime for Indian travelers in 2022. In 2023 alone, around 28,300 Indian tourists visited the country. With direct flights from New Delhi to Almaty taking just three hours, it’s never been easier to explore. Social media influencers have also played a role in boosting Kazakhstan’s profile as a must-visit destination.
Azerbaijan: Affordable European Charm
Azerbaijan has gained popularity as an affordable and accessible Eurasian destination. From January to July this year, 140,000 Indian travelers visited, marking a 2.7 times increase from last year. Direct flights from Delhi to Baku make it a convenient choice, and the easy e-visa process is a major draw compared to the more complicated Schengen visa for other European countries.
Alongside Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, the study also highlights Bhutan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Japan as popular choices for Indian travelers.
For those planning trips, the best times to visit Azerbaijan are from April to June and September to October, while Kazakhstan is best enjoyed in April to May and September to October.
With a mix of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and ease of access, it’s clear why these destinations are capturing the hearts of Indian travelers!