SRINAGAR: Kashmir has emerged as one of the most sought-after domestic tourist destinations this summer as travellers across the country increasingly prefer holidays within India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to avoid non-essential foreign travel amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Travel operators, particularly in eastern India, say destinations such as Kashmir, Andaman, Himachal Pradesh and north Bengal hill stations are witnessing a sharp rise in bookings during the summer vacation period.
According to a report published by The Telegraph Online, tour operators in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal are reporting strong demand for Kashmir packages, alongside Kerala, Lakshadweep and Himachal Pradesh.
“Kashmir and Kerala remain among the most sought-after destinations this year,” Mohammad Wasim, proprietor of Bengal Travel Service in Kolkata, was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
The report said tourists are increasingly opting for domestic destinations where travel costs remain manageable and expenses are “rupee-denominated” amid global uncertainty and pressure on the Indian currency.
Travel industry representatives believe the shift is providing a boost to major tourism hubs, including Kashmir, which has seen renewed interest from travellers after a brief slowdown following the Pahalgam massacre last year.
West Bengal has traditionally been a major source of tourists to Kashmir especially during yearly Pooja Holiday.
The report further noted that families are preferring shorter vacations and destinations closer to home, while hill stations remain especially popular during the ongoing summer season.
Travel companies said Kashmir continues to attract tourists because of its cooler climate, scenic landscapes and improving tourism infrastructure, with many operators describing the Valley as one of the leading domestic choices for summer travel in 2026.
