New Delhi, April 28, 2025: Summer vacations are around the corner, and families across India are gearing up for their much-awaited travel plans. Whether you’re seeking cool mountain escapes, scenic coastal retreats, or historical explorations, India’s rail network offers the perfect way to reach your dream destination. This summer, travel demand has surged significantly, with data revealing an increase of 30% in train bookings to popular tourist spots compared to last year. The most popular travel days start from the second week of April all the way till the end of May. To help you plan your ideal holiday, we’ve compiled a list of top destinations along with travel insights to ensure a smooth journey.
1. Shimla & Manali – The Evergreen Summer Retreats
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Shimla and Manali remain among the most sought-after summer destinations, witnessing a similar rise in train travel bookings this year. The toy train to Shimla, a UNESCO World Heritage experience, offers a scenic ride through lush forests and misty mountains. Travelers can take a train to Kalka Railway Station, the nearest railhead to Shimla, or Joginder Nagar Railway Station for access to Manali.
Currently, for bookings on redRail to Shimla and Manali, 40% of tickets have been waitlisted, so book soon!
2. Darjeeling – The Queen of the Hills
Famous for its tea gardens, stunning sunrises, and colonial charm, Darjeeling has seen a 5x increase in bookings of tourists traveling by train this season. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, another UNESCO-listed attraction, provides a breathtaking journey up the mountains. The nearest major station is New Jalpaiguri, from where travelers can take the iconic toy train or a road trip to their destination.
3. Goa – A Coastal Escape
Goa isn’t just a winter destination—its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water sports make it a summer favorite too. Train ticket demand for Goa has grown by 33%, reflecting its popularity among both families and young travelers. Madgaon and Vasco da Gama Railway Stations are the primary gateways to this tropical paradise. Around 30% of passengers to Goa book solo tickets, while the remaining 70% of travellers book two or more tickets. So far, the peak days for booking railway tickets in Goa have been for Good Friday and May Day long weekend.
4. Ooty & Kodaikanal – Tranquil Hill Getaways
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, leading to Ooty, offers a picturesque ride through rolling tea gardens and mist-covered hills. Ooty and Kodaikanal’s cool weather and serene lakes attract thousands of visitors, with a recorded 3x rise in travel bookings. Mettupalayam Railway Station serves as the nearest major stop for Ooty, while Kodai Road Railway Station connects to Kodaikanal. Currently, 42.5% tickets are waitlisted out of all the tickets which have been sold, a 1.5x jump from last year
5. Munnar & Alleppey – Kerala’s Backwaters & Hill Charm
Munnar’s tea plantations and Alleppey’s houseboat cruises make Kerala a must-visit summer destination, witnessing a 105% increase in railway travel. Ernakulam and Aluva Railway Stations are the closest major railheads, offering seamless connectivity to these scenic spots. Book quickly, as the number of waitlisted tickets has increased 1.5X, since last summer
6. Rajasthan – A Cultural Odyssey
Despite the summer heat, Rajasthan continues to draw travelers eager to explore its royal forts, palaces, and desert safaris. Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer have seen a 54% surge in train ticket bookings. Jaipur Junction, Udaipur City, and Jaisalmer Railway Stations provide easy access to these heritage-rich cities. Currently 68% of tickets booked on redRail are confirmed; this confirmation ratio will reduce as summer proceeds.
8. Rishikesh & Haridwar – Adventure & Spirituality Combined
Yoga retreats, river rafting, and scenic treks have made Rishikesh a hotspot for adventure travelers, with Haridwar remaining a spiritual favorite. Train travel to these destinations has risen by 133%, with Haridwar Junction and Rishikesh Railway Station serving as major access points. The most searched train routes are New Delhi–Haridwar, where the waitlist is 42.4%.
9. Mysuru & Coorg – Karnataka’s Nature and Heritage Hubs
Mysuru’s palaces and Coorg’s lush landscapes make them perfect summer retreats and great spaces to celebrate festivities, contributing to a 50% rise in rail bookings. Mysuru Junction is the main rail hub, with additional road connectivity to Coorg. Current booking trends show that, out of all seats booked on redRail 59% are sleeper seats and 41% are AC seats. On the redRail platform, 24% seats to these destinations are waitlisted, so book soon!
10. Leh & Ladakh – The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure
As summer sets in, Leh and Ladakh welcome adventure seekers eager for road trips and treks. Rail travel to nearby stations like Jammu Tawi and Pathankot has increased by exponentially, providing access to the road routes leading to Ladakh. The newly introduced Vande Bharat Express weaving between Delhi and Kashmir brings with it the promise of swifter, more comfortable journeys to the heart of the Kashmir Valley. As the summer travel season gathers momentum, this addition is set to enhance connectivity to the region, making the passage as serene as the destination itself.
Travel Without Worries with redRail’s “Seat Guarantee” Features
redRail’s Seat Guarantee has your back this summer! Whether you’re planning or booking a last minute Tatkal escape, if your train ticket stays waitlisted, you’ll either get a confirmed seat or a 3X refund to quickly hop on another train or bus. No more travel tantrums, just smooth journeys! Save on train tickets using the code RBRAIL
So, pack your bags and let the journey become as memorable as the destination with redRail!
*All figures mentioned are basis trends on the redRail platform
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
