There is no doubt that Indians love to travel and this passion has only grown since the Covid-19 pandemic. This craze is not just limited to domestic destinations; it is global. The numbers tell the same story. RBI data shows that Indians are spending Rs 12,500 crore every month on foreign travel this financial year.

If you are curious to know where Indians are dreaming of travelling this year, this list may surprise you.

How do Indians travel abroad?

MakeMyTrip, The online travel company recently released its ‘How India Travels Abroad’ report for the period June 2023 to May 2024, highlighting the top 10 countries that Indians are eyeing.

These ’emerging countries that Indians are falling in love with’ do not include the usual suspects like the US or the UK. Instead, Kazakhstan tops the list, followed by Azerbaijan and Bhutan.

Within the top 10, the increase in searches is particularly notable, with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan seeing a staggering increase in interest from Indian travellers by 491 per cent and 404 per cent, respectively.

Then why are these countries so popular?

Kazakhstan

In an interview with a local channel, Dastan Ryspekov, chairman of the Kazakh Tourism Committee, said that the flow of Indian tourists has “increased sharply” since the country introduced a 14-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens in 2022.

28,300 Indian citizens will visit Kazakhstan in 2023 alone.

According to MakeMyTrip report, Kazakhstan’s popularity has increased by 491 per cent due to visa-free services and better connectivity.

Today, Indians can take a direct 3-hour flight on Indigo or Air Astana from New Delhi to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.

Social media has also fuelled interest in Kazakhstan, making it a hotspot for travel influencers who are encouraging more Indians to visit there.

azerbaijan

Social media has also played an important role in popularising Azerbaijan as an affordable, easily visitable ‘Eurasian country’.

According to the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Azerbaijan received 1,40,000 tourists from India from January to July this year. This is a 2.7 times increase compared to last year.

MakeMyTrip’s report also confirms this trend, showing a 404 per cent increase in searches by Indians.

IndiGo’s four-hour direct flights from Delhi to Baku further add to Azerbaijan’s charm, making it easily accessible and an attractive option for Indians looking for a ‘European charm’. For many Indians, a trip to Europe is a bucket-list experience, and Azerbaijan offers a taste of it.

The easy e-visa process also adds to its attractiveness, especially compared to the more complicated Schengen visa required for other European countries.

Bhutan, Russia and Nepal are also on the list

The study reveals the top 10 countries Indians are eyeing for their next trip. After Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, the list includes Bhutan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Japan.

See the full list here:

1. Kazakhstan
2. azerbaijan
3. Bhutan
4. Hong Kong
5. Sri Lanka
6. Japan
7. Malaysia
8. Nepal
9. Russia
10. Saudi Arabia

Similar to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, many of these countries have made it to the list due to the ease of obtaining visas for Indians or visa-free access (such as Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan), as well as their popularity on social media among travel influencers.

What not to miss in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan

Now, if you are also planning to visit these two countries, here are some places that you should definitely include in your itinerary.

Let’s get started Kazakhstan.

Almaty

• If you are taking a direct flight from New Delhi, your arrival destination will be Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.
• Almaty is a vibrant cultural hub.
• Don’t miss the city’s Central State Museum, the beautiful Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views, and the colorful Genkov Cathedral.

• Almaty is also the gateway to Big Almaty Lake, a beautiful alpine reservoir surrounded by mountains.
• Hotel prices start from Rs 2,000 and go up to Rs 80,000 per night.

Charyn Valley

• Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan, it is an amazing natural wonder located about 200 km from Almaty.
• The valley features dramatic red rock formations and offers hiking opportunities with spectacular views.

Astana

• If admiring architecture is your passion, then the modern capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, should be on your list of must-visit destinations when visiting Kazakhstan.
• The city’s major attractions include the Bayterek Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city, the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a pyramid-shaped building that symbolizes unity.

Turkistan

• Turkestan is known as the spiritual and historical center of Kazakhstan.
• The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is located in Turkestan, in southern Kazakhstan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage site.
• The city reflects Kazakhstan’s rich Islamic heritage.

Kandy Lake

• Lake Kaindy is one of the most viral places in Kazakhstan. Located in the Tian Shan Mountains of Almaty, Kaindy Lake is famous for its submerged forest and stunning blue waters.

• The lake was formed after a landslide caused by an earthquake, creating a natural dam. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Now, let’s talk azerbaijanRenowned for its rich cultural heritage, Azerbaijan offers a blend of ancient traditions and modern influences.

Let’s take a look at some of its tourist attractions, starting with the capital city, Baku.

Baku

• Baku is known to be a fascinating mix of old and new.
• There are many places to visit here, including the historic Old City (Icherishahr), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Baku is also known for its striking modern architecture, such as the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Iraqi-British architect and artist Zaha Hadid.
• Like Almaty, you can also book budget hotels in Baku, where rates start from Rs 1,500 per night.

Gobustan National Park

• Gobustan, just outside Baku, is famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes.
• Petroglyphs (a form of rock art) some of which are up to 40,000 years old, provide insight into prehistoric life in the region.
• Mud volcanoes are another unique feature, with bubbling mud and a surreal landscape.

Sheki

• Sheki, a beautiful city located in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, is known for its charming cobbled streets and traditional architecture.
• The Palace of the Sheki Khans located here is known for its magnificent stained glass windows and intricate frescoes.
• Sheki is also famous for its local dessert Sheki Halva, a flaky pastry filled with nuts and honey.

Quba

• Located in the northern part of Azerbaijan, Quba is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is the gateway to the Kechresh Forest and Tengi Valley.
• The city is also known for its apple orchards and carpet weaving traditions, making it a must-visit place in Azerbaijan.

Gabala

• Gabala is a beautiful city in northern Azerbaijan, famous for its natural beauty and outdoor attractions.
• Located around 550 km from Almaty, this place is a popular destination for those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.
• Major attractions include Gabaland, an amusement park often referred to as the “Azerbaijani Disneyland”.
• You can enjoy the serene Nohur Lake, ideal for boating and picnics, and the Yeddi Gozel Falls, a stunning natural spot located in the forest.

Remember, the best time to visit azerbaijan occurs between April to June or September to October and KazakhstanThe best time is from April to May and September to October.