Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Culture and Food Rewrite Hyderabad's Travel Wishlist, Survey Shows
Many people who live in Hyderabad, a big city in India, love to go on holidays.
A travel company called Skyscanner asked them how they pick a place to visit.
The answers showed that people care more about food, festivals and local traditions than before.
More than half of the people said tasty local food is the biggest reason they choose a destination.
Most people said they are now more interested in trips that let them learn about a place's culture.
Many would even travel to another country just to join a cultural celebration.
Japan is the dream destination for the most people, because it mixes old traditions with modern life.
In India, travellers like places such as Kochi and Udaipur for their festivals and customs.
Instead of just seeing famous buildings, travellers now plan their whole trip around an experience like a festival or a special meal.
More than half (56%) of Hyderabad respondents say regional cuisine is the biggest cultural influence when choosing a travel destination.
83% of respondents say their interest in culture-led travel has grown, and 90% have taken or are interested in an international culture-focused holiday.
Japan tops Hyderabad's international cultural wishlist (22%), followed by Thailand and Vietnam (17% each), France (16%) and the UK (15%).
Nearly three in four respondents would travel specifically for a cultural or religious celebration.
Durga Puja (38%) and Diwali (37%) are the top festival travel draws, ahead of Kumbh Mela and Pongal (33% each).
- Who
- Travellers from Hyderabad surveyed by Skyscanner, with insights from Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert at Skyscanner India.
- What
- A survey found that food, festivals and local culture increasingly drive how Hyderabad residents choose holiday destinations, ahead of heritage landmarks.
- When
- The findings come from Skyscanner's research for this year; no specific date is given in the article.
- Where
- Hyderabad, Telangana, India; top international cultural wishlist destinations include Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, France and the UK.
- Why
- Travellers want to participate in living culture, taste regional cuisine and attend once-a-year festivals rather than only visit landmarks.
- Survey focus
- Hyderabad travellers' culture-led holiday choices
- Food as top cultural influence
- 56% of respondents
- Growth in culture-led travel interest
- 83% of respondents
- International culture holiday taken or wanted
- 90% of respondents
- Willing to travel for festivals
- Nearly three in four respondents
- Top international cultural destination
- Japan (22%)
- Top festival draws
- Durga Puja (38%), Diwali (37%)
- Home-grown experiences wanted
- Charminar/Old City heritage walks (39%), Bonalu (33%)