Assam’s tea capital, Jorhat, has made it to the list of the world’s top trending travel destinations for 2026, recording an astounding 493% year-on-year surge in global travel searches, according to the Skyscanner 2026 Travel Trends Report.
The report, compiled by the global travel platform Skyscanner, identifies destinations that witnessed the sharpest rise in flight searches between January 1 and June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. These destinations were then assessed for their overall travel appeal, cultural depth, and emerging popularity among global tourists.
With over 100 million monthly users, Skyscanner analysed tens of thousands of data points to reveal where the world’s travellers are heading next. “Indian travellers are increasingly seeking soulful escapes off the beaten path — places rich in culture, nature, and authenticity,” the report stated. “From the lush tea gardens of Jorhat to the heritage quarters of Manila, these destinations are redefining global travel trends.”
Described as the cultural heart of Assam, Jorhat’s charm lies in its seamless blend of heritage, tea, and nature.
It is home to the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, one of the world’s oldest tea research centres, and surrounded by the sprawling tea estates that define Assam’s global identity. Its proximity to Majuli, the world’s largest river island, adds to its allure — a place famed for its Vaishnavite monasteries, or Satras, which continue to preserve Assam’s rich artistic and spiritual traditions.
Historically, Jorhat served as the last capital of the Ahom kingdom in the late 18th century, when King Gaurinath Singha shifted the seat of power from Sibsagar in 1794. The city soon evolved into a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and learning under both Ahom and British influence. The very name “Jorhat” is derived from the Assamese words ‘Jor’ (two) and ‘Hat’ (market), a nod to the twin trading centres that once stood on either side of the Bhogdoi River.
Today, Jorhat retains its old-world elegance while embracing modern tourism and improved connectivity.
From immersive tea trails and river island excursions to heritage walks and eco-retreats, the city offers a layered travel experience that resonates with both domestic and international visitors. Its growing popularity among global travellers also reflects a broader shift towards more sustainable and culturally rooted tourism.
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Following Jorhat on Skyscanner’s list of trending destinations for 2026 are Jaffna (Sri Lanka), Muscat (Oman), and Queenstown (New Zealand), while Varanasi — another Indian heritage city — ranks sixth globally.
With this recognition, Jorhat steps firmly onto the world map — not just as India’s tea capital, but as an emerging global travel gem where history, culture, and nature converge to create an unforgettable experience for the modern traveller.
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