Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE and Nepal topped the list in the Atlys Travel Access Report 2026, which ranked the top 50 global destinations for Indian travellers based on a four‑metric index: visa ease (25%), connectivity (25%), affordability (15%) and popularity (35%).
The report also focused on winners across specialised categories, such as budget travel, luxury escapes, women-friendly destinations and solo‑travel hotspots.
The top 10 countries are as follows:
1. Sri Lanka
2. Thailand
3. UAE
4. Nepal
5. Indonesia
6. Malaysia
7. Vietnam
8. Maldives
9. Oman
10. Mauritius
The Atlys Travel Access Report 2026: Ranking Top 50 Destinations for Indians
Photo Credit: The Atlys Travel Access Report
Categories Winners
Nepal emerges as a clear overall favourite in multiple segments. With zero visa requirements, short flight times, and some of the lowest per‑day travel costs in the region, Nepal retains its status as India's most accessible and affordable getaway. From trekking routes to temples and street-side momos, the country offers unmatched value, making it both the Budget Friendly and Impulse Getaway leader.
- In the budget category, Laos, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam round out the top five. Laos earns praise as Southeast Asia's underrated bargain, while Sri Lanka offers diverse landscapes without high transport costs. Thailand and Vietnam continue to deliver exceptional value through well-developed tourism networks and globally loved street food.
- For travellers seeking last-minute travel, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE, and Vietnam follow Nepal, driven by quick visa processing and frequent flights from major Indian cities.
- On the luxury front, the Maldives dominates thanks to direct air connectivity and world-renowned private-island resorts. Switzerland, Fiji, France, and Italy complete the list, offering high-end experiences ranging from alpine retreats to premium culinary tourism.
- When it comes to women-friendly travel, Thailand, the UAE, Japan, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka rank highest due to strong safety records, efficient transport, and supportive tourism infrastructure.
- For solo travellers, Thailand once again leads, followed by Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Japan, each offering social hostels, predictable routes, and supportive local systems.
The 2026 report positions Asia as the dominant region for Indian travel in both affordability and accessibility, which comes as a boost to the subcontinent's strong preference for destinations that combine value, convenience, and cultural familiarity.
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