Guwahati, Oct 11: Assam’s tea capital Jorhat has emerged as one of the world’s top trending travel destinations for 2026, registering a remarkable 493 percent year-on-year surge in global travel searches, according to the Skyscanner 2026 Travel Trends Report.

The report is based on destinations that saw an increase in flight searches between January 1 and June 30, 2025, for travel throughout 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. The top destinations were then selected for their travel suitability.

Skyscanner, a global leader in travel with over 100 million monthly users, analysed tens of thousands of data points to identify destinations gaining traction worldwide.

“Indian travellers are turning their attention to soulful escapes beyond the beaten path, favouring culture-rich locales, scenic getaways, and emerging global gems,” the report noted. “From the lush tea gardens of Jorhat to the heritage districts and vibrant streets of Manila, these places are turning heads and climbing charts.”

“Jorhat, the cultural heart of Assam, is renowned for its sprawling tea estates, rich heritage, and proximity to Majuli, the world’s largest river island. Home to the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, it offers a blend of history, nature, and vibrant Assamese culture,” the report stated.

Historically, Jorhat served as the last capital of the Ahom kingdom in the late 18th century. In 1794, Ahom king Gaurinath Singha shifted the capital from Sibsagar to Jorhat, which went on to become an important commercial and cultural hub. The city’s name itself is derived from two Assamese words — ‘Jor’ (two) and ‘Hat’ (market) — referring to the twin markets once located on the eastern and western banks of the Bhogdoi River.

Established as an urban center during the British era, Jorhat has evolved over the years while preserving its historical and cultural character.

A short distance from the city lies Majuli, the world’s largest river island — an ecological and spiritual haven known for its Vaishnavite Satras (monasteries), which embody Assam’s rich artistic and devotional traditions.

Following Jorhat on the list are Jaffna (Sri Lanka), Muscat (Oman), and Queenstown (New Zealand), with Varanasi (India) ranking sixth among the top ten trending destinations for 2026.

Also Read: Gaurav Gogoi slams Assam govt over ‘hurried’ Zubeen Garg probe

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