Mumbai: India’s coastline and diverse terrain have fuelled strong growth in cruise and adventure tourism, with passenger traffic rising by 18 per cent and adventure activities recording a 22 per cent increase in 2024–25, according to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025. The figures highlight how travellers are increasingly seeking experiences beyond traditional sightseeing, turning to cruises, trekking, rafting and wildlife safaris to explore the country’s varied landscapes.
Ports in Mumbai, Goa and Kochi have been upgraded to handle larger vessels, with new cruise itineraries introduced along the western coast and into the Lakshadweep islands. International cruise operators have shown interest in expanding routes to India, encouraged by rising demand from both domestic and foreign travellers. Cruise tourism is no longer confined to a niche segment, with families, retirees and younger travellers increasingly choosing cruises as part of their holiday plans.
Regional examples illustrate the breadth of this growth. In Goa, cruise operators reported record bookings during the winter season, with packages combining coastal sightseeing, cultural performances and culinary experiences. In Kerala, backwater cruises have drawn international visitors seeking slower, immersive journeys. In Mumbai, short‑haul cruises to coastal destinations such as Diu and Lakshadweep have become popular among domestic travellers, offering a refreshing alternative to road travel and providing a different perspective on the coastline.
Adventure tourism has expanded rapidly in Himalayan states. Trekking routes in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Ladakh reported heavy traffic, with younger travellers particularly drawn to high‑altitude trails. Rafting in Rishikesh and wildlife safaris in Madhya Pradesh and Assam also saw strong demand. Local businesses providing equipment rentals, guides and transport services benefited from the surge, with adventure tourism creating jobs for young people and offering livelihoods that allow communities to share their connection with the mountains.
Industry leaders point out that adventure tourism reflects changing preferences among travellers. Increasingly, people are seeking experiences that challenge them physically and connect them with nature. Adventure tourism is seen as offering both excitement and authenticity, which explains its rapid growth.
The economic impact of cruise and adventure tourism is visible across sectors. Hotels in coastal and mountain regions reported higher occupancy rates, while restaurants and transport operators saw increased demand. Artisans producing local crafts benefited from sales to tourists seeking souvenirs. In Ladakh, homestay owners reported steady bookings from trekkers, while in Goa, small businesses offering cultural performances and local cuisine thrived.
Pressure points are becoming visible though. Popular trekking corridors are straining under overcrowding, while cruise operators face mounting waste‑management concerns. Conservationists warn that unchecked expansion risks turning adventure tourism into an environmental liability. Sustainability must be embedded at the core, or the fragile ecosystems that attract visitors could be irreparably harmed.
The government has responded with pledges to embed responsibility into growth. Plans include eco‑friendly infrastructure along trekking routes, stricter waste‑control systems on cruises, and community‑based projects that empower local residents to safeguard sites. The stated objective is clear: tourism must generate livelihoods while protecting natural heritage, ensuring growth does not come at the cost of conservation.
Analysts see cruise and adventure tourism as enduring engines of India’s travel economy going forward. With global interest in experiential travel expected to rise, India is well positioned to consolidate its gains if infrastructure and policy support continue. The compendium underscores that expansion is not only about scale but also diversification, laying the groundwork for sustained, balanced growth in the years to come.
