Twenty-eight per cent of respondents claim that on an average they indulge in at least five adventure trips in a year and 16 per cent are comfortable travelling solo, according to the Thrillophilia study, which surveyed 10,000 travellers and 1,800 travel partners.

Notably, the report shows that adventure tourism is gaining popularity not just with travellers in their youth, with 36 per cent of respondents aged above 35 preferring offbeat travel experiences as well.

The survey further reveals that trekking has gained popularity in India, and is the most popular activity with 26 per cent preferring to take treks during their trips; while water sports was the second favourite, preferred by 25 per cent.

As for the travel region, 27 per cent believe the Himalayas to be the best for adventure activities.

Moreover, travellers are spending more on their trips, Thrillophilia says, with the average expenditure per person per trip rising 13 per cent between 2015 and 2017.

Thirty-two per cent of respondents claim that the content on social networking sites, especially Instagram, is one of the major factors that roused their interest in experiential travel.

The trend is hitting India as the destination pushes the niche in the Year of Adventure Travel.

Abhishek Daga, co-founder, Thrillophilia, added: “The increase in demand for experiential travel in India can be largely attributed to the efforts made by the government bodies like Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, Ministry of Tourism and Indian Mountaineering Foundation to promote adventure tourism in India.

“Some landmark steps have been taken by the government which include granting funds to improve infrastructure in remote areas and giving security clearance for opening of 104 additional peaks in Leh area of Jammu & Kashmir.”