With 24 pc growth, healthcare services top online searches: Justdial
Justdial says that a higher number of searches in Tier II cities shows an expanding digital footprint beyond metropolitan areas
Online searches in Tier II cities across India were 112 pc more than those in Tier I cities in the year 2024, says a report by Justdial, an Indian search engine.
In its report, How India Searched in 2024, Justdial says that a higher number of searches in Tier II cities shows an expanding digital footprint beyond metropolitan areas. It adds that the analysis reveals that while certain categories like healthcare, wellness, education, and leisure hold universal appeal across urban and semi-urban areas, the priorities and growth trajectories differ significantly.
According to the statement, the healthcare and medical services category recorded a 24 pc year-on-year growth in searches, solidifying its place as one of the most actively searched sectors. Among healthcare professionals, gynaecologists & obstetricians saw a notable 22 pc increase, reflecting a growing emphasis on maternal and women’s health. Simultaneously, searches for ENT specialists, that grew 21 pc and dentists which rose by 19 pc underline a heightened focus on specialised medical care. Hospitals and diagnostic centres also observed an uptick in demand, driven by consumers across urban and rural India prioritising accessible healthcare solutions, says Justdial.
Close behind, the wellness and personal care sector increased by 7 pc as Indians embraced self-care and rejuvenation. Relaxation therapy services, beauty spas, beauty parlours, salons and skincare clinics led the way in searches, particularly in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. Skincare has emerged as a major focus area with 15 pc growth, underscoring the shift toward preventive care and wellness.
According to the report, education remained a focal point throughout the year, with high search volumes for schools, colleges, and libraries topping the charts. This reflects India’s continued emphasis on foundational and higher education. However, the trends extended beyond traditional academics, showcasing a vibrant interest in skill-building and hobbies. Searches for activities like dance, cricket, music, and tailoring classes stood out, highlighting a growing inclination toward holistic development. These interests were not confined to specific geographies, as they featured prominently among the top 200 searches in both Tier I and Tier II cities.
Justdial says that India’s urban hustle continues to shape search trends, with high search volumes for real estate agents, a growth of 10 pc and transporters highlighting the significance of housing and travel solutions. As more individuals migrate to cities for work and education, services like paying guest accommodations, which rose by 12 pc, have become increasingly sought after.
Tier I cities saw 18 pc growth in searches for flexible housing solutions, while Tier II cities increased by 9 pc. However, hostels are experiencing a significant decline in demand, with a 40 pc decrease in Tier I cities and a 33 pc decrease in Tier II cities, as consumers increasingly prefer facility-rich PGs and flats that cater to modern living needs.
The resurgence of travel and leisure was another defining trend of 2024, with searches for tourist attractions, hotels, travel agents, and taxi services witnessing a 27 pc year-on-year growth. Tier II cities emerged as key drivers of this growth, recording a 30 pc increase in travel-related searches, outpacing Tier I cities, which saw a 19 pc growth. This trend suggests that while urban migration for livelihood opportunities continues, many travellers prefer exploring less urbanised, rural destinations across India. Notably, the top cities contributing to travel-related searches include Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad.
Food and dining remained integral to the Indian experience, with categories like restaurants, tiffin services, caterers, cake shops, and coffee shops or cafés consistently ranking among the most searched terms. One dish stands out as the undeniable favourite: Biryani, maintaining its place at the top of the search charts. Meanwhile, evolving palates have brought global cuisines like Mandi and Korean into the spotlight, recording 18 pc and 15 pc growth, respectively. The appetite for diverse dining experiences is most pronounced in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune, the top five cities leading food-related searches.
On the entertainment and leisure front, activities like visiting water parks and enjoying amusement parks have consistently remained popular, reflecting India’s renewed focus on outdoor and social experiences. These categories have witnessed a robust 36 pc growth, indicating a strong interest in recreational activities as people embrace a more open and social lifestyle after the end of pandemic-related restrictions. Surprisingly, cinema halls have experienced a 15 pc decline in searches, suggesting a shift in leisure preferences toward more interactive and dynamic experiences over traditional movie outings.
