In a twist no one saw coming, Kanchipuram, the serene silk saree hub of Tamil Nadu known for its temples and culture, now wears an unexpected crown: India’s new capital of extra-marital affairs.
According to newly released June 2025 data from Ashley Madison, the global dating platform known for facilitating discreet extramarital relationships, Kanchipuram jumped from 17th place last year to No. 1—overtaking the likes of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Ashley Madison is an online dating and social networking service based in Canada, launched in 2002. It targets individuals who are married or in relationships and seeking extramarital affairs, using the slogan “Life is short, Have an affair”. The platform facilitates communication and interaction between members through various features. According to newly released June 2025 data Kanchipuram jumped from 17th place last year to No. 1—overtaking the likes of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
The platform’s list of top 20 Indian districts with the highest levels of extramarital activity marks a major shift in how—and where—digital infidelity is thriving.
Tier-2 Towns Are Quietly Reshaping the Dating Map
While big metros once dominated the online affair landscape, the latest data reveals that India’s tier-2 and tier-3 towns are now leading the charge.
Ashley Madison’s user behavior points to:
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Rising smartphone and internet penetration
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Increased privacy and anonymity in smaller towns
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A growing openness toward exploring alternative relationship models
As the stigma around non-monogamy softens, more people from less urbanized regions are signing up—and staying active—on platforms like Ashley Madison.
Delhi-NCR Leaves a Mark — 9 Entries in Top 20
Though Kanchipuram took the crown, Delhi-NCR proved its dominance by sheer numbers. Nine districts and cities from the region featured in the top 20, including:
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Six Delhi districts: Central Delhi (ranked #2), South West, East, South, West, and North West
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Three NCR cities: Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad
This cements Delhi’s reputation as a consistent hub for digital romance and risk, even if it didn’t snag the top spot.
😲 Mumbai Is Nowhere to Be Seen
In what might be the biggest surprise of all, Mumbai—India’s most cosmopolitan city—completely dropped out of the top 20.
Meanwhile, cities like:
- Six Delhi districts: Central Delhi, South West Delhi, East Delhi, South Delhi, West Delhi, and North West Delhi
- Three NCR cities: Gurgaon, Noida (Gautam Buddha Nagar), and Ghaziabad
Central Delhi secured the second position nationally, underscoring Delhi’s consistent engagement with the platform.
Ashley Madison’s Ranking Method: It’s Not Just About Sign-Ups
The company clarified that its rankings go beyond new user counts. The list is based on:
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Number of sign-ups
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Frequency and depth of user engagement
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Intensity of interaction between users
So Kanchipuram’s leap to the top wasn’t just about new users—it’s about how deeply and regularly those users engaged with the platform.
India’s Relationship Morality Is Being Rewritten
According to Paul Keable, Chief Strategy Officer at Ashley Madison:
“More than half of surveyed Indian adults admitted to infidelity. India now ranks sixth globally for us and continues to rise.”
This trend suggests a shift in how Indians—particularly in quieter towns—are navigating desire, marriage, and identity in the digital age.
From Temple Town to Tinder Alternative
Kanchipuram’s transformation from spiritual sanctuary to the epicenter of India’s online affairs points to a complex modern reality:
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People are seeking escape or experimentation beyond traditional relationship structures
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Technology is providing silent, private, and judgment-free spaces to do so
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And smaller towns, once conservative strongholds, are emerging as leaders in this new digital intimacy era
Cultural Rebellion or Quiet Evolution?
Whatever your stance, the data paints a clear picture:
India’s geography of love and loyalty is rapidly changing—not in protests or revolutions, but in downloads, swipes, and encrypted messages.
