India has just received a rather fabulous travel endorsement for 2027, and if you’ve been waiting for a reason to plan that holiday, consider this your sign. From turquoise lagoons and palace hotels to mist-covered
mountains and ancient temple towns, the country has enough travel experiences to fill several passports. And perhaps it’s time we looked beyond our usual holiday circuit.
India has been named Destination of the Year for 2027 by Travel + Leisure, putting the spotlight on its extraordinary cultural and geographical diversity. From wildlife escapes and architectural marvels to regional cuisines and wellness retreats, there’s something for every kind of traveller.
So, beyond the familiar Golden Triangle, here are 10 destinations worth adding to your 2027 travel bucket list.
10 Places To Visit In India In 2027
1. Lakshadweep: For A Holiday In Fifty Shades Of Blue
If your idea of a perfect holiday involves powder-soft beaches, translucent waters and the occasional dilemma over whether to snorkel or simply lounge around, Lakshadweep deserves your attention. This archipelago of 36 islands off India’s southwestern coast is home to coral reefs, lagoons and some seriously spectacular marine landscapes. Think swaying palms, pristine stretches of sand and water in shades of blue that barely look real.
Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti are among the islands worth exploring, subject to entry permits and visitor access. Scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides offer plenty of ways to discover the underwater world. Just remember that Lakshadweep operates under an entry-permit system, so a little advance planning is essential.
2. Udaipur: For Palace-Hopping And Lakeside Grandeur
There are cities that look beautiful in photographs, and then there is Udaipur, which seems to have been designed with a permanent golden-hour filter. Often called the ‘Venice of the East’, Rajasthan’s lake city pairs grand palaces, marble architecture and winding old-town lanes with an enviable collection of heritage hotels. The Aravalli hills frame the city beautifully, while Lake Pichola adds to Udaipur’s almost fairytale-like appeal.
Start with the City Palace, explore Jag Mandir and make your way to Sajjangarh, better known as the Monsoon Palace, for sweeping views over the city. If your travel budget allows for a little royal indulgence, a stay at the Taj Lake Palace is quite the experience. Udaipur is best enjoyed slowly, preferably with a sunset boat ride and absolutely no urgent plans afterwards.
3. Madhya Pradesh: For Tiger Safaris And Temple Trails
Madhya Pradesh is the sort of destination that refuses to be squeezed into one travel category. It has dense forests, celebrated tiger reserves, ancient temples and historic cities, often within the same itinerary. The state’s wildlife scene is a major draw, with Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Panna offering opportunities to spot tigers in their natural habitat. And if a safari is on your bucket list, this is one state that deserves serious consideration.
Beyond the jungles, Khajuraho’s intricately carved temples offer a fascinating glimpse into India’s architectural heritage. Add Orchha’s historic monuments and the prehistoric rock shelters of Bhimbetka to your itinerary.
4. Chettinad, Tamil Nadu: For Architecture That Steals The Show
If you have a weakness for heritage homes, ornate interiors and architecture with a story behind every doorway, Chettinad should be on your radar. Located in Tamil Nadu, this historic region is famous for its grand mansions built by the prosperous Nattukottai Chettiar community.
Karaikudi and Kanadukathan are particularly rewarding stops, with beautifully preserved mansions offering a glimpse into the region’s mercantile history and cultural influences. And then, of course, there is the food. Chettinad cuisine has a formidable reputation for its spice-forward flavours, aromatic masalas and deeply satisfying preparations. Come for the mansions, stay for the meals.
5. Mawsynram, Meghalaya: For Rain, Caves And Otherworldly Landscapes
Some destinations sell themselves on sunshine. Mawsynram, on the other hand, has built its reputation around rain. Located in Meghalaya, this village is widely recognised as one of the wettest inhabited places on Earth. The surrounding hills turn lush and emerald-green, waterfalls spill across rocky slopes and clouds drift through the landscape with almost cinematic timing.
But there is more to Mawsynram than monsoon scenery. The region’s extraordinary cave systems, including the famous Mawjymbuin Cave, offer a fascinating glimpse into Meghalaya’s subterranean world.
6. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh: For A Little Slice Of Switzerland
You don’t necessarily need a European holiday to wake up to alpine meadows, pine forests and snow-capped mountain views. Tucked away in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district, Khajjiar has earned the nickname ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, and one look at its landscape explains why. A sprawling green meadow, surrounded by dense deodar forests and backed by the Himalayas, gives this little hill destination an almost storybook quality.
At the heart of Khajjiar lies its beautiful meadow and lake, where travellers can spend leisurely afternoons soaking in the mountain air. Horse riding, nature walks and short excursions around the surrounding forests offer plenty to do.
7. Mumbai, Maharashtra: For A City Break With Endless Personality
Mumbai doesn’t really do half measures. It is fast, chaotic, deliciously unpredictable and packed with neighbourhoods that each have their own personality. From colonial-era architecture and contemporary art spaces to buzzing cafés, old-school Irani restaurants and waterfront promenades, the city offers an urban holiday worth bookmarking.
Look beyond the usual Gateway of India photograph and explore Mumbai’s micro-neighbourhoods. Bandra brings together heritage bungalows, independent boutiques and lively cafés, while Colaba serves up art deco architecture, galleries and old-world charm. Spend an afternoon wandering through Kala Ghoda, explore the historic lanes of Fort or head towards Worli and Lower Parel for the city’s changing culinary scene.
8. Goa: For Hidden Villages And Beachside Slow Living
Goa has long been synonymous with beach holidays, but there is a quieter, more characterful side to the state that deserves just as much attention. Beyond the familiar party circuit, Goa’s lesser-explored villages offer heritage homes, Portuguese-influenced architecture, winding countryside roads and a slower pace of life. Think leisurely breakfasts, old churches, leafy lanes and afternoons that somehow stretch into evenings.
Head to South Goa for quieter beaches and laid-back coastal villages, or explore the charming interiors around Assagao, Aldona and Saligao in the north. Fontainhas in Panjim deserves a leisurely wander for its colourful Portuguese-era houses, while traditional taverns and local eateries offer an excellent introduction to Goan cuisine. From seafood curries and poi to bebinca, the food alone is reason enough to extend your stay.
9. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: For A Journey Into India’s Living Heritage
There are cities you visit, and then there are cities you experience with all your senses. Varanasi belongs firmly in the latter category. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, it is a fascinating maze of ancient lanes, riverside ghats, temples and bustling markets. Life here unfolds along the banks of the Ganga, where morning prayers, boat rides and the daily rhythm of the ghats offer an experience unlike anywhere else in the country.
Start your day with a sunrise boat ride along the river, watching the city slowly come alive against the backdrop of its historic ghats. Dashashwamedh Ghat is particularly atmospheric, while the evening Ganga Aarti is an unforgettable spectacle of lamps, chants and rituals.
10. Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat: For A Desert Escape Under A Million Stars
If your idea of a desert holiday involves endless white landscapes, spectacular sunsets and nights under a sky full of stars, the Rann of Kutch deserves a place on your itinerary. This extraordinary salt marsh in Gujarat transforms into a surreal expanse of white during the dry season, creating a landscape that looks almost otherworldly. The contrast between the vast salt flats, colourful local traditions and traditional Kutchi architecture makes this one of India’s most distinctive travel experiences.
The cooler months are ideal for exploring the region, particularly during the annual Rann Utsav, which celebrates Kutchi music, dance, handicrafts and cuisine.
So, while 2027 may be the year India gets its moment on the international travel stage, we don’t need a global endorsement to tell us what we already know. All that’s left to do is pick a destination, book those tickets and make room for a few unexpected detours.
