If you’ve ever been invited in for chai by a stranger in the mountains, or had a homestay host plan your entire day without being asked, this will not really come as a surprise. According to Booking.com’s
Traveller Review Awards 2026, Himachal Pradesh has been named among the Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth, and has once again taken the title of India’s most welcoming region, for the third year in a row.
Why Himachal Pradesh Keeps Winning Hearts
Yes there are snow-lined roads, cedar forests and gorgeous valleys but what keeps travellers coming back to Himachal is the warmth built into everyday interactions.
From family-run homestays in villages to small boutique hotels in hill towns, the state is famous for its routes, weather, local food and festivals. That combination has now put Himachal on a global list alongside some of the most hospitality-driven destinations in the world.
Himachal is followed by Kerala and Goa.
Bir: India’s Most Welcoming City Again
Tucked into Himachal’s Kangra Valley, Bir has been named India’s most welcoming city for the second year running. Known for paragliding, Tibetan culture and a slow, grounded pace of life, Bir attracts travellers who want more than sightseeing. The town’s calm, community-driven energy seems to be exactly what modern travellers are looking for.
Kerala’s Mararikulam Comes Second
Coming in next is Mararikulam, a coastal village in Kerala where hospitality is gentle and simple. Life here revolves around the beach, backwaters and simple routines. Travellers often stay in homestays and low-key resorts where hosts focus on comfort rather than formality.
Jaisalmer: Desert Hospitality Done Right
In the heart of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer rounds out the top three. Despite its popularity, the Golden City continues to draw travellers thanks in parts to Rajput hospitality and Rajasthan’s cultural and historical legacy.
This is the full list of of the most welcoming places in India for 2026
2026’s Most Welcoming Places on Earth
Globally, Italy continues to lead for the ninth consecutive year with 214,666 award-winning partners, followed by France (170,596) and Spain (152,292). Germany (111,685) and the United Kingdom (93,989) round out the top five.
