India has been named Destination of the Year for 2027 by Travel + Leisure, putting the South Asian country back in the spotlight as it looks to attract more international visitors. Known for its historic monuments, wildlife, wellness traditions and diverse landscapes, India offers travellers a wide range of experiences, from lake-surrounded cities and royal palaces to remote tropical islands and wildlife reserves.
The annual recognition, announced by Travel + Leisure since 2014, has previously gone to destinations including Brazil in 2026, Thailand in 2025 and Costa Rica in 2024. India’s selection comes as the country works to strengthen its position in the international tourism market.
Despite its long history as a major travel destination, India has experienced a decline in foreign tourist arrivals compared with its pre-pandemic peak. The country recorded 9.15 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, an 8 per cent decrease from the 10.93 million recorded in 2019.
India has set an ambitious target of welcoming 100 million tourists annually by 2047, the centenary of its independence. Being selected as Travel + Leisure’s Destination of the Year for 2027 could help bring renewed international attention to its tourism offering.
Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford described India as a destination with a lasting personal appeal. Reflecting on her first visit at the age of three, she recalled its colours, food, silk saris, busy streets and the warmth of everyday interactions. She said the country had left a lasting impression on her.
ALSO READ: The World’s 10 Quietest Cities to Visit in 2027 Are All in Europe
For travellers considering a visit, deciding where to go can be challenging. India covers approximately 3.29 million square kilometres and is made up of 28 states and eight union territories, with destinations offering very different experiences.
One place highlighted by Travel + Leisure is Udaipur, often referred to as the “Venice of the East”. Located in Rajasthan, the city is surrounded by seven lakes and is known for its historic architecture and royal heritage. Visitors can explore the City Palace and Monsoon Palace, while those looking for a distinctive hotel experience can stay at the Taj Lake Palace, a former royal residence that has frequently featured in international hotel rankings.
New Delhi is another option, particularly for travellers interested in India’s history and architecture. The capital is home to important landmarks including Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. It also provides a convenient starting point for visitors planning to travel to Agra, where the Taj Mahal remains one of the country’s most recognised attractions.
Beyond India’s major cities, the Lakshadweep archipelago offers a different kind of holiday. Located in the Arabian Sea, the island group is known for its tropical setting, although access for tourists is limited to selected islands each year.
Wildlife enthusiasts may want to consider Madhya Pradesh, a state known for its tiger reserves and historic temples. It is home to India’s largest tiger population, making it an important destination for travellers interested in wildlife experiences and conservation.
For architecture and cultural heritage, Chettinad offers another reason to explore beyond the country’s better-known tourist centres. The region is recognised for its distinctive architectural style and historic mansions, some of which reflect the wealth and influence of the merchant communities that shaped its built environment.
India’s selection as Destination of the Year for 2027 places attention on a country whose tourism appeal extends far beyond a handful of internationally recognised landmarks. From Udaipur’s lakes and palaces to Lakshadweep’s islands, Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife reserves and Chettinad’s historic architecture, the destinations highlighted offer several starting points for travellers planning a first visit or returning to explore a different part of the country.
