Once a key part of the hippie trail, India has been a major tourism destination for decades, drawing in the crowds for its wildlife, wellness practices and attractions like the iconic Taj Mahal.
In recent years, however, foreign arrivals have fallen, with 9.15 million in 2025, down 8% compared to its peak of 10.93 million in 2019.
India is hoping to change that, with a target of 100 million tourists a year by 2047, the centenary of the country’s independence – and we imagine being named destination of the year for 2027 by Travel + Leisure will do more than a little to help.
Announced annually since 2014, recent destinations of the year have included Brazil in 2026, Thailand in 2025, and Costa Rica in 2024.
Writing about the South Asian country, Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford said: “Certain destinations tug at the heartstrings more than others. For me, one of those places is India.
“I first visited when I was three and was spellbound by the colours, the buttery naan, the fine-spun silk of the saris, the chaos of the traffic, the warmth that emanates from every conversation. The country seeps into your skin.”
Where to go in India
Spanning some 3.29 million square kilometres split into 28 states and eight union territories, it can be difficult to know where to begin when planning a trip to India.
If you’re looking for a city break, Travel + Leisure suggests heading to Udaipur, India’s very own “Venice of the East”.
Seven lakes surround the city, and you can explore sights like the City Palace or the Monsoon Palace. You can even stay in an actual palace, with the Taj Lake Palace regularly named among the best hotels in the world.
Alternatively, head to New Delhi for the Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, or as a stop before heading to the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Other destinations making the recommendations list include the Lakshadweep archipelago, where just a few islands open to tourists each year; Madhya Pradesh, where you’ll find India’s largest tiger population alongside spectacular temples; and the state of Chettinad, with its distinct architectural style.