Jaipur Listed in National Geographic's BEST OF THE WORLD 2027, the annual list of 25 must-visit destinations

Whether you’re drawn by a sense of adventure, a fascination with the past, or the simple pleasure of wandering unfamiliar city streets, here’s where to let your curiosity lead you in the year to come.

Key Travel Trends for 2027
The 25 destinations were selected for four main reasons:
- Major anniversaries and cultural celebrations
- New tourism infrastructure and easier access
- Sustainability and community-led experiences
- Unique natural or historical events

Culture & History
- Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, has been selected as a Best of the World 2027 destination because of its unique blend of history, culture, architecture, and literature. The city will celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2027, making it an especially significant time to visit.

The combination of its tricentennial celebrations, globally recognized literary festival, magnificent Rajput architecture, and vibrant craft traditions makes Jaipur an exceptional destination for travelers seeking both cultural depth and historical significance.
- Chengdu, China - Centenary celebrations of discoveries linked to the mysterious Shu Kingdom.
- Normandy, France - Millennium celebrations honoring William the Conqueror.
- Luxor, Egypt - World-class archaeology combined with the August 2027 total solar eclipse.

Nature & Adventure
- Vestland, Norway - Spectacular fjords, glaciers, hiking, kayaking, and Nordic wellness experiences.
- Cape Froward, Chile - A new national park at the southern tip of South America.
- Transcaucasian Trail, Armenia - One of the world's emerging long-distance hiking destinations.
- Malawi - Safari experiences featuring the Big Five without the crowds.

Food & Culinary Travel
- Penang, Malaysia - Exceptional street food, heritage culture, and rainforest adventures.
- Niigata, Japan - Fermentation culture, sake, and the renowned Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.
- Tricity, Poland - Revitalized Baltic cities with innovative regional cuisine.
- Madison, Wisconsin - Farmers markets, farm-to-table dining, and an expanding outdoor lifestyle.

Festivals & Events
- Salvador, Brazil - Carnival and Festa de Iemanjá aligning in the same year.
- Grenada - 150th anniversary of the famous Spicemas Carnival.
- Leipzig, Germany - Major celebrations honoring Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and other musical icons.
- Puerto Rico - Rich Afro-Caribbean, Taíno, and Spanish cultural traditions showcased through festivals.

Road Trips & Scenic Journeys
- Pacific Coast Highway, California - Fully reopened with renewed focus on artistic coastal communities.
- Melbourne, Australia - Gateway to the Great Ocean Road and new wellness-focused coastal attractions.
- Halifax, Nova Scotia - Heritage trails and cultural tourism across Atlantic Canada.

Notable "Emerging" Destinations
These destinations stand out as less crowded alternatives to established tourism hotspots:
- Kuélap, Peru - Often called the "Machu Picchu of the North."
- Maya Ka'an, Mexico - Indigenous-led ecotourism and conservation experiences.
- Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland - Dark-sky tourism and new long-distance trails.
- Santander, Spain - Transforming into a major art and museum destination.

Best Pick for Indian Travelers
Based on accessibility, value, and uniqueness, the most compelling options from the list are:
- Jaipur (world-class culture close to home)
- Penang (food, heritage, and affordability)
- Niigata (off-the-beaten-path Japan)
- Luxor (history plus the 2027 solar eclipse)
- Vestland (perhaps Europe's most dramatic scenery)