Planning a 2027 trip? These 2 Indian picks made Lonely Planet’s list

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027 has picked two Indian entries. While one appears among the top 25 destinations to visit, another falls in the list of 25 travel experiences to try.

What if your next big travel discovery does not require a passport?

Lonely Planet has unveiled its Best in Travel 2027 list, and two Indian names have made the cut. Gujarat has been named one of the 25 destinations to visit, while riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been selected as one of the 25 travel experiences to try. The list features 50 recommendations chosen by Lonely Planet's global travel experts.

The two Indian picks could hardly be more different. Gujarat gets the nod as a destination, bringing together the Rann of Kachchh, Asiatic lions, historic cities, ancient archaeological sites and a rich craft and food culture. Darjeeling, meanwhile, gets its place through one particular experience- boarding the historic Toy Train and watching it wind through the hills.

Advertisement

Advertisement

And if you have been meaning to explore either, 2027 may be a good excuse.

Why Gujarat is on Lonely Planet's 2027 list

Gujarat has a habit of being reduced to a handful of familiar images: the white salt flats of Kutch, the lions of Gir and perhaps the Statue of Unity. There is considerably more to the state.

Lonely Planet highlights Gujarat for its combination of wildlife, history, architecture, crafts, textiles and landscapes. The state stretches from the salt desert of the Rann of Kachchh to the forests of Gir and contains historic sites linked to the Indus Valley civilisation, medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed heritage.

More from Lifestyle More from Lifestyle

For travellers interested in wildlife, Gir National Park remains one of Gujarat's biggest draws. It is the only place outside Africa where Asiatic lions survive in the wild.

Then there is Kutch, where the landscape changes dramatically into the vast salt desert. Ahmedabad brings another side of the state, with its architecture, food and textile traditions, while sites such as Dholavira and Champaner-Pavagadh add a substantial historical dimension to a trip.

What should you see in Gujarat?

Rann of Kachchh: The enormous white salt desert is one of Gujarat's signature landscapes. Winter is also when the Rann Utsav brings together crafts, music, dance and local culture.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Gir National Park: The obvious choice for wildlife lovers and the place to look for Asiatic lions in their natural habitat.

Ahmedabad: Spend time exploring its historic architecture, old city, food and textile traditions.

Dholavira: The ancient archaeological site offers a glimpse into the Indus Valley civilisation.

Champaner-Pavagadh: The UNESCO-listed site combines temples, mosques, fortifications and other historic structures.

Modhera Sun Temple: Known for its intricate architecture and spectacular stepwell, it is one of Gujarat's major heritage sights.

The state also offers plenty for travellers who would rather follow food and crafts than monuments. Its textile traditions, regional cuisines and bustling markets can easily form an itinerary of their own.

When is the best time to visit Gujarat?

For a broad Gujarat trip, October to March is the most comfortable period, particularly if you want to combine outdoor sightseeing with Kutch and wildlife.

Winter is especially useful for the Rann. If Gir is on the itinerary, check the park's operating calendar before travelling, as the sanctuary closes during the monsoon.

And then there is Darjeeling

The second Indian entry is perhaps the more intriguing one. Lonely Planet has not selected Darjeeling as one of its 25 destinations. Instead, it has singled out the experience of riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

The railway, popularly known as the Toy Train, has been operating since the late 19th century and is part of the UNESCO-listed Mountain Railways of India. The route climbs dramatically from the plains towards Darjeeling, passing through mountain settlements, tea gardens and winding hillside tracks.

For many visitors, the shorter steam journey between Darjeeling and Ghum is the quintessential version of the experience. The railway is still very much part of the identity of the hill station.

What should you see in Darjeeling?

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Start with the experience that has landed on Lonely Planet's list. The Toy Train's short steam route to Ghum is particularly popular.

Tiger Hill: Set the alarm early. The viewpoint is famous for sunrise views of Khangchendzonga when the weather cooperates.

Tea gardens: Darjeeling's tea is part of the destination's identity, so visiting an estate and seeing how the tea is grown and processed adds context to that cup you order back home.

Chowrasta and Mall Road: Wander around the heart of town, browse local shops and stop for tea.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Observatory Hill: One of the more interesting cultural stops, where Hindu and Buddhist traditions exist alongside each other.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: The institute has a strong connection to the history of Himalayan mountaineering and Tenzing Norgay.

Monasteries and the Peace Pagoda: Ghum, Dali and Bhutia Busty monasteries, along with the Japanese Peace Pagoda, offer a quieter side of Darjeeling.

When is the best time to visit Darjeeling?

Autumn and spring are generally the best seasons for Darjeeling, according to Lonely Planet. October and November can offer clearer Himalayan views, while March and April bring pleasant weather and spring colour. The monsoon, from June to September, can make travel wetter and mountain views less predictable.

There is also a case for visiting between April and June if you are looking to escape the heat of India's plains. Lonely Planet notes that Darjeeling's higher elevation makes it considerably more comfortable during the pre-monsoon summer.

The full Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2027 list

Lonely Planet's 2027 selection is divided into 25 destinations and 25 experiences. The complete list is:

Destinations

North America

-Québec, Canada

-California's Coastal Redwoods, USA

-Maryland, USA

-Prince Edward Island, Canada

-New Mexico, USA

Europe

-Veneto, Italy

-Dessau, Germany

-Swedish Riviera, Sweden

-Šibenik, Croatia

-León, Spain

Caribbean, Central America and South America

-Montserrat

-Bariloche and the Lakes, Argentina

-Granada, Nicaragua

-Bocas del Toro, Panama

Africa and the Middle East

-Oman

-Rabat, Morocco

-Tsavo East and West National Parks, Kenya

Oceania

-Dunedin and the Waitaki, New Zealand

-The Tweed, Australia

-New Caledonia

Asia

-Okinawa, Japan

-Chengdu, China

-Gujarat, India

-Danang, Vietnam

-Fulidhoo, Maldives

Experiences

North America

-Become a temporary keeper at Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island

-Flightsee in Alaska

-Enjoy wine and fine dining in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

-Hotel-hop South Beach, Miami

-Savor the Slow Road in Minnesota

Europe

-Road-trip through history on the Route Napoléon, France

-Sail the Aeolian Islands, Sicily

-Walk St Cuthbert's Way to Lindisfarne, UK

-Dive into an unexpected underwater world in Greece

-Explore Killary Fjord, Ireland

Caribbean, Central America and South America

-Go on a Galápagos expedition cruise, Ecuador

Advertisement

Advertisement

-Dance tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

-Take a polar plunge in Antarctica

-Explore Monteverde's cloud forest, Costa Rica

Africa and the Middle East

-Visit Abu Dhabi's museums, UAE

-Take a safari trek in Gombe National Park, Tanzania

-Explore São Tomé and Príncipe

Oceania

-Immerse yourself in art in Australia's Red Centre

-Experience Faʻa Sāmoa, Samoa

-Embark on ocean adventures in French Polynesia

Asia

-Glide on a longboat to orangutan territory, Malaysia

-Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India

-Trek the Michinoku Coastal Trail, Japan

-Follow a foodie trail in Taiwan

-Admire Astana's architecture, Kazakhstan

So, where are you planning to head to in 2027?