Gujarat and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Feature in Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2027 List

Key facts

• Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027 list of 50 recommendations includes two Indian entries: Gujarat among the 25 destinations to visit and riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway among the 25 travel experiences to try.
• Gujarat was highlighted for its combination of wildlife, history, architecture, crafts, textiles and landscapes, ranging from the Rann of Kachchh salt desert to Gir forests, with Indus Valley sites, medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed heritage.
• Gir National Park is the only place outside Africa where Asiatic lions survive in the wild.
• Key Gujarat attractions include the Rann of Kachchh with the winter Rann Utsav, Gir National Park, Ahmedabad, the Indus Valley site of Dholavira, the UNESCO-listed Champaner-Pavagadh, and the Modhera Sun Temple; October to March is the best visiting period.
• The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known as the Toy Train, has operated since the late 19th century and is part of the UNESCO-listed Mountain Railways of India; the short steam journey between Darjeeling and Ghum is the quintessential experience.
• Other Asian destinations on the 2027 list include Okinawa (Japan), Chengdu (China), Danang (Vietnam) and Fulidhoo (Maldives), while Asian experiences include a longboat ride in Malaysia, the Michinoku Coastal Trail in Japan, a foodie trail in Taiwan and Astana's architecture in Kazakhstan.