India’s Most Welcoming Region 2026: Himachal Pradesh Enters Global Top 10
Himachal Pradesh has once again made India proud by being crowned the Most Welcoming Region in India for 2026. This is the third year in a row that the hill state has earned the title, reflecting its unmatched hospitality and charm. Adding to the achievement, Himachal Pradesh has also entered the Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth, standing alongside celebrated destinations from Europe, North America and Southeast Asia.
The recognition comes from Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveller Review Awards, which analysed more than 370 million verified traveller reviews worldwide. The study focused on destinations that consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences, friendly locals and comfortable stays. Himachal Pradesh was the only Indian region to feature in the global top 10 list, while Kerala and Goa also received high appreciation at the national level.
In the cities category, Bir in Himachal Pradesh retained its position as India’s Most Welcoming City for the second consecutive year. The peaceful town, famous for paragliding and monasteries, was followed by Mararikulam in Kerala and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Other Indian regions acknowledged for warm tourism included Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Assam, Karnataka and Haryana.
Globally, Himachal Pradesh shared space with destinations such as Hidalgo in Mexico, Navarra in Spain, Idaho in the United States and Phang Nga in Thailand. The ranking highlights how travellers value not just scenic beauty but also kindness, safety and local culture.
Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
The state offers experiences for every kind of traveller. Shimla and Manali attract families with lively markets and snow views. Adventure lovers head to Kullu, Dharamshala and Kinnaur for trekking and hiking. Spiritual seekers find peace in McLeodganj, Manikaran and Chamba. For laid-back holidays, Dalhousie, Khajjiar and Kasol remain favourites, while offbeat explorers choose Chitkul, Jibhi, Shoja and Barot Valley.
The title of India’s Most Welcoming Region reaffirms why travellers return to Himachal Pradesh year after year. With its blend of mountains, culture and heartfelt hospitality, the state continues to set new benchmarks for tourism in India.
The recognition comes from Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveller Review Awards, which analysed more than 370 million verified traveller reviews worldwide. The study focused on destinations that consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences, friendly locals and comfortable stays. Himachal Pradesh was the only Indian region to feature in the global top 10 list, while Kerala and Goa also received high appreciation at the national level.
In the cities category, Bir in Himachal Pradesh retained its position as India’s Most Welcoming City for the second consecutive year. The peaceful town, famous for paragliding and monasteries, was followed by Mararikulam in Kerala and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Other Indian regions acknowledged for warm tourism included Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Assam, Karnataka and Haryana.
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Globally, Himachal Pradesh shared space with destinations such as Hidalgo in Mexico, Navarra in Spain, Idaho in the United States and Phang Nga in Thailand. The ranking highlights how travellers value not just scenic beauty but also kindness, safety and local culture.
Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
The state offers experiences for every kind of traveller. Shimla and Manali attract families with lively markets and snow views. Adventure lovers head to Kullu, Dharamshala and Kinnaur for trekking and hiking. Spiritual seekers find peace in McLeodganj, Manikaran and Chamba. For laid-back holidays, Dalhousie, Khajjiar and Kasol remain favourites, while offbeat explorers choose Chitkul, Jibhi, Shoja and Barot Valley.The title of India’s Most Welcoming Region reaffirms why travellers return to Himachal Pradesh year after year. With its blend of mountains, culture and heartfelt hospitality, the state continues to set new benchmarks for tourism in India.
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