Norway named best among National Geographic's world travel map for 2027; Indian city among the top

Travel can mean different things to different people. Some look for beautiful landscapes; others want to explore old cities, try local food or learn about a place through its history and culture. National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 list brings together destinations that offer travellers a reason to explore something new in the year ahead.

The annual list features 25 destinations across six continents, selected by National Geographic’s writers, photographers and explorers. Norway’s Vestland region got featured as the "Best of the World 2027" destination, which is also known for its dramatic fjords, waterfalls and mountain landscapes. Catalina Island has also been named the Readers’ Choice winner.

The list also takes travellers to Penang in Malaysia, where food and multicultural heritage shape the experience; Luxor in Egypt, known for its extraordinary ancient temples and tombs; and Chengdu in China, where Sichuan cuisine and giant pandas are major attractions. In France, Normandy brings together coastal scenery and history, while Melbourne in Australia offers art, food and a lively cultural scene. Armenia adds ancient monasteries, historic towns and dramatic mountain views to the mix.


Other featured destinations offer their own reasons to travel, from the landscapes of Vestland to the cultural experiences found across the list. India also has a place on the selection, with Jaipur set to mark its 300th anniversary in 2027.

Jaipur celebrates 300 years of history and culture

Jaipur is known for its pink-hued buildings, grand palaces and long tradition of craftsmanship. In 2027, the city will celebrate 300 years since its founding, making it a notable year to explore its history and everyday life.

One of the main events on the calendar is the Jaipur Literature Festival, which will hold its 20th edition from January 14 to 18, 2027. The festival draws around 400,000 people each year and brings together writers, thinkers and readers from India and around the world.

The programme includes book readings, talks and discussions on subjects such as science, politics and history. Previous speakers have included Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai and Nobel Prize-winning writer J.M. Coetzee. Visitors can also attend performances at the Jaipur Music Stage, which features folk, fusion and world music, as well as art installations by Indian artists.

There is plenty to see beyond the festival. Jaipur’s buildings reflect a mix of Rajput, Mughal and European influences, visible in its forts, palaces and historic landmarks.

Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort stand on neighbouring hills on the northeastern edge of the city. Their royal buildings feature carved balconies, while Amber Fort is known for its detailed floral designs and carved marble panels.

Another familiar landmark is Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds. Its distinctive honeycomb-like front has rows of latticed windows that allow air to pass through the building. For a different kind of historical experience, visitors can head to Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its enormous stone instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.

Discover Jaipur’s crafts and local markets

Jaipur’s markets offer a closer look at the skills and traditions that have shaped the city for generations. Johari Bazaar and Chandpole Bazaar are known for traditional crafts, including handmade footwear and gold kundan jewellery.

Textiles are another part of Jaipur’s craft heritage. Shops such as Anokhi and the PDKF Store feature hand-block-printed fabrics. One traditional method, called dabu, involves using carved wooden blocks to apply a mud-based paste to cloth before it is dyed, creating distinctive patterns.

Visitors interested in jewellery-making can learn about meenakari, a technique that uses coloured mineral glass on gold, at the Museum of Meenakari Heritage. The Jaipur Centre for Art offers a look at more contemporary work, including paintings, sculpture, photography and films from India and elsewhere.

With its historic buildings, busy markets, traditional crafts and major literary gathering, Jaipur offers several ways to experience the city as it enters its 300th year.