Stories
Lonely Planet's 2027 List: Gujarat and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Shine for India
F
Firstpost•23-09-2026, 10:21
Lonely Planet's 2027 List: Gujarat and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Shine for India
- •Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027 list features two Indian entries: Gujarat as a top destination and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway as a must-try experience.
- •Gujarat is recognized for its diverse offerings, including the Rann of Kachchh, Asiatic lions in Gir National Park, historic cities like Ahmedabad, ancient archaeological sites, and rich craft and food culture.
- •The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, is highlighted for its unique experience of winding through the hills, tea gardens, and mountain settlements, a UNESCO-listed Mountain Railway of India.
- •Gujarat offers wildlife, history, architecture, crafts, textiles, and landscapes, with key attractions like Dholavira (Indus Valley Civilization) and Champaner-Pavagadh (UNESCO site).
- •The best time to visit Gujarat for a broad trip is October to March, while Darjeeling is best in autumn and spring (October-November and March-April) for clear views and pleasant weather.
Key Questions Answered
Gujarat was selected as one of the top 25 destinations to visit, while riding the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was chosen as one of the 25 travel experiences to try.
The most comfortable period for a broad trip to Gujarat is from October to March, which is especially ideal for combining outdoor sightseeing with visits to the Rann of Kachchh and Gir National Park.
Autumn and spring are generally the best seasons for visiting Darjeeling, with October and November offering clearer Himalayan views and March and April providing pleasant weather and spring colors.
