Booking.com, a global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, great things to do and transport options, revealed the ‘Most Welcoming Regions in India’ according to its ’12th Annual Traveller Review Awards’. Himachal Pradesh topped the list of the ‘Most Welcoming Region in India’ followed by Goa and Kerala. Mararikulam, Jaisalmer, Bir, Leh and Manali were named the top five ‘Most Welcoming Cities in India’.
This year, 13,348 accommodation partners from India are being recognised for their excellent service and hospitality with the ‘Traveller Review Award 2024’. Over 1,189,000 verified reviews from real travellers were received with an average review score of 8.8.
2024’s Most Welcoming Regions in India
This list comprises a vast range of destinations, from scenic backwaters to historical marvels, pristine beaches to mountain escapes. This year’s destinations have been identified based on the share of accommodation providers receiving a ‘Traveller Review Award 2024’.
| Most Welcoming Regions in India (2024) | Most Welcoming Regions in India (2023) |
| Himachal Pradesh | Puducherry |
| Goa | Kerala |
| Kerala | Rajasthan |
| Rajasthan | Goa |
| Uttarakhand | Himachal Pradesh |
2024’s Most Welcoming Cities in India
To help travellers have the most welcoming experiences possible for a really unforgettable holiday in 2024, here is the list of the ‘Most Welcoming Cities’ in India as recommended by more than 309 million verified customer reviews on Booking.com. Mararikulam, with its scenic backwaters, lush countryside lined with coconut trees, and peaceful beaches coupled with excellent hospitality, has been announced as the ‘Most Welcoming City’ in India. Jaisalmer, known for its rich heritage, and Bir, known for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation, took the second and third spots.
| Most Welcoming Cities in India (2024) | Most Welcoming Cities in India (2023) |
| Mararikulam (Kerala) | Palolem (Goa) |
| Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) | Agonda (Goa) |
| Bir (Maharashtra) | Mararikulam (Kerala) |
| Leh (Jammu & Kashmir) | Hampi (Karnataka) |
| Manali (Himachal Pradesh) | Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) |
| Thekkady (Kerala) | Thekkady (Kerala) |
| Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) | Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) |
| Kasol ((Himachal Pradesh) | Bir (Maharashtra) |
| Pushkar (Rajasthan) | Munnar (Kerala) |
| Jodhpur (Rajasthan) | Varkala (Kerala) |
Bengaluru Houses Most Awarded Properties, Followed By Manali
Booking.com ‘Traveller Review Awards’ also recognised Bengaluru (402) as the city with the most-awarded properties in India followed by Manali (342), New Delhi (339), Jaipur (277) and Udaipur (250). The most-awarded property type in India is hotels followed by homestays and apartments.
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, said, “Hospitality is an integral part of India’s rich culture and heritage. We are known for our warm and welcoming people who make guests feel at home. Embodying this spirit are our accommodation partners whose excellent hospitality and service transform guest journeys into memories and elevate the travel experience from being merely ordinary to exceptional. To everyone receiving an award this year, we salute your dedication and passion – we couldn’t do what we do without you.”
