Kerala has earned a place on the global travel map once again, with The Rough Guide listing it among the world’s top 26 destinations to visit in 2026. The London-based travel publisher, known for its acclaimed guidebooks and curated travel plans, selected destinations based on over 30,000 traveller enquiries, revealing where globetrotters most want to go next year.

The list spans serene islands, cultural hubs, wildlife-rich escapes and food-forward cities. Kerala appears at No 16, standing proudly alongside some of the world’s most celebrated locations.

The report highlights Kerala’s unique blend of tranquil backwaters, lush tea gardens, tropical warmth and deep-rooted cultural traditions. Travellers seeking slow, immersive, nature-led experiences continue to favour the state, making it one of India’s most aspirational destinations for 2026.

Top global destinations for 2026

The Rough Guide’s list includes Marrakech, Crete, Bali, Tokyo, Rome, Istanbul, Sicily, Lisbon, Hanoi, Bangkok, Paris, Tenerife, the Amalfi Coast, Rio de Janeiro, Budapest, Kerala, Dalmatia, Kruger National Park, Yucatán, Seville, Namibia, the Scottish Highlands, Provence, Pantanal, Chiang Mai and Palawan.

Each destination was chosen for its authenticity, cultural depth, affordability or potential for meaningful, sustainable travel—qualities that Kerala continues to embody in abundance.