Lonely Planet announces top 2024 travel destinations: India placed second
India is at the second position in Lonely Planet's hotlist of top countries to visit in 2024. Travel guide Lonely Planet announced its annual hotlist of the Best in Travel 2024 list, expanding it to include 50 popular vacation locations globally in honor of the company's 50th anniversary. The popular locations are expanded among top countries, cities, regions, sustainable travel destinations and best-value locations.
India placed second in the list
India, the diverse and culturally rich destination is at the second position following Mongolia in the top countries list. The Lonely Planet website credits the new flight routes available providing easy access from Europe and the United States to "much-loved hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Kerala." The website also suggests taking a 2,000-mile boat trip on the MV Ganga Vilas.
Top Indian attractions to explore
According to Lonely Planet, one of the main attractions in India is to tour ancient temples, from "Khajuraho's erotic carvings" to the "rainbow-colored gopurams of the south." Secondly, one can explore northern India through the Himalayan encounters across mountains, hill stations and trekking trails. Travelers are also suggested to feast on the varied and nuanced Indian cuisines and explore the Indian markets or bazaars.
Least explored places
The list includes names of some of the lesser-explored countries, notably Benin and St. Lucia. The Caribbean island St. Lucia is the third destination for travel in 2024. It has a captivating combination of beaches and mountains but recently tourism officials have begun to emphasize its vibrant cultural history. Meanwhile, Benin is a West African country, known for its charisma, history and cultural power.
Other top countries in the list
Mongolia, renowned for its people and distinctive attractions, claims the top spot on the list. Across the ocean, Mexico secures the fourth position. Meanwhile, another African gem, Morocco, takes the fifth spot, followed by Chile in sixth place. Asian countries are strong contenders, with Uzbekistan ranking eighth and Pakistan in ninth place. Eastern Europe's Croatia rounds off the list at the tenth spot.
