National Geographic Names Jaipur to Best of the World 2027 List

National Geographic released its annual “Best of the World 2027” list on 20 October 2026. The list features 25 destinations across six continents, including Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur will mark 300 years since its foundation in 2027.

Travel Destination Selection

The “Best of the World” list selects places for factors including new openings, cultural revivals and milestone celebrations. Jaipur’s 2027 listing refers to its 300th anniversary and cultural events, including the Jaipur Literature Festival. The Jaipur Literature Festival is scheduled to hold its 20th edition from 14 to 18 January 2027. The event is expected to draw around 400,000 attendees and is among the world’s largest literary festivals.

Jaipur’s Urban and Architectural Heritage

Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727, and Vidyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city. Jaipur was planned with a grid layout, broad streets and organised market areas. The historic walled city entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. Jaipur’s built heritage includes Rajput and Mughal architectural features, palaces and pink-hued buildings. The city’s well-known landmarks include the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar is a separate UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains astronomical instruments built in the 18th century.

Literary and Seasonal Festivals

The Jaipur Literature Festival is held annually in Jaipur and brings authors, publishers and readers together for literary discussions and events. The Kite Festival takes place in mid-January, around the Makar Sankranti period. Gangaur is celebrated in Rajasthan, including Jaipur, during the Hindu month of Chaitra, which generally falls in March or April. The festival is associated with Gauri, a form of Parvati, and includes processions and worship. Jaipur is also known for traditional crafts such as block printing, blue pottery and meenakari.

Important Facts for Exams

• Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II.
• UNESCO inscribed Jaipur’s historic walled city on the World Heritage List in 2019.
• Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing 18th-century astronomical instruments.
• Gangaur is a festival associated with Gauri, a form of Parvati.

Jaipur is the largest city and the capital of Rajasthan.