Udaipur has been ranked the second-best city in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine's World's Best Awards. It is also the number one city in Asia and the only city from India to receive this honour. On July 9, 2024, the magazine announced the World's Best Awards in 125 categories. San Miguel de Allende in Mexico ranked first, and Kyoto in Japan ranked third. This is the second consecutive year that Udaipur has received this award. 

Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, Shikha Saxena, mentioned that this ranking will boost tourism and benefit the city's economy. Last year more than 20 lakh tourists visited Udaipur. This year, 8.57 Lakh tourists have already arrived in just six months.

The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur has been honored with the prestigious title of the world's best hotel. This luxurious resort, known for its opulent architecture and exceptional service, offers a unique blend of traditional Rajasthani charm and modern comforts. 

In 2023, Udaipur also secured the second rank. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari expressed her happiness, stating that this recognition honors the city's heritage, art, culture, cuisine, and local people.

Although the tourism season in Udaipur typically begins in October, the monsoon season with its lakes, lush green hills, and historical buildings attracts many tourists. 

The magazine conducts a survey every year, collecting responses from the general public through magazines, newspapers, social media, websites, and other online links. The survey, conducted from October 23, 2023, to February 26, 2024, evaluates cities based on six parameters: sites/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value.

Top 10 World's Best Cities 2024

1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2. Udaipur, India
3. Kyoto, Japan
4. Hoi An, Vietnam
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
6. Florence, Italy
7. Bangkok, Thailand
8. Tokyo, Japan
9. Ubud, Indonesia
10. Funchal, Portugal

Top 10 U.S Cities 2024

1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
3. Savannah, Georgia
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
6. San Antonio, Texas
7. Fort Worth, Texas
8. New York, New York
9. Chicago, Illinois
10. Aspen, Colorado

TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD'S BEST AWARDS 2024 WINNERS OVERALL
WORLD'S BEST CITY: San Miguel de Allende
WORLD'S BEST HOTEL: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
WORLD'S BEST HOTEL BRAND: Capella Hotels & Resorts 
WORLD'S BEST ISLAND: The Maldives
WORLD'S BEST U.S. NATIONAL PARK: Yellowstone
WORLD'S BEST INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION SPA: Rancho La Puerta
WORLD'S BEST DOMESTIC DESTINATION SPA: Sundara Inn & Spa
WORLD'S BEST MEGA-SHIP OCEAN CRUISE LINE: Virgin Voyages
WORLD'S BEST LARGE-SHIP OCEAN CRUISE LINE: Cunard
WORLD'S BEST MIDSIZE-SHIP OCEAN CRUISE LINE: Viking
WORLD'S BEST SMALL-SHIP OCEAN CRUISE LINE: Viking
WORLD'S BEST INTIMATE-SHIP OCEAN CRUISE LINE: Quasar Expeditions
WORLD'S BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE: Aqua Expeditions
WORLD'S BEST TRAINS: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train
WORLD'S BEST INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE: Singapore Airlines
WORLD'S BEST DOMESTIC AIRLINE: JSX
WORLD'S BEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: iGA Istanbul Airport
WORLD'S BEST DOMESTIC AIRPORT: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
WORLD'S BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY: National Car Rental
 

Source: Dainik Bhaskar & Travel+ Leisure