New Delhi — If you’re already plotting your 2026 long weekends on a Google Sheet called “Trips That Defy HR Leave Policies,” hold on — India’s ultimate destination cheat sheet has just been released. Moneycontrol’s “Top 50 Places to Visit in India in 2026” drops names like lehengas drop jaws at weddings: strong, shiny, and a little controversial. But one glaring question for Dilliwalas — is our city even on that list?
From Lunar Landscapes to Filter Coffee Lanes
Okay, before we get personally offended, here’s the gist: Moneycontrol compiled a sweeping list covering iconic cities, hill stations, and beaches that are expected to dominate Indian travel itineraries in 2026. We’re talking the usual suspects — Goa for the biannual ‘we’ll do nothing’ trip, Jaipur because cousin Mehak wants a pre-wedding shoot, and Manali for the ‘I-just-broke-up’ escape. But the power of this list is that it mixes the classic with the new-wave cool — think Dholavira, Gokarna, Majuli, and even Sikkim’s lesser-known Zuluk route.
Among the heavy hitters? Varanasi (always trending with foreigners doing awkward Ganga Namastes), Amritsar (because kulchas fix everything), and Pondicherry (where Delhi folks go to pretend we’re French on Instagram). But hold up — Delhi’s name was nowhere near the top 10. Not even for food? Not even for history? Feels like that awkward moment at a house party where no one asks you to dance — even though you know you taught half the crowd those steps.
Dil Dilli Ka, But Is It Travel-Worthy Anymore?
This list raises an uncomfortable question: Has Delhi stopped being a travel priority for India? On paper, we have it all — street food that needs no SEO, monuments that predate most European countries, and metro connectivity that’ll get you from Saket to Rohini faster than a Biryani app delivery. But let’s be real — between pollution peaks that fog up your phone camera and endless construction on stretches like Ashram to DND, Delhi might’ve lost its curb appeal. An IT consultant from Cyber Hub told us, “Instead of taking folks ‘sightseeing’ to India Gate, I end up taking them mall-hopping at Ambience or eating at Khan Market.”
Tourism in Delhi hasn’t vanished — it’s just becoming harder to sell beyond the usual “Red Fort–Qutub Minar–Eat at Karim’s” itinerary. Meanwhile, spots like Rishikesh—with its sunrise kayaking scenes—and Shillong—with its music and cafe culture—are straight-up mood boards for Gen Z and Gen Z-in-the-head Millennials. The travel crowd isn’t just looking for monuments. They want experiences with WiFi and aesthetics.
Dilli Nostalgia vs. Destination FOMO
Back in the early 2000s, Delhi was practically the onboarding city for every gap year traveler and domestic tourist alike. Chandni Chowk tours, Humayun’s Tomb selfies, the sprawling green of Lodhi Gardens—it was the “starter pack” for understanding India’s complex charm. But over time, with tighter visa policies, pollution headlines (remember the smog apocalypse of 2016?), and rising travel trends shifting towards ‘undiscovered gems,’ Delhi’s hold loosened.
Plus, the new generation of travel content creators are chasing “Instagrammable” settings. Let’s face it — smoky visuals from Ring Road just don’t compare with Ziro Valley’s golden hour. The romance with Delhi still exists, but it’s layered, nostalgic—even defensive. Kind of like how we feel when someone tells us they “didn’t enjoy” a meal at Dolma Aunty Momos. Like, excuse me?
📍 Spot Check: For those still loyal to the Dilli itinerary: start with a sunrise walk at India Gate, followed by aloo kulchas at Chawri Bazaar. Hop on the Violet line from Mandi House and stop off at Nehru Place for some underground food court kathi rolls. By evening, hit Bikaner House for art and head to Sunder Nursery for a golden hour picnic. Meanwhile, drive-thru spots like Aerocity are bubbling up with new cafes, as if trying to say, “Delhi’s still got game.”
The Final Word
Here’s the real Delhi flex — we might be too homegrown to trend. While the rest of the country is gunning to be the next ‘it’ spot, Dilli remains the OG. But maybe it’s time we restyled our own itinerary. Showcase our food beyond just Chandni Chowk, put our art scene (hello Bikaner House and Kiran Nadar Museum) front and centre, and yes, finally get Connaught Place to stop smelling like paani and paint. Will Delhi top the 2027 list? Maybe not. But we’ll still be the place they come to before going anywhere else.
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