How Best of India works.
Best of India is our annual award for the top 1% of verified stays, tours, and restaurants. Here's how nominations become winners — and why we built it differently from other travel awards.
Nominate a businessWhy we built our own award.
Most travel awards are pay-to-play or dominated by brands that have been around for decades. We wanted an award that travellers themselves shape — that's why nominations are open to everyone, and why verification (not ad spend) is the gate.
- Open to any traveller, any category, anywhere in India.
- Every nominee is verified before joining the running.
- Rankings are based on review quality — not payment.
- The top 1% win. There are no silver or bronze tiers.
From nomination to winner.
Nominate a business
Anyone can nominate a verified stay, tour, restaurant, or taxi service they love. Tell us the name, where it is, and why it stands out.
We verify it
Our team checks each nomination against public records, business registrations, and on-the-ground reports. Only verified businesses enter the running.
Reviews count
Throughout the year, the algorithm ranks every verified business by review quality, recency, and trust signals — not just star count.
Winners announced
The top 1% in each category earn the Best of India badge. Winners get a permanent stamp on their profile, in search, and across the platform.
2026 timeline
Frequently asked
Who can nominate?
Anyone. You don't need to have stayed at the hotel, eaten at the restaurant, or booked the tour — a friend's recommendation is enough. We verify the business ourselves before it joins the running.
Can a business nominate itself?
Yes, but it goes through the same verification as any other nomination. Self-nominations must include a public contact (website, Instagram, or Google Maps link).
How are winners picked?
We look at three signals: (1) review quality and recency on The Trip India, (2) verification depth (permits, GST, on-site checks), and (3) consistency across the year — not just a single great month. The top 1% in each category win.
When are winners announced?
December 2026. We publish the full list here and email every nominator when a business they nominated makes the cut.
What does the badge do?
Winners get a permanent Best of India badge on their profile, priority placement in search, and inclusion in our annual roundup. The badge is reviewed yearly — businesses have to keep earning it.
Is there a fee?
No. Best of India is free to enter, free to nominate, and not for sale. The Trip India does not charge winners any fee for the award.
Know a place that belongs on the list?
Nominations take 60 seconds. We'll verify the business and add it to the running.
Nominate a business