London: India has been declared the travellers’ favourite country, thanks to its rich culture, variety of attractions and value for money.

India topped the list followed by Italy, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand, according to the 2007 Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards.

India scored above 89 in all the ten criteria, with its best features being culture, scoring 97.17 out of 100, value for money (94.78) and variety of attractions (96.30).

The country’s popularity ensures a spot in The World’s Top 100 List too where it sits at number four. Last year’s favourite country, Italy, is still hugely popular, voted as having the best food and climate in the world.

“I’m delighted that India scored so well in our Readers’ Travel Awards - to achieve the accolade of our discerning readers’ favourite country in the world is fantastic,” Sarah Miller, Editor of Conde Nast Traveller, said in a statement today.

“As it celebrates 60 years of independence - a real achievement - it shows India’s moment has come. The world’s largest democracy is living up to the dreams of 1947,” she said.

According to her, New Zealand scored high for scenery and Italy has the best food and climate in the world with Thailand singled out for its friendliness.

Maldives is once again the readers’ number one Island while Sydney wins as favourite overseas city.