Thiruvananthapuram: Barely days after it was conferred two National Tourism Awards - Best Tourism Film 'Come out and play' for 2017-18 and the third spot in the category of Best State/UT:
Comprehensive Development of Tourism – Rest of India, Kerala has now bagged the 2019 'Best Honeymoon Destination' award.
Kerala received the award under domestic category by Travel and Leisure India and South Asia Magazine.
The awards were given to international and domestic tourism departments, hoteliers, destinations, facilitators, service providers, and trendsetters at a function in New Delhi on November 15.
Deputy Director, Kerala Tourism at New Delhi, Manoj T C, received the award on behalf of the state government.
State Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said the award was a "rousing endorsement" for Kerala tourism's conscious initiatives to increase footfalls through a string of new offerings to young people.
"The state is blessed with natural endowments like swaying palms, tranquil backwaters, rollicking beaches and undulating mountains, besides its famed Ayurveda system of holistic wellness... This award will go a long way in giving a fillip to our efforts," said minister said in a release.
Kerala Tourism had recently won three prestigious PATA Gold awards, including one for an ethnic food restaurant run by women at Kumarakom under its Responsible Tourism Mission. The awards were presented at a glittering function at Nur-Sultan (Astana) in Kazakhstan on September 19.
Honeymoon destinations
If you are planning a trip to Kerala for your honeymoon, here are some places we suggest you to visit:
1. Munnar
Munnar is known the world over for its misty tea gardens, scenic hills, paths covered with fog, and cool climate. There are also several pretty streams that gently cascade down the rocky ledges. The sights, sounds, and smells of Munnar captivate eyes as well as the mind. The misty places is best for a honemoon trip.
2. Kovalam
Make sure that you have a couple of days to spare for Kovalam; one of the most popular beaches in Kerala. It is also the best place if you want your honeymoon trip to be adventurous as well. One can do surfing, scuba diving, take a trip to Vizhinjam and Poovar and sit by the beach and relax.
3. Alappuzha
If there are traditional-looking houses and villas, there are also Ayurveda resorts and wellness centres that can rejuvenate the visitor in Alappuzha. Known as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is arguably the hub of Kerala's tourism. It is one of the world's best places to enjoy what are called backwaters. To experience it, taking a houseboat would be a good decision.
4. Kochi
Kochi backwaters are lined with grand Chinese shing nets. This sight has been attracting tourists from all parts of the world. The nets can be seen on the Vembanad Lake, Periyar river and its tributaries. Travellers can head to areas such as Kottuvally, Varapuzha, Pizhala, Cheranalloor, and Kadamakkudi to enjoy the view of these nets. Kochi is also blessed with an amazing coastline that aunts several stunning beaches. There are, in fact, five beaches in a radius of 25 km in the Vypeen area.
(With inputs from PTI)
