Kerala recognised as best honeymoon destination

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has been recognised as the ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ in the country. The honour, based on the results of a readers’ poll conducted by Travel + Leisure India and South Asia, was announced on November 17 at the fifth edition of the magazine’s annual ‘India’s Best Awards’ gala. Kerala shared the award with Rajasthan after both states garnered the most votes. Kerala tourism additional director Mr D. Balamurali collected the award at the ceremony held at The Shangri La-Eros in New Delhi.

“Kerala is renowned for its magical experiences, its rustic charm and the beauty of its diverse landscape, all of which has made the state the go-to destination for honeymooners from across India and the world. It is a matter of pride for us to be cited by T+L, which ranks among the leading travel and lifestyle publications,” tourism minister A.C. Moideen said.   The awards, which feature the biggest names in the Indian tourism, facilitation and hospitality industries, showcase the best travel opportunities available around the world and in India and anoint the best service providers, the preferred places to stay and the destinations Indians most love to visit.

Kerala has been a fixture at the awards, which cover nearly 50 categories across the tourism sector. This year’s function was the culmination of a five-month digital poll on the magazine’s website. “The award reaffirms our reputation as the top destination for newlyweds in India. From the extended coastline to the mist-shrouded Western Ghats and the legendary network of lagoons and estuaries, the romantic getaways on offer here are as unique as they are exotic. The quiet, unhurried pace of life adds to Kerala’s allure,” said tourism principal secretary Dr Venu V.