The New York Times has selected Kerala, a state in southern India, as one of the 52 places to visit in 2023.
The only tourist destination listed from India is Kerala, which is ranked 13th on the newspaper’s annual list of places to visit.
Kerala was referred to in the report as a state in southern India famous for its beaches, backwater lagoons, cuisine, and extensive cultural traditions.
Additionally, it made mention of Kumarakom and Maravanthuruthu, two locations in the State that promote responsible tourism.
The report describes Kerala as a place where one can learn to climb a palm tree, visit a temple during an annual festival and get a sustainable taste of village life.
The list starts with London, then includes Morioka in Japan, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in the United States, Kilmartin Glen in Scotland, and Auckland in New Zealand.
Palm Springs in California, Kangaroo Island in Australia, Vjosa River in Albania, Accra in Ghana, Tromso in Norway, Lenis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, Bhutan, Greenville in South Carolina and Tucson (Arizona) are also in the top list.
Last year, TIME magazine named Kerala in its list of “50 extraordinary destinations to explore”.
According to the magazine, the southern state was one of the best places in the world to travel in 2022.
Calling it an “ecotourism hotspot” and “one of India’s most beautiful states”, the report underlined the backwaters, temples, and beaches that Kerala is known for.
It also mentioned the ayurvedic treatments, yoga, and traditional delicious meals offered in the state.