The only Indian state to be featured in the report by New York Times titled ‘52 Places to Go in 2023’. The report describes Kerala as “a southern Indian state celebrated for its beaches, backwater lagoons, cuisine and rich cultural traditions like the Vaikathashtami festival” lauding to the state’s Responsible Tourism (RT). TIME magazine named Kerala in its list of “50 extraordinary destinations to explore” in 2022 as among the world's greatest places to visit, calling it an “ecotourism hotspot” and “one of India's most beautiful states”. This year three places in the Kottayam district were identified; Kumarakom , Maravanthuruthu and Vaikom.
Kumarakom
It’s one of the paradises in Kerala, a little village in the Vembanad Lake owing to the exotic sightseeing, fishing, lagoons and legendary backwater boating experience. The Village Life Experience part of RT contributed to its recognition. The tourist places in Kumarakom are a rich spectrum of cultural and historical diversity and a hubspot of adventurous activities.
Maravanthuruthu
The first STREET project was launched in the town, intending to highlight the state’s interiors and rural hinterlands on the tourism map. As part of the Responsible Tourism Mission, a total of 18 canal networks and three rivers were cleaned and revived along with the local panchayats for Kayaking and night safari expeditions on the canals. Also, there are various plans and packages under themes like storytelling and Art Street to promote the aesthetic beauty of the less explored places.
Vaikom
The town embraces villagers with serene village life and its contribution towards freedom struggles. A people’s participation tourism mission named PEPPER was first implemented in Vaikom aiming to the complete tourism experience. The lake beaches, the famous Mahadeva temple- the identity of a historic city, the splendid scenery of the Murinjapuzha Backwaters and the ever-relishing festivals are the wonders of the state.
New York Times Best listed destination
