The TIME
magazine has shortlisted Kerala as one among the 50 extraordinary destinations
in the world to explore in 2022, a recognition that is expected to significantly
boost foreign tourist arrivals to the south Indian state.
The God’s own
country is ranked ninth in the ‘World’s Greatest Places 2022’ list as an
eco-tourism spot.
“Kerala is
one of India’s most beautiful states. With spectacular beaches and lush backwaters,
temples, and palaces, it’s known as ‘God’s own country’ for a good reason,” the
US-based magazine said.
This year,
Kerala has started ‘Caravan Tourism’ and ‘Caravan Parks’ as part of its
attempts to promote Responsible Tourism activities. While the first one involves specially built vehicles for travel, leisure, and stay, the Caravan Parks are
designated places to park the vehicles and enable the visitors to spend a night
or a day or station for an extended period to explore the destination.
“In the wake
of the state’s success with houseboat cruising, caravans are expected to follow
suit with a similar promise of sustainable tourism. Over 1,000 campers have
already begun to traverse the land, a fresh and unique way to experience
Kerala’s beaches and verdant plantations,” it said, adding the state’s first
caravan park, Karavan Meadows, has been opened in the scenic hill station
Vagamon.
India’s
first UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad, too has been featured in the TIME
list. It described the city as one which “boasts both ancient landmarks and
contemporary innovations that make it a mecca for cultural tourism, from the
serene Gandhi Ashram that sits on 36 acres on the banks of the Sabarmati River
to Navratri, a vibrant nine-day celebration (this year from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5)
billed as the longest dance festival in the world.”
The Greatest
Places list includes destinations Park City (Utah), Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), Great
Barrier Reef (Australia), Bali (Indonesia), Valencia (Spain), and Sao Paulo
(Brazil) among others.
