Tribune News Network
Doha
Salalah in Oman's Dhofar province and the South Indian state of Kerala has been listed by the New York Times as two of the '52 places to go to in 2023'.
Ranked 13th on the list, Kerala has been lauded for its 'Responsible Tourism' initiatives. Kerala is the only Indian state to be featured on the list. Other places featured in the list include Morioka in Japan, Kilmartin Glen in Scotland, Palm Springs, California and London.
The state made it to the list for its beaches, backwater lagoons, cuisine and rich cultural traditions like the ‘Vaikathashtami’ festival. The southern state has a variety for tourists to pick from-- from commercial cities, hill stations and beach destinations to little hamlets.
In Kumarakom, one of several ‘responsible tourism destinations’ in the state, visitors can paddle through jungly canals, weave rope from coconut fibre and even learn to climb a palm tree. In Maravanthurtuhu, visitors can follow a storytelling trail and enjoy village street art before taking in an evening performance of a traditional temple dance,” the article said. The New York Times also lauded the Kerala government's award-winning approach that allows visitors to experience village life.
