Going places: How Ahmedabad, Kerala made it to the TIME list of extraordinary destinations

The “God’s own country” Kerala and Ahmedabad city have been listed by TIME magazine as two of the “50 extraordinary destinations to explore” in its list of the world’s greatest places of 2022.

“As persistent as the challenges of life in 2022 is the hope that understanding and human connection can be found through travel. So, with much of the global population now vaccinated against COVID-19, world travelers are again hitting the road—and the skies. The hospitality industry is reopening and excited to safely welcome them and revitalise local communities,” TIME said on Tuesday.

The list also includes Ras Al Khaimah, UAE; Park City, Utah; Seoul; Great Barrier Reef, Australia; The Arctic; Valencia, Spain; Trans Bhutan Trail, Bhutan; International Space Station; Bogota; Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia; Istanbul and Kigali, Rwanda.

What did it say about Ahmedabad?

It said that as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad “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 billed as the longest dance festival in the world.”

It also made it to the list of “50 extraordinary destinations to explore” for its Science City, “a sprawling entertainment center and theme park”, which unveiled three major attractions last year.

“A 20-acre nature park to educate the public on local flora as well as provide new spaces for playing chess and practicing yoga. There is also a new interactive robot gallery that celebrates innovation in robotics and features a towering replica of a Transformer. And Science City’s new aquarium, which showcases aquatic species from around the globe, is now India’s largest.”

The city’s hospitality industry wasn’t missed in the listicle as the magazine noted the Hillock Ahmedabad for offering “old-world elegance with antique furniture and golden chandeliers”, as well as the luxurious 18-story ITC Narmada, “with patterns and woodwork inspired by Gujarat’s legendary stepwells”.

How did Kerala make it to the list?

For the “ecotourism hot spot” in south India, TIME said that it 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 good reason.”

“This year, Kerala is boosting motor-home tourism in India to inspire a new pas de deux of exploration and accommodation. The state’s first caravan park, Karavan Meadows, opened in Vagamon, a scenic hill station," it said.

"In the wake of the state’s success with houseboat cruising, caravans are expected to follow suit with a similar promise of sustainable tourism,” it said adding that over 1,000 campers have already begun to traverse the land, a fresh and unique way to experience Kerala’s beaches and verdant plantations.

Offering “meditation, yogic practices, ayurvedic treatments, and bespoke meals”, Amal Tamara, a new Ayurvedic retreat also finds a special mention in the TIME article.

How are the destinations chosen?

The publication said that to compile this list of the World’s Greatest Places, the top spots to visit this year, TIME solicited nominations of places from its international network of correspondents and contributors, “with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.”

With inputs from agencies

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