Famous for its tranquil beaches, placid backwaters and rolling hills, Kerala has yet again been recognised as the 'Best Honeymoon Destination in India'.

The honour, based on the results of a readers' poll by Travel + Leisure India and South Asia, was announced at the fifth edition of the magazine's annual 'India's Best Awards' gala yesterday.

Kerala shared the award with Rajasthan after both states garnered the most votes.

Kerala Tourism Additional Director-General D Balamurali collected the award at a ceremony in New Delhi.

"Kerala is renowned for its magical experiences, its rustic charm and the beauty of its diverse landscape, all of which has made the state the go-to destination for honeymooners from across India and the world," according to A C Moideen, Kerala Tourism Minister.

The awards, which feature the biggest names in Indian tourism, facilitation and hospitality industries, showcase the best travel opportunities available around the world and in India and anoint the best service providers, preferred places to stay and the destinations Indians most love to visit, according to a release.

Kerala has been a fixture at the awards, which cover nearly 50 categories across the tourism sector. This year's function was the culmination of a five-month digital poll on the magazine's website which saw robust voting by thousands of discerning travellers.

"The award reaffirms our reputation as the top destination for newlyweds in India. From the extended coastline to the mist-shrouded Western Ghats and the legendary network of lagoons and estuaries, the romantic getaways on offer here are as unique as they are exotic," said Dr Venu V, Principal Secretary (Tourism), Government of Kerala.

"The quiet, unhurried pace of life adds to Kerala's allure," he added.

Other big winners of the night were Singapore (Best Country), Hong Kong (Best City), and Switzerland (Best Family Destination), to name a few.

France and South Africa shared the award for best international honeymoon destination.

This is a significant award for Kerala since it is based on the visitors' assessment of the on-the-ground situation at destinations across the state and included stringent parameters and criteria, the release said.

The honour reflects the varied experiences on offer here and forward-thinking practises implemented from the policy to the product levels, U V Jose, Director, Kerala Tourism.

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