INDIA'S BEST AWARDS 2019
BEST STATE
TAMIL NADU
Bordering the Bay of Bengal, Tamil Nadu (in pic) is a melting pot of destinations and cultures waiting to be explored. On one end, the capital city Chennai buzzes with an irresistible urban charm, on the other, slow-paced cities like Kanchipuram offer a delightful bucolic contrast. The vibrancy of Chettinad—both in terms of architecture and food—wows travellers of every kind, while Kanyakumari’s breathtaking horizons leave tourists speechless. The backdrop of the verdant Western Ghats binds such distinct features together, making the state one of our readers’ favourites. tamilnadutourism.org
GUJARAT
The towering Statue of Unity is just one of the many reasons to visit the ‘Land of Gandhi’. Stretching out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of desert at Rann of Kutch and a 1,666-kilometre long coastline, Gujarat is a cultural potpourri. Boasting historical landmarks and architectural marvels in its cities, the state appeals to history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. Many a religious devotee finds faith in the numerous significant temples sprinkled across the state. gujarattourism.com
BEST EMERGING GREEN DESTINATION
Domestic
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
With over 80 per cent evergreen forest cover, Arunachal Pradesh (in pic) deserves to be called the best green destination in India. Its challenging peaks, untamed rivers, gurgling waterfalls, and wild forests, teeming with exotic wildlife, have been kept safe despite the influx of tourists and the development that has come with it. arunachaltourism.com
SIKKIM
Sikkim’s geography has gifted it a repository of over 5,000 species of flowering plants. Amid this riot of colours, animals like the musk deer and red goral, and 550 species of birds find a home. The state has always made proactive efforts to stay pristine. There’s little wonder that it was acknowledged as the world’s first 100 per cent organic state by the UN. sikkimtourism.gov.in
BEST COUNTRY
SWITZERLAND
Home to the Titlis, Jungfrau, and Matterhorn mountains, Switzerland is a natural wonder like no other. And our readers seem to agree, year after year. From Z›rich to Bern to Interlaken to Geneva, every city here has something unique to offer, but not without the overarching beauty of nature following you around at all times. Be it hamlets or ski-resorts, museums or sprawling markets, exotic cheese or wines—the Swiss charm is inescapable. MySwitzerland.com
SINGAPORE
Singapore (in pic) is the perfect example of a modern metropolis, with many eclectic discoveries awaiting you on its streets. An impressive public transport system, a sprawling zoo, a sea aquarium, an opera theatre, a science museum, botanical gardens—you name it, Singapore’s got it! And we haven’t even talked about its food scene—from rooftop bars to Michelin-star hawker stalls to secret speakeasy-themed bars, Singapore never runs out of culinary delights. stb.gov.sg
BEST GREEN DESTINATION
International
NEW ZEALAND
With glacial fjords, expansive countryside panoramas, and rose-tinted skylines, this twin-island nation is an open playground. Take your pick of vineyards, endless hiking trails, skiing fields, and glowworm caves. New Zealand (in pic) also realises the need for conservation and acts upon it. From tree planting to weed removal and habitat conservation, plenty of projects are underway. newzealand.com
THAILAND
Despite tourists thronging its shores every year, Thailand has made a noticeable effort to preserve its beaches, rivers, mountains, valleys, and green cover. Outside the buzzing cities and towns lies Thailand’s rural heartland—a mix of rice paddies, tropical forests, and hamlets. In the north, forests and fields are cradled by mountains with milky waterfalls and deep caves. Down south, limestone cliffs dot the cultivated landscape as well as the turquoise sea. tourismthailand.org
BEST CITY
International
TEL AVIV
As Israel crops up on bucket lists around the world, Tel Aviv (in pic) makes the most of the spotlight. Glimmering coastlines, a buzzing art and culture scene, incredible culinary offerings, UNESCO-recognised architecture, and world-class nightlife—this gem of a city has been an unsung destination for long. Not anymore. Famously called the ‘Mediterranean Manhattan’, Tel Aviv is all that you can ask of a beautiful modern city with rich traditions. visit.tel-aviv.gov.il
VIENNA
Some cities don’t get old. Loved for its ubiquitous Baroque architecture, the landlocked Austrian capital has more charm than meets the eye. An age-old coffee culture, a legendary musical history, and the most remarkable of museums—this is a city that shows you how to appreciate the finer things in life. It’s not a surprise then that Vienna has been repeatedly ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. wien.info
BEST CULTURAL DESTINATION
Domestic
PUNJAB
The high-spirited nature and jovial attitude of Punjabis seep into their state’s cultural fabric as well. From colourful turbans to soulful poetry, this land of ghee and butter chicken leaves no stone unturned in highlighting its traditions. Starting with a walk around the revered, glistening Golden Temple
