Kerala village Aymanam, setting of Arundhati Roy novel, on list of 30 best places to visit in 2022

Featured alongside locations in countries like US, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Singapore, Japan and Egypt on the list, Aymanam’s tourism initiatives were awarded in 2021 for its focus on boosting local employment and nature conservation. Other places in India that made it to the list were Bhimtal, Sikkim, Odisha, Goa, Kolkata among others.

About Aymanam, the popular travel magazine said, “..it’s the stuff that makes people dream of taking a writing retreat to become a published author, or plugging out in a digital detox, or living a simple life close to nature.”

Travellers to Aymanam can experience bird-watching, long walks through paddy fields, visit temples and churches, taste rich coconut-preparations, hop on boat rides and watch performances of Kathakali and martial artform Kalaripayattu.

The village, located on the idyllic backwaters in Kottayam district, has Lake Vembanad to its west and is also bordered by the Meenachil river.

Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas acknowledged the recognition, saying, “Aymanam maybe a tiny village, but its pristine charm is spellbinding and its cultural diversity spectacular. Till recently, it was largely an unexplored area for tourists, but its recognition as a model RT Village has changed its profile on the global tourism map. The recognition by Conde Nast is a huge testament to it.”

“It is an important recognition which will spur us to give an impetus to our efforts to set up Responsible Tourism projects across the state,” he added.