Kerala features in CNN Travel's 19 places to visit in 2019

In an affirmation of its alluring tourism credentials, its stunning backwaters and its sumptuous cuisines, Kerala has been featured in the list of 19 exalted places across the globe that CNN Travel has recommended tourists to visit in 2019.

"This area of India has it all: sun, sea, sand, good food, houseboats, culture and wildlife. Its spectacular natural landscapes think palm trees and sprawling backwaters lend the region the nickname God's Own Country," said CNN Travel.

Kerala's backwaters, a chain of lagoons and serene lakes parallel to the Arabian Sea coast, are an idyllic place to stay on a houseboat; they also offer an opportunity to see India at a relaxing pace.

"Kerala's backwaters are famous for a reason: a nexus of waterways linking the region's villages and best explored via kettuvallam a traditional wooden houseboat. It's worth spending anywhere from a single afternoon to a week on one of the many rental houseboats on offer, enjoying the sights and sounds drifting by," the travel portal said.

It mentioned the floods in August last year, the worst to hit Kerala in nearly a century, but said many of the southern state's tourist destinations escaped the fury unscathed.

The coastal state is also great for beaches, particularly in the southern part of the state. "Postcard-perfect Kovalam is a surfing hotspot, while Varkala is good for just relaxing."