For the third year running, Lonely Planet Magazine Indiainvited the country’s discerning travellers to choose their favourite destinations and hotels. Nominations for some of the awards were shortlisted by a panel of travel experts and professionals, and LPMI readers voted both online and in the magazine. The panel comprised LPMI Editor Vardhan Kondvikar, Rajeev Wagle, Managing Director, Kuoni India, Manu Kashyap, Director, Windmill Holidays, Sucheta Potnis and Hans Tuinman, Founders, Travellers-palm.com, Madhavan Menon, Managing Director, Thomas Cook India Ltd, Deep Kalra, CEO, Makemytrip.com, Deepali Naair, CMO, Mahindra Holidays.
Vardhan Kondvikar, Editor of Lonely Planet Magazine India, said, "The Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards, firmly established as the industry-best measure of what Indian travellers love, is now in its third year, taking the concept of relevant traveller-voted awards to new heights. Focussing this year on destinations and accommodation choices that Indians appreciate, we began with a strong list of nominees selected by industry-wide travel experts from India's premier travel facilitators, which were then voted on by Lonely Planet Magazine India's army of well-informed readers. We have some exciting new winners this year, alongside some perennial favourites, demonstrating the widening range of experiences that Indian are willing to open their hearts to."
Commenting on the Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards 2014,Tarun Rai, CEO, Worldwide Media Ltd, said, - “When we launched the Lonely Planet magazine we set a new benchmark for travel magazines. We have done the same with Lonely Planet Travel Awards. Now in its third year the awards celebrate the travel choices of our readers. They have voted in huge numbers through our on-line and in-magazine poll for their favourite destinations, experiences and accommodation. Across 32 categories the Awards celebrate the best in travel.“
The winners are:
India’s Favourite Destination – Switzerland
Best Emerging Destination – Belgium (International), Chhattisgarh (Indian)
Best Destination for Culture – Spain (International), Gujarat (Indian)
Best Destination for Adventure – Australia (International), Uttarakhand (Indian)
Best Destination for Wildlife – South Africa (International), Madhya Pradesh (Indian)
Best Destination for Families – Malaysia (International), Rajasthan (Indian)
Best Value Destination – Thailand (International), Kerala (Indian)
Best Destination for Food & Drink – Singapore (International), New Delhi (Indian)
Best Destination for Relaxation – Bali (International), Kerala (Indian)
Best Destination for Shopping – Dubai (International), Mumbai (Indian)
Best Destination for Romance – Paris (International), Gulmarg (Indian)
Best Wildlife Resort – MalaMala Main Camp, MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa
(International), Orange County, Kabini(Indian)
Best Hotel for Relaxation – Wildflower Hall, Mashobra
Best Business Hotel – Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC (International), ITC Grand Chola, Chennai (Indian)
Best Value Hotel – Palais de Mahe, Puducherry
Best Heritage Hotel – Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Best Luxury Hotel – Burj Al Arab, Dubai (International) The Leela Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram (Indian)
Best Hotel for Romance – Coconut Lagoon, Kerala
Best Home stay – Tathagatha Farm, Darjeeling
