Discover Sustainable Travel – A Guide to Eco-Tourism in Kerala’s Pristine Landscapes

 

Kerala-the 'Gods own Country' is unique in its culture and tradition. Kerala is the perfect eco-tourism with all its greenery and natural beauty. Kerala tourism follows a sustainable tourism model adopting various suitable parameters. Kerala believes in qualitative tourism attracting a limited number of visitors who are high spenders and who value local culture, community, and environment. The State has evolved a good model of Private Public Partnership in the tourism industry so that quality management is ensured. It also insists on the promotion of Eco practices. Ecotourism is a major vertical in sustainable tourism. In 2014, Kerala was awarded Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance for Sustainable Tourism by United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Its ecotourism initiatives including nature-based programs; wildlife resources beaches, backwaters, and mountains which are the major attractions for both domestic and international tourists

Ecotourism
 

Ecotourism has become an emerging form of alternative   tourism   and it provides authentic experiences to nature lovers and enthusiasts. It is an accountable visit to study, enjoy and admire the natural beauty together with wild animals, plants, and native culture. The first objective of introducing and promoting ecotourism is to conserve the setting and therefore the social and economic well-being of native individuals. Conservation of multifariousness and cultural diversity is one of the necessary principles of ecotourism. It promotes the property use of natural resources and provides ample opportunities for financial gain and employment within the tourist destinations.
Eco-tourism in Kerala refers to responsible travel to the state's natural areas, like the Western Ghats, focusing on preserving the environment and supporting local communities by offering activities like wildlife safaris, trekking, birdwatching, and cultural immersion, while prioritizing sustainable practices like eco-friendly accommodations and community involvement; key destinations include Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Silent Valley, and Thenmala, which are known for their rich biodiversity and opportunities to engage with indigenous tribes and local traditions. 

 
Significance of ecotourism
 

Ecotourism offers opportunities to the people in the backward and remote areas to take the economic benefits. The main goal of ecotourism is to strengthen the cause of conservation by providing informed wilderness experience to visitors and it enables the visitors to study and enjoy the forest, wildlife, people, and their culture by providing additional employment opportunities for local communities.
As a result, resource dependency can be reduced to a larger extent. At the same time, it can be a powerful means for protecting and promoting the unique  biodiversity  along with landscapes and seascapes provided the principles of ecotourism are implemented. With the percolation effects of tourist expenditures, local people play the role of crusaders for the protection of flora and fauna.
Thus, ecotourism provides paid employment to villagers and the types of employment being generated included guides, porters, conservation workers, small shopkeepers. The ecotourism policy is to develop a sustainable community-oriented and managed approach to enforce rules for the visitors, service providers, and community members.

 
Objectives of ecotourism
 
• To provide compatible and sustainable tourism
• To provide enlightened wilderness experience to the visitors and local inhabitants
• To impart nature education to different target groups such as children, teachers, bureaucrats, media persons, rural people, and politicians who influence the policy-making decisions at the local, state,     and national levels.
• To provide park or sanctuary interpretation facilities to generate conservation awareness among the visitors by discovering wonders of nature and its intricate relationship; and by bringing about             change in perception about one's own natural and cultural environment.
• To strengthen the staff and infrastructure for managing the ecotourism and interpretation programs.
• To make employment opportunities for native individuals to cater to the wants of tourists in raising taxis, hotels, engagement in ret houses, lodges, etc.
• To generate sufficient revenue and make the activity of eco- tourism self-sustaining as far as possible.
• To Involve local people in recycling the revenue from tourism for improvement of resources and facilities in the villages by subsidizing alternate energy devices, improving educational and medical facilities.
 
Key aspects of Eco-Tourism in Kerala:
 
 

• Natural Beauty:

Kerala's diverse landscapes, including lush green forests, backwaters, hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries, provide a prime setting for eco-tourism experiences. 

• Wildlife Conservation:

The state is home to a variety of endangered species like the lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr, with dedicated wildlife sanctuaries promoting responsible wildlife viewing. 

• Community Involvement:

Local communities are actively involved in eco-tourism initiatives, offering homestays, traditional cuisine, and cultural experiences to visitors. 

• Sustainable Practices:

Eco-friendly accommodations like treehouses, bamboo cottages, and responsible transportation methods like electric boats are encouraged to minimize environmental impact. 
Popular Eco-Tourism Destinations in Kerala:
 

• Thekkady:

Renowned for its Periyar National Park, offering boat safaris, trekking, and opportunities to spot wildlife like elephants and tigers. 

• Silent Valley:

A pristine, protected area with high biodiversity, ideal for nature walks and birdwatching 

• Thenmala:

Considered the first planned eco-tourism destination in India, with diverse activities like trekking, canopy walks, and visits to tribal settlements 

• Wayanad:

Offers trekking trails, waterfalls, and opportunities to explore tribal culture 

• Gavi:

A remote area in the Western Ghats with dense forests and rich wildlife, accessible via jeep safaris 
 
Activities in Kerala Eco-Tourism:
 

• Jungle safaris: Explore wildlife sanctuaries on jeep or boat safaris 
• Trekking: Hike through scenic trails in the Western Ghats 
• Birdwatching: Spot diverse bird species in various habitats 
• Nature walks: Guided walks through forests to observe flora and fauna 
• Community visits: Interact with local tribes and learn about their traditional way of life 
• Ayurvedic treatments: Experience traditional Ayurvedic therapies in serene natural settings 

 
Importance of Eco-Tourism in Kerala:
 

• Economic benefits: Generates income for local communities through tourism activities.  Ecotourism creates sustainable livelihoods for local communities by encouraging the development of eco-friendly businesses, such as organic farming, local handicrafts, and eco-resorts. This helps preserve Kerala’s traditional culture and supports economic growth in rural areas
• Environmental conservation: Promotes responsible tourism practices to protect sensitive ecosystems.  Kerala's ecotourism initiatives directly contribute to the conservation of natural habitats and wildlife. By promoting responsible tourism, Kerala aims to reduce human impact on sensitive ecosystems.
• Cultural preservation: Provides a platform to showcase and celebrate local culture and traditions 
• Educational Opportunities – Ecotourism offers visitors a unique chance to learn about environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable practices. Travelers gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world and are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly habits in their daily lives.

 
Kerala is home to eco-friendly resorts, treehouses, and homestays that use renewable energy, recycle water, and minimize waste. These accommodations ensure that travellers experience comfort without harming the environment.Kerala places a strong emphasis on protecting its rich biodiversity. With wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves, the state promotes responsible tourism that supports the conservation of endangered species like the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri Tahr.Ecotourism in Kerala also focuses on empowering local communities by encouraging sustainable practices, providing employment in eco-tourism ventures, and promoting local culture. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with indigenous tribes, participate in traditional crafts, and enjoy local cuisine.Kerala encourages travellers to make eco-conscious travel choices, such as using electric boats, cycling tours, and participating in green initiatives like tree planting and waste management programs.