Ecotourism in Kerala

The major tourism products are broadly classified as beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and culture including festivals. The major thrust is to upgrade of the quality of these products and to provide basic infrastructure facilities.

The tourism traffic to Kerala shows an increasing trend over the past few years. The total tourism inflow to Kerala is about 50 lakhs during 1977 and which is 13% more than the previous year. Foreign tourist arrival is about 1082 lakhs. Kerala Government is working on a strategy to increase the foreign tourist inflow to the tune of 5 lakhs by the turn of the century.

The Western Ghats of Kerala with its tropical forest ecosystem provides a natural advantage for development of this segment of tourism.

In order to facilitate the fast growth of tourism sector in Kerala, we have; to diversify our tourism products. The Western Ghat regions of Kerala can be projected as an Ecotourism Zone in true sense. Ecotourism projects the concept of sustainability in tourism. That is, the needs of today's visitor should not be met at the expenses of future generations. Such as ecotourism project, based on internationally accepted principles, will help infuse the sustainability concept to other tourism ventures outside the realm of ecotourism.

1. Kerala has 12 wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks. These may form base for planning ecotourism activities.

2. Apart from these, the rich biological diversity can be an added advantage.

3. The water bodies formed within the forest area due to construction of dams/hydel projects provide scope for recreational facilities.

4. Massive marketing campaign is undertaken by Government of Kerala in the tourism field.

5. Scope for a variety of ecotourism activities such as mountaineering, trekking, bird watching etc.

6. Location advantages such as short distance from seashore, well developed road network upto forest area etc.
7. Forest staff who are well trained in wildlife, ecology etc. and

8. Well informed public and conservation groups who may always be watchful of the adverse impacts if any.

Important ecotourism destinations

1. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Periyar Tiger Reserve
5. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Eravikulam National Park
7. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
9. Chimmini
10. Wildlife Sanctuary
11. Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
12. Silent Valley National Park
13. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
14. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
15. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Ecotourism Destination

1. Kumarakom

This is situated in Kottayam district, on the banks of the Vembanad lake. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologists' paradise. One can find a vide range of migratory birds like Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron, and teal. A cruise in the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

2. Bhoothathankettu

This place is situated in the north eastern part of Ernakulam district. The water body formed by the construction of a barrage across Periyar river and land embraced by evergreen forests and bamboo are the major attractions. There is also a legend about the place. A boat cruise from here to Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is an exhilarating experience.

3. Munnar

This is a hill station in Idukki district situated at the confluence of three small rivers - Mudrapuzha, Nallanthani and Kundala, 1600m above sea level. This hill station was once the summer capital of the British Government in south India. A most interesting flora, the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) is seen in this part. The highest peak in south India, Anamudi (2695m) is in Munnar. The major sightseeing attractions are sprawling tea plantations, boating, tea factory visits, visit to top station (highest point in Munnar - 1700m), Mattupetty (has highly specialised diary farm), Devikulam, Rajamala (natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr), Marayoor (natural growth of sandal wood trees), Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park.

4. Athirappally- Vazhachal Falls

It is a popular picnic spot (waterfalls), 63 kms from Thrissur in the Sholayar ranges. In another 5 km drive, one can reach the Vazhachal cascades close to the evergreen forests and is part of Chalakudi river.

5. Nelliampathy

This place is situated in Palakkad district and is a fascinating hill station at a height of 467 to 1572m above sea level. Travelling through the hairpin bends on the ghat road that passes through the breath taking evergreen forests of the Sahya ranges, one can view about a third of Palakkad district from Seethankudu, a place of pristine beauty.

6.Nilambur

This place is situated in Malappuram district and is famous for teak plantations. The oldest teak plantation in the world- Conolley's Plot - is situated here. About 40 kms from Nilambur situates Nedungayam, the original home of the Cholanayakans, the oldest original tribe of Kerala.

7. Perunannamuzhy

This place is situated in Kozhikkod district. A lake surrounded by natural forests is the major attraction here. This forms the nearest forest area suitable for recreation and environmental education for people in and around Kozhikkod and Kannur cities. There is a mini zoo and a crocodile park here at presents

8. Kuruva Islands

This place is situated in Wayanad district. Kuruva islands are located in the river Kabani along northeast border of Wayanad district. This place is located at about 44kms, from Kalpetta. Mainly there are three islands and a few submergible satellite islands. The main island contains two small fresh water lakes. Several migratory birds are also seen here. These islands present a unique eco system which may be of great interest of nature lovers.

9. Tirunelli

This place is situated in Wayanad district. This is considered to be a serene locality with religious significance. Papanashini river and temple here attract large number of tourists. The sylan surroundings fascinate many. The Tirunelli temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite.

10. Pythalmala

This place is situated in Kannur district. This is the highest peak in the Kannur district. A large number of tourists are attracted to this place. Meadows at the top of the hills with small patches of shola forest present a panoramic view. This place is about 65 kms from Kannur town and about 4500 ft above sea level.

11. Ravipuram

This place is situated in Kasaragod district. This is the highest peak in Kasaragod district. It is a good place for trekking activities. The meadow at top presents a panoramic view. Large crowds are attracted to this place, especially on holidays. It is situated about 750m above sea level.