Ecotourism can be summed up as a
“responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and
improves the well-being of local people”.
More and more people have become
conscious about the fact that environment needs to be protected. That’s why the
concept of ecotourism has been received well by many. Ecotourism basically
focuses on environmental conservation and sustainable development. Through eco
tours one tries to save forests and bring a “win-win development strategy for
undeveloped rural areas” to life.
The basics of eco tourism are same
everywhere. The foremost of the rules are that the tourism advises to minimize
impact, spread awareness about the environment and the harm caused to the it
due to lack of cultural. The eco tourism spreads a sense of respect amongst all
the people who undertake tours for environment. The basic idea behind
conducting and promoting such tours is that it empowers each individual to take
steps towards conserving the Mother Nature. For locals too, such steps are
important to provide them with financial stability and provide them with
livelihood.
In terms of eco tourism destinations
in India, Kerala has gained a lot of momentum. It happens to be the greenest part
of India, which until the recent times was unexplored by people and has now
suddenly gained a lot of fame and popularity amongst travellers from all across
the globe. Geographical topography of this place is so varied that the people
all around the world come here just to be close to the nature. Kerala boasts of
beautiful beaches, backwaters, beaches and the life giving sunshine.
The best thing is that the tourism
department of Kerala is aware of Kerala’s potential as a tourist destination
and its natural wealth as well. It has taken important steps towards
maintaining ecological balance amongst people. The coconuts trees growing here
and the paddy fields spread in acres and acres of land and the banana
plantations fill up the mountain ranges with their green blanket.
To promote more eco tourism Kerala
tourism has taken steps to organise tours and travels which broaden the
horizons of people. There are several attractive packages designed to lure the
visitors.
Kerala’s western zone is being
projected as the eco tourism zone. It specially caters to the foreing tourist
who are looking for an experience where they can enjoy wildlife, some nature,
have the thrills of adventures like trekking all combined into one.
Kerala has a forest area of
approximately 11,125 sq km, which makes up 28.90 % of the total land area. The
western ghats is where all the forest area is located. Western Ghat is also one
of the world’s 18 hotspots of bio diversity. Besides luxuriant and flimsy
bionetwork of sultry rainforests, Kerala as well has some extraordinary
eco-tourism destinations in the form of its thriving emerald backwaters,
palm-fringed sea-shores, rambling tea and spice plantations on mount gradients
and many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries heaving with remarkable
assortment of wildlife.
Kerala is one of
the most famous eco-destinations. Tourism industry in Kerala should be eco
friendly and sustainable. Kerala ecotourism aims to let people have an insight
of the local culture. Most of the foreign tourists choose eco friendly areas
for visit. Ecotourism in Kerala has taken off in a big way because Kerala has
many destinations known for their natural beauty and exquisite landscape. As
Kerala is one of the greenest destinations in India, the state is perfect hub
for promoting ecotourism in a big way. The verdant beauty of Kerala is richly
highlighted through the different ecotourism destinations. Ecotourism along
with pilgrim, backwater and village tourism are propelling this field into new
levels of progression with each passing day. Undoubtedly our wealth is our
nature. It is a way to save forests and provide positive experiences to
visitors. The Western Ghats region of
Kerala contains a protected area of 2,324 sq.km which house two National Parks
and 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The Western Ghats of Kerala, with its tropical
forest eco-system, provides a natural advantage for development of ecotourism.
Major Eco-Tourism Centers in Kerala Forest department has listed 56
destinations as ecotourism centers. Some important destinations among these
are:
1 1.
Kumarakom:-
This place is
situated in Kottayam district, on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. Kumarakam
Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise. One can find a wide 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. The best months
to bird watch are between June and August. Boats are available on hire for
backwater cruises around the lake. The breathtaking beauty of the mangrove
forests the green sea of the paddy field and the vast, fantastic coconut groves
benevolently accommodating eye-pleasing and thirst quenching rivalets, canals,
channeled between wild flora and mild lies extend a warm welcome to every
nature –loving tourist.
2. Munnar: -
This is a hill station in Idukki district
situated at the confluence of 3 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. The highest peak in south
India-Anamudi (2695 meters high) is in Munnar.The most variety flora; the
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) is seen in this part. The major sightseeing attractions
are sprawling tea plantations, boating and tea factory visits, visits to top
stations (highest point in Munnar-1700m), Mattupetty (has highly specialised
dairy farm), Devikulam, Rajamala (natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr), Marayoor
(natural growth of sandal wood trees),Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam
National Park
3. Bhoothathankettu: -
This place is situated in the
northeastern part of Ernakulam district. The water body formed by the
construction of a barrage across Periyar River, land embraced by evergreen
forests and bamboo are the major attractions. There is also a legend about this
place. A boat cruise from here to Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is an exhilarating
experience.
4. Athirappally-Vazhachal Falls: -
It is a popular picnic spot, 63 kms
from Thrissur in the Sholayar ranges. In another 5 km drive, we can reach the
Vazhachal cascades close to the evergreen forests and is a part of Chalakkudi
River.
5. Nelliampathy: -
This place is situated in Palakkad district
and is a fascinating hill station at a height of 467 to 1572 km above the sea
level. Travelling through the hairpin bend on the ghat road that passes through
the breath taking evergreen forests of the Sahya ranges, one can view
Seethankadu, a place of pristine beauty.
6. Nilambur: -
This place is situated in Malappuram district
and famous for tea plantations. The oldest teak plantation of the world,
Connolly’s plot is situated here. About 40 kms from Nilambur situates the
Nedungayam, the original home of the Cholanyakans, the oldest original tribe of
Kerala.
7. Perumvannamuzhy: -
This place is situated in Kozhikode district.
A lake surrounded by natural forests is the major attraction here. This forms
nearest forest area suitable for recreation and environmental education for
people in and around Kozhikode 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 the northeast border of
Wayanad district. This place is located at about 44 kms from Kalpatta, here
mainly there are three Islands and a few Submersible 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 that may be of great
interest of nature lovers.
9. Tirunelli: -
This place is also situated in Wayanad
district. This is considered to be a serene locality with religious
significance. Papanashini River and Temple at Tirunelli attract large number of
tourists. The sylvan surrounding fascinates many. The Tirunelli Temple is a
marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 grant columns and
the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granites.
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 shoal forest present a panoramic view. This place is about 65
kms from Kannur town and about 4500 ft above sea level. This region, near
Kerala-Karnataka border abounds in flora and fauna.
11. Ravipuram: -
This place is situated in Kasargod
district. This is the highest peak in Kasargod district. It is a good place for
trekking activities. The meadow at the top presents a panoramic view. Large
crowds are attracted to this place, especially on holidays. It is situated
about 750m above sea level.
12. Thenmala Eco-Tourism Development Project: -
Thenmala is the first planned
ecotourism destination in India. The Thenmala Project envisages three components: Eco-friendly general tourism,
Ecotourism and Pilgrimage tourism. The major activities undertaken for the
promotion of ecotourism in Thenmala are cultural zone, leisure zone, adventure
zone, boating, palaruvi falls, trekking, battery-operated vehicles, musical
dancing fountain.
13. Gavi: -
Visitors to Gavi can indulge in
trekking, bird and animal watching and boating or canoeing in the placid waters
of the reservoir. Trekking trails to Pullumedu peak offers a panoramic view of
the famed Sabrimala shrine. The road leading to the picturesque Gavi is
blanketed by tea plantations. Visitors can also take along a local guide and an
experienced ‘elephant chaser’ and then hike to Meenar, Chenthamara kokka and
valley view that gives a spectacular view of a deep ravine and the forest
below. Outdoor camping and night safaris are organised to Kullar, Gavi,
Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam or Anathodu.A unique feature of Gavi is
night-camping in the forest. Some wildlife sanctuaries are also come under the
purview of ecotourism.
14. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a picnic spot about 29 km from
the Thiruvananthapuram. There is a watchtower. Just as crocodiles are attracted
to the water, the visitors are attracted to the crocodile farm; here the majestic
‘King of the Forest’-Lions can be sighted on Safari in the ‘Lion Safari park’.
There is also a deer park and there is also boating facilities at the
reservoir.
15. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary occupies over a 53
sq.km of the Western Ghat and is about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is
rich in flora and fauna. It also has a widespread hillock, forests and
eucalyptus plus plantations. It is a never-to miss spot for every wildlife
enthusiast.
16. Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, a part
of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, is one of the biodiversity richest areas in
the Western Ghats.Richness and distinct biographic features of this forest area
make it an ideal gene pool reserve. The sanctuary is home to identity species
of 951 flowering plants.
17. Periyar Tiger Reserves
In 1899, the core area of what today
is the Periyar Sanctuary was declared as reserved forests in order to protect
the catchment areas of the Periyar River. In 1934 this area was declared as a
sanctuary. The total area of the present sanctuary is 777sq.km and it is
located in the southern most part of Western Ghats. 70% of it includes tropical
evergreen forests.
18.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
A game reserve comparable, though smaller to
Periyar is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, just above the Idukki Arch dam. This
comprises 70 sq.km of forestland between the Periyar and Cheruthoni situated 40
km from Thodupuzha.There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary.
19. Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam is another wildlife sanctuary
proclaimed as a national park. It supports the largest population of Nilgiri
Tahr existing in the world now. Anamudi peak, the highest point south of the
Himalayas falls in the southern part of this park. The Nilgiri Tahr is seen in
the highlands and rocky regions of this national park.
20. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
A thorny scrub jungle present nowhere else
makes this sanctuary unique. There is a wide range of animals and a good number
of birds in this sanctuary. It is about 60 km from Munnar, on the Kerala-Tamil
Nadu border, and spreads over 90.44sq.km.
21. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary in Devikulam Taluk
lies on the northern bank of the Periyar River. The area of the sanctuary is 25
sq.km formed between the branches of the River Periyar. The presence of more
than 200 varieties of birds in this area attracted the world-renowned
ornithologist Dr.Salim Ali whose efforts are also believed to be used in the
formation of this sanctuary. Important birds found here include large falcon,
gray jungle foul, Rorubill etc. The vegetation in this area consists of
tropical evergreen, semi evergreen and moist deciduous forest plantations of
teak, rosewood, 155 mahagony etc. Further, more than 28 varieties of animals
and nine varieties of reptiles have accepted this area as their natural
habitat.
22. Silent Valley National park
Spread over 90 sq.km, Silent Valley
National Park is perhaps the closest to a virgin forest in the entire Western
Ghat.It contains India’s last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain
forests and large number of wild animals.
23. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary,
part of the neighboring Anamalai Sanctuary in Tamilnadu is one of the best
Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. Sprawling over 28589 km; it has a rich diversity
of flora and fauna. It has a large population of gauar, spotted deer,
nilgirilangur, jungle cot, lion tailed macaque, sloth bear along with some tigers
and Leo padres. The cannimare teak tree, said to be Asia’s largest, stands
about 5km from Thunakadavu headquarters of Parambikulam.Boating can be done at
the lake at Parambikulam. Trekking in the sanctuary is possible with the
permission of forest officials.
24. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Abundant in flora and fauna, the sanctuary
with a variety of wildlife forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Bio-Sphere
Reserve and in making in roads in the conservation of the regional biological
heritage, the purpose it is intended for. It is adjacent to the protected area
network of Nayar Hale Bandhipur on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu on
the southwest. The life styles of the tribals and others of the region have
appropriately been taken into account by management.
25. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is an easily
accessible haunt for nature enthusiasts. It is 35km from Thalassery. In its
55sq.km area; we can found elephants, sloth bears, mouse deers as well as fauna
and reptiles. There are so many other destinations, which also comes under the
ecotourism sector in Kerala. There are many places in Kerala, which are
suitable for ecotourism.
26. Chembra Peak
Trekking to the Chembra Peak is one of
the risky tourist endeavors; Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad at
2100m, above mean sea level. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a
day. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvass
huts and trekking implements on hire charges to the tourists. The scenic beauty
of Wayanad that is visible from the top of Chembra is very challenging and
thrilling. The blue-eyed water in the lake at the top of the hill never drives
up even in the peak of summer.
27.Pakshipathalam
Pakshipathalam in Brahma Giri hills at
Tirunnelly is a challenging tourist spot. It is 7 km, northeast of Tirunelly
Temple and is situated 1740 m, above mean sea level. To reach Pakshipathalam,
17kms have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves formed among
the thick blocks of rock at the northern top end of Brahma Giri is the abode of
various birds and wild beasts. To go to Pakshipathalam, special permission has
to be obtained from Forest Department. District Tourism Promotion Council
arranges vehicle, guides, camping, apparatus etc to the tourists on hire
charges.
28 Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty waterfalls lies in 12km,
east of Meppadi, waterfalls to a depth of more than 500m.Trekking equipments
are available at Tourist Information Centre, Kalpetta.
29.Pookote Lake
The natural fresh water lake, very
wide and deep is one of the rare reservoirs of water in Wayanad surrounded on
all sides with meadows and trees.
30.Agasthyakoodam
This place is situated in Thiruvananthapuram
district. It is apart of the Sahyadari range of mountains and is the second
highest peak in Kerala at a height of about 1890mts above sea level, the
highest one being Anamalai. These mountains are covered with thick forests,
which provide home to a large number of wildlife species.Agasthyakoodam is abundant
in rare medicinal herbs with amazing curative properties. A variety of plants
and birds are found here.
31.
Vagamon
Vagamon is situated on the border of
Kottayam and Idukki district. This is 1100 meters above sea level. This is a
typical hill station with beautiful tea gardens and stimulating meadows. The
natural beauty and climate of this place make it suitable for ecotourism. This
place is a confluence of a religious mysticism and European legacies.
32. Konni Eco-Tourism project
The Konni Eco-Tourism project is one
of the most innovative initiatives in ecotourism development. The project is
expected to make Konni a model for other similar forest based ecotourism
development initiatives. This project is envisaged in four phases. The ecotourism
programs are conceived in such a way that there will be a familiarisation and
soft ecotourism zones/activities in and around Konni. The ecotourism products
are to be managed by ‘Vana Samrakshna Samithi’. Elephant rides, soft treks,
visit to near by water falls on rock tops and a bath in the Achankovil River
are the programs chalked out for eco tourists.
