Peace, dazzling, calm, fresh cool
air, the narrow streams, valleys, and mountains will make you feel like heaven.
Kerala, one of the ten paradises in the world spots the Pristine Glory of
nature to you.Ecotourism is a growing tourist sector in Kerala, which
showcases the natural beauty and rich greenery of Kerala. Kerala, God's own country is well known for
having greenery islands of paddy fields. As well as the coastal areas with the
sky-looking coconut & palm trees. Also, snowy hills with tea and spices
plantains seemed like a green blanket covered on hills and valleys. Backwaters
having rich ecosystems, thick dense forest having wildlife and birds
sanctuaries will be eye-catching views. Moreover, several tribes make their living
in this dense forest. Ecotourism has been widely promoted because many
destinations of Kerala are known for their greenery and exquisite landscapes.
Kerala tourism has taken various steps for making the tourism industry purely
environment friendly in a more unique way. It is done by protecting natural
resources, wildlife and creating awareness of biological sustainabilities
towards the world. Thus, here we bring to you the top 5 ecotourism destinations in Kerala.
Have fun!
1. THENMALA
Among Southern Kerala's finest
ecotourism sites, Thenmala is a natural treasure in the Kollam district. It is
located at a height of 1640ft above this level which is famous for medicinal
honey. Thenmala holds the record of being India's first planned ecotourism
destination where Shenturuni wildlife sanctuary is located. Thenmala ecotourism
provides the best opportunity for leisure, culture, entertainment, and
education.
Thenmala has many ecotourism spots such as Palaruvi which is one of the
highest waterfalls in Kerala. The other ecotourism spots are Thenmala Dam, Dear
Park, Thenmala Punaloor hanging bridge, Ambanadu Hills, Shenturuni.
Thenmala is
covered with evergreen forest spread over acres additionally take leisurely
walks observing the flora and fauna. Meanwhile, Thenmala leisure zones include
boating at Thenmala Dam & Senduruny river, Jungle camping, beautiful
sculpture garden. In addition, the adventure zone offers trekking, exciting
mountain biking, rock climbing, and river crossing.
2. THEKKADY
Thekkady is India's largest
wildlife sanctuaries which is a dream destination for tourists and wildlife
photographers. Thekkady is the best place to visit where there is only nature,
wildlife and sceneries. Thekkady is a land made for tigers and elephants. The
Pride of Kerala, The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is a natural habitat for tigers
where they perch for prey. It is one of the oldest Tiger reserves in India
especially endangered species including white tigers. In Thekkady, there are
plenty of places that have tourist attractions. While trekking, if you are
lucky enough you can see tigers, leopards, wild dogs, etc. Meanwhile, endangered
Lion Tailed Macaque can be seen in Nilgiri Tahr is confined to the higher rocky
areas.
Some major tourist sites to visit
in Thekkady are Gavi, Ramakkalmedu, Periyar tiger reserve, Murikkady,
Pandiikkuzhi, Vandanmedu, Chellarkovil viewpoint, Kumily, Mullapperiyar dam, Abraham’s Spice Garden,
Vandiperiyar, Pullumedu. Moreover Elephant
Junction, Periyar Lake, SpringValley Mountain, Green Park
Ayurvedic and Spices Plantation,
Anakkara, Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint.
3. MUNNAR
The Queen of the Hills that attracts domestic
and foreign travelers became a global travelers bucket list. The 3 rivers
Muthirampuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala flowing through Munnar is the reason to
get the name Munnar. We can call Munnar The heaven on earth or travelers
paradise since its ravishing beauty blows our minds. The misty valleys and
meadows, tea plantations, streams, and waterfalls provide a wonderful
experience in our lifetime.
Some best tourist attractions are Eravikulam
National park, Anamudi Peak, Mattuppetty, Top station, Rhodo valley, and the
tea Museum.
To enjoy the scenic beauty one has to trek over the hilltops and
valleys. One of the best view sites is Rhodo Valley where the presence of
rhododendrons makes the place heaven. Neelakurinji
flower that blooms every 12 years is a stunning view that turns blue throughout
the hills. The best time to visit Munnar is June-September. In fact, monsoon
lovers can enjoy the experience of the views and cloudy mist at a time.
4. SILENT
VALLEY
A Flowing breeze, an occasional roar, and the
magnificent climate make it the Best tourist place to visit. The legendary name
Silent Valley National Park is because of the silence of Cicadas in the forest.
The greenery and ecological sites became prime tourist destinations leads to
the concept of ecotourism. A silent jewel of Palakkadu distinct which is a
divine forest originally called 'Sairandhri vanam'.The breathtaking views of
sheer magnitude and diversity of the flora and fauna are all around the forest.
Visitors can see here many endangered species of animals, birds, insects,
plants, and trees. Tigers, leopards, elephants, snakes, Lion-Tailed Macaques,
and Malabar Gaint squirrels are some among them. Even hundreds of species of
insects, including rare butterflies and moths, can be viewed. Silent Valley is
preferred as a major destination for wildlife photographers. Silent Valley is
one of the last remaining rainforests of Kerala. It is the centerpiece of
the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Silent Valley National Pak is the example that
is historically paradigm of people's movement to protect the forest.
5. NEYYAR
Among the most beloved picnic
spots in Southern Kerala, Neyyar stands for its mass greenery and scenic
beauty. Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is located in the Thiruvananthapuram
district, Kerala famous for its lion safari park. The main wildlife found in
Neyyar is rare Asian lions, elephants, tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and guana.
The Agasthvamalai peak in Neyyar is an important landmark of Kerala. This
sanctuary is home to the rarest medicinal plants and flowering plants.
The major attractions in Neyyar
are Neyyar Dam, one of the best view
spots where tourists can enjoy boat riding. The crocodile rehabilitation center
holds around 20 muggers of crocodiles. The lion safari park is a natural
habitat for lions, The Undisputed King of the jungle. Treks can be taken to
Deer Park and jungle safari ride through jeeps. Furthermore, the Meanmutty waterfalls
are the best trek in the entire sanctuary. November- March is the Best time to
visit Neyyar.
Ecotourism can be summarized as a
tourism program that is eco-friendly as well as ecologically sustenance.
Kerala's Ecotourism encompasses a wide range of outdoor activities. Some of
them are Trekking, hiking, mountaineering, bird watching, boating, rafting,
biological explorations, and visiting wildlife sanctuaries. Ecotourism mainly
focuses on environmental awareness, its significance and explains deeply the
importance of nature and natural resources. Preventing the overexploitation of
natural resources is to do in an effective way. It is a reasonable way for economic
development as well as preserving nature a bit for the environment. Rich
biodiversity and unmatched attractions of beaches, mountains, lakes, forests,
etc make Kerala a unique eco-tourism hotspot. The world is still largely
unaware of Kerala's tourism possibilities which should be promoted in a big
way.