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.
