Ecotourism in Kerala

Kerala has a wealth of backwaters, dense forests, year-round sunshine, and sand-gilded shorelines. The paddy fields bristle with emerald green foliage, banana and tea plantations blanket the hilly Western Ghats, and the labyrinth of backwaters are fringed with coconut palm trees. The flourishing countryside presents a double-edged sword; namely, a fine balance between mass tourism and conserving the fine environmental treasures. Fortunately, for tourists, who wish to visit areas where the flora and fauna are primary attractions, Kerala's isolated islands, beaches and small villages offer a brimming palette of environmentally sound options.

The state has established several wildlife sanctuaries including Periyar, Chimmoni, Chinnar, Silent Valley, Parambikulam, and Eravikulam. Periyar is considered one of the most enchanting wildlife sanctuaries in the world. In 1895, the British built a dam and an artificial lake there, as part of a water conservation project. The flying lizard and flying snake, with brilliantly colored wings, co-habit with a host of wildlife attractants. These include leopards, wild dogs, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur, wild boars, and sloth bears. Wynad wildlife sanctuary is famed for its tigers and leopards.

Kerala is a great place to spot rare birds. Water birds such as painted stork, spotbill pelican, night heron, little cormorant, and little egret have made Kundakulam their breeding station. The state has launched several initiatives to attract birdwatchers. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, located in the Ernakulam district on the banks of the Periyar, is a cacophony of chirping birds, which include the wayanad laughing thrush, oriental darter, wooly-necked stork, rufous-bellied eagle, gray junglefowl, pompadour green pigeon, Malabar parakeet, great hornbill, vernal hanging parrot, grey nightjar, and Malabar gray hornbill. Eco-India Tours and Travels organize an 8-day bird watching trip, which takes visitors through the forests of Thattekad, onto Munnar [the tea town established by the British], and the Periyar Tiger Reserve where over 250 species of birds have been spotted.

In recent times, the rubber plantations and tea estates have opened their doors to tourists. Moreover, efforts to preserve Kerala's landscape extend beyond the natural to the country's cultural heritage. Visitors should look for local guides who offer tours to nearby villages and markets as these activities directly benefit the native communities. Additionally, they can opt for environmentally sensitive accommodation. For example, it is enjoyable to drop anchor and camp at a coastal village, which is free of commercial lodging.