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Eco Tourism

To explore the ecotourism possibilities in Kerala, a host of products have been developed with the active support and involvement of the local community. Unfolding in the following pages are some of these products that will make every journey to Kerala truly enriching. Renowned as God's Own Country, Kerala is a tourism destination that focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly development of tourism.

Products that will let the travelers discover God's Own Country - all while respecting the nature, environment and the community

 

The most attractive eco tour destinations

 

Periyar:

Synonymous with elephants, misty hills and plantations, Thekkady in Idukki District captures the essence of all that is wild and wonderful. The most prestigious region on the high ranges of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is located on the Cardamom Hills of Thekkady. Sprawled majestically across 777 sq km, Periyar Sanctuary, declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger Scheme, attracts travelers from all over.
Environmental hotspot, Periyar Sanctuary is noted for its geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape. Encompassing a 26 sq km artificial lake, the rich jungles of Periyar is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. The lake serves as a watering hole for the animals during summer, harbors within itself of a unique aquatic ecosystem. A cruise along it is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the Reserve. Exciting trekking trails and other adventure activities like tracking the tiger, jungles patrolling etc. await the tourists at this enchanting Sanctuary

 

Thenmala:

Thenmala or the hills that flow with honey is situated about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, on the Shencottai Road. Once much sought-after for its honey believed to have medicinal properties, Thenmala is today home to India's first planned eco-tourism project. The nerve-centre of a chain of ten satellite eco-tourism destinations scattered across the hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, Thenmala is spread over acres of evergreen forest.
A natural habitat of diverse flora and fauna, this unique eco-tourism habitat lies 500 m above sea level. The rugged terrain of this land harbouring a fragile ecosystem packs plenty of adventure activities. Nature trails dotted with delightful waterfalls and enchanting picnic spots attract naturalists, conservationists and adventure seekers. With its forests, rubber estates and tea plantations, Thenmala provides the perfect background for leisure activities

 

 

Eravikulam:

A former hunt The Eravikulam National Park perched 7,000 ft above sea level, is breathtaking in its size and diversity of flora and fauna. Situated in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District, the Park originally established to protect the endangered Nilgiri tahr was elevated to a National Park considering its ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance. This land of the Neelakurinji, the flower that blooms once in twelve years painting the hillsides blue, lies 16 km northeast to Munnar and is just 7 km from the Rajamalai hills. The Eravikulam National Park perched 7,000 ft above sea level, is breathtaking in its size and diversity of flora and fauna. Situated in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District, the Park originally established to protect the endangered Nilgiri tahr was elevated to a National Park considering its ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance. This land of the Neelakurinji, the flower that blooms once in twelve years painting the hillsides blue, lies 16 km northeast to Munnar and is just 7 km from the Rajamalai hills. A former hunting preserve of the British lanters, the Park today exemplifies wildlife at its best. The Atlas Moth, the largest of its kind in the world is one of the major attractions here. But the pride of the Park is the Nilgiri tahr. A highly endangered species of wild goat indigenous to the area, the tahr is the mascot of Munnar. With the highest peak south of the Himalayas - the Anamudi, located here, nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting.

 

Parambikulam:

Tucked away in the valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamilnadu and the Nelliyampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic Western Ghats is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 277 sq km, the Sanctuary, a haven of tranquil greenery boasts of the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation and the world's tallest and oldest teak tree. The famous Kannimara teak tree, believed to be over 350 years old is about 5 km from Thunacadavu, and is one of Parambikulam’s prime attractions.
Many peaks are also seen here, of which the Karimala Gopuram is the tallest at 4,718 ft. A favorite with visitors, the Vengoli Peak is an easy climb and those lucky enough might even get to see the endangered Nilgiri tahr. Watered by three dams, namely Parambikulam, Thunacadavu and Perivarapallam, a unique feature of this Sanctuary is the presence of a series of reservoirs interconnected with tunnels, channels, river courses and canals. The deep freshwater ecosystem created by the construction of these dams adds to the diversity of the Sanctuary.

 

 

Gavi:

A 40 kilometer drive from Kumily, the road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations. The two-hour jeep ride will take you past hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. With more than 260 species of birds, Gavi is a haven for birdwatchers. En route are the Pamba Reservoir and a large tract of reserve forests, so chances of wildlife encounters with endangered species like the Nilgiri tahr and lion tailed macaque are big. Developed into an exclusive ecotourism project, Gavi is listed as one of the must-see places in India. Active involvement of tribals makes Gavi one of its kinds in the country.