Ecotourism Tourism

ecotourism tourism="ecotourism tourism"

Ecotourism Villages – Nature at your Doorstep

Ecotourism simply means visiting pristine environs that are completely protected from human intervention. Ecotourism can boost awareness on environment and local cultures and enlighten people on ecological systems, besides funding conservation programmes.

It can also make the visitors gain a better idea on the importance of protecting Earth's natural beauty and biosphere for future generations. Ecotourism is the best way to minimize and even eradicate the threat or damage caused by tourism towards nature. Ecotourists have a greater responsibility than regular tourists while touring ecotourism-based destinations.

Today ecotourism plays a key role in tourism, drawing nature enthusiasts, researchers and students from all parts of the world. Ecotourism is just as popular in India where Kerala, a southern state, is ideal to explore nature at its best. This state boasts two national parks and 12 wildlife sanctuaries inviting you for countless encounters and adventures. With green carpeted mountains, rolling hills and evergreen forests that sprawls over 9000 square kilometres, Kerala is indeed rich in biodiversity.

The state of Kerala in India boasts of several ecotourism centres. These centres include Agasthyavanam Biological Park, Arippa, Konni, Thenmala, Kumarakom, Pamba and Mangalavanam to name but a few. Agasthyavanam Park and Arippa are ideal places for trekking and bird watching. Konni will take your breath away when you encounter the untameable giants on earth, the wild elephants, being tamed and trained. Mangalavanam is a birders' haven as it is a nesting area for migratory birds.

Conversely Thenmala is the trailblazer of Indian ecotourism. It is a small village that sits about 72 kilometres off Thiruvanandapuram, Kerala's capital, tucked away in the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains. Awaiting you at Thenmala are leisurely adventures at the tea and rubber plantations. You can also observe timber of all types, exported from all corners of India.

Kerala State also boasts of ecotourism villages; the best example is Kumbalangi Ecotourism Village. This village is said to be India's first model tourism village that lets the visitors experience the bliss of nature at its best. You can observe and learn more about backwater and mangrove ecosystems at Kumbalangi. The comfy heritage houses complemented with delicious local delicacies will take you right into the heart of Kerala culture. While you are there, don't forget to check out coir production and fishing methods, among others. Brace yourself for a pleasant surprise when you encounter the Chinese fishing nets here.

If you are looking forward to a holiday of ecotourism and a natural retreat that wraps you in mystifying wonders and magical moments, why not try Kerala? You can spend your nights at one of the cosy hotels in Kovalam and start exploring ecologically enriched sites. A few minutes drive from the Trivandrum International Airport, you can reach The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala, known as one of the biggest beach resorts in Kerala. Wrapped in striking vistas mingling green and blue shades, this is one of the best Kovalam hotels to relish your Kerala holiday.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Tourism vs. Eco-tourism


ecotourism tourism
ecotourism tourism
ecotourism tourism