Eco Tourism In Kerala - Ecotourism is a growing area in the tourist friendly state of Kerala. Ecotourism in Kerala has taken off in a big way because Kerala has many destinations known for their natural beauty and exquisite landscape. Kerala is one of the greenest destinations in India. The landscape is covered with coconut palms in the coastal areas. The paddy fields shimmer with the emerald green of new shoots. The banana plantations are filled with the whisper of waving green banana leaves. The tea plantations are a green blanket that cover the hill ranges as far as the eye can see, in the Western Ghats in Kerala and the backwaters are fringed with Pandanus plants that trail the tips of their long leaves in the rippling water, as you float by. You can appreciate the verdant beauty of Kerala on Kerala tours with Kerala backwater.

The wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala are popular ecotourism destinations. Tourists from all over the world come to see tigers, elephants, deer and animals native to the Malabar region, such as the Nilgiri Tahr, in the wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala including Periyar, Wynad, Silent Valley and Eravikulam wildlife sanctuary on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

In recent times the rubber plantations and tea estates have also opened their doors to tourists who travel to Kerala, seeking a green getaway. The Portuguese, Dutch, French and English colonial rulers of Kerala established the plantations of Kerala during colonial times. The crops they introduced to Kerala include rubber, grown for its latex, and tea - England's favorite drink. These crops grew and flourished in Kerala's pleasant climate. Sheltered from the sun by tall trees, the plantations and their lodges, offer tourists a relaxing getaway on Kerala tours. You can visit the plantations of Kerala on ecotourism vacations in Kerala and Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Important ecotourism destinations :

•   Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
•   Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
•   Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
•   Periyar Tiger Reserve
•   Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
•   Eravikulam National Park
•   Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
•   Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
•   Chimmini
•   Wildlife Sanctuary
•   Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
•   Silent Valley National Park
•   Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
•   Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
•   Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Ecotourism Destination :

Kumarakom :

This is situated in Kottayam district, on the banks of the Vembanad lake. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologists' paradise. One can find a vide range of migratory birds like Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron, and teal. A cruise in the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Bhoothathankettu :

This place is situated in the north eastern part of Ernakulam district. The water body formed by the construction of a barrage across Periyar river and land embraced by evergreen forests and bamboo are the major attractions. There is also a legend about the place. A boat cruise from here to Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is an exhilarating experience.

Munnar :

This is a hill station in Idukki district situated at the confluence of three small rivers - Mudrapuzha, Nallanthani and Kundala, 1600m above sea level. This hill station was once the summer capital of the British Government in south India. A most interesting flora, the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) is seen in this part. The highest peak in south India, Anamudi (2695m) is in Munnar. The major sightseeing attractions are sprawling tea plantations, boating, tea factory visits, visit to top station (highest point in Munnar - 1700m), Mattupetty (has highly specialised diary farm), Devikulam, Rajamala (natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr), Marayoor (natural growth of sandal wood trees), Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park.

Athirappally- Vazhachal Falls :

It is a popular picnic spot (waterfalls), 63 kms from Thrissur in the Sholayar ranges. In another 5 km drive, one can reach the Vazhachal cascades close to the evergreen forests and is part of Chalakudi river.

Nelliampathy :

This place is situated in Palakkad district and is a fascinating hill station at a height of 467 to 1572m above sea level. Travelling through the hairpin bends on the ghat road that passes through the breath taking evergreen forests of the Sahya ranges, one can view about a third of Palakkad district from Seethankudu, a place of pristine beauty.

Nilambur :

This place is situated in Malappuram district and is famous for teak plantations. The oldest teak plantation in the world- Conolley's Plot - is situated here. About 40 kms from Nilambur situates Nedungayam, the original home of the Cholanayakans, the oldest original tribe of Kerala.

Perunannamuzhy :

This place is situated in Kozhikkod district. A lake surrounded by natural forests is the major attraction here. This forms the nearest forest area suitable for recreation and environmental education for people in and around Kozhikkod and Kannur cities. There is a mini zoo and a crocodile park here at presents

Kuruva Islands :

This place is situated in Wayanad district. Kuruva islands are located in the river Kabani along northeast border of Wayanad district. This place is located at about 44kms, from Kalpetta. Mainly there are three islands and a few submergible satellite islands. The main island contains two small fresh water lakes. Several migratory birds are also seen here. These islands present a unique eco system which may be of great interest of nature lovers.

Tirunelli :

This place is situated in Wayanad district. This is considered to be a serene locality with religious significance. Papanashini river and temple here attract large number of tourists. The sylan surroundings fascinate many. The Tirunelli temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite.

Pythalmala :

This place is situated in Kannur district. This is the highest peak in the Kannur district. A large number of tourists are attracted to this place. Meadows at the top of the hills with small patches of shola forest present a panoramic view. This place is about 65 kms from Kannur town and about 4500 ft above sea level.

Ravipuram :

This place is situated in Kasaragod district. This is the highest peak in Kasaragod district. It is a good place for trekking activities. The meadow at top presents a panoramic view. Large crowds are attracted to this place, especially on holidays. It is situated about 750m above sea level.