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Kerala is a microcosm of the Indian sub continent. With all the major religions, languages, cuisine, varied cultures, ancient systems of medicine,undulating topography and a chequered history of spice trade and colonialism .
A multicultural society that boasts of a social health index comparable to western nations; indigenous, colourful art and ritual dances from Kathakali to Kalaripayattu and Theyyam; the ancient system of medicine, Ayurveda; its unique, winding waterways known as `backwaters’; its damp paddy fields lower than sea level; its forests home to some of the rarest wildlife and plant species; its verdant, clean beaches - all these have earned Kerala the sobriquet, `God’s own country’.
Kerala eco-tourism:
Ecotourism is a wide-spreading concept in today's fast moving era. One escapes from the maddening crowd and likes to rest in the lap of nature. Renowned as God's Own Country, Kerala is a tourism destination that focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly development of tourism. A rich biodiversity and unmatched natural attractions make the State a unique ecotourism hotspot, of which the world is largely unaware.
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.
Ecotourism is a new concept in tourism. It is a purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the cultural and natural history of environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people.
In short, ecotourism can be conceptualised as
Any tourism programme that is
(a) nature based,
(b) ecologically sustainable,
(c) where education and interpretation is a major component and
(d) where local people are benefited
can be called ecotourism. If it does not satisfy any one of these components then it cannot be called a real ecotourism venture.
Gavi eco-tourism :
A 40 kilometre 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.
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 kind in the country.
Ecotourism Activities
Visitors to Gavi can indulge in trekking, bird and animal watching and boating or canoeing in the placid waters of the Reservoir. Trekking trails to Pullumedu Peak offers a panoramic view of the famed Sabarimala shrine. Visitors can also take along a local guide and an experienced 'elephant chaser' and then hike to Meenar, Chenthamara Kokka and Valley View that gives a spectacular view of a deep ravine and the forest below. Outdoor camping and night safaris are organised to Kullar, Gavi, Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam or Anathodu. A unique feature of Gavi is night-camping in the forests, where it is possible to pitch a tent in the camping site - a rarity in many Indian forests. Gavi also has a treasure trove of birds for all those avian enthusiasts.
In and Around
A visit to Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli is a must for all nature lovers. Kullur, Kochu Pampa, Pullumedu and Pachakanam are some of the adjacent places that are worth going to. On the way to Gavi are many places of interest like Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar from where the road deviates to Gavi. Visitors can also go to the nearby cardamom factory where one can leisurely walk through forests interspersed with spice gardens.
Accessing Gavi
Location: The place is 40 km from Kumily and about 28 km from Vandiperiyar.
Distance
Air: Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km away and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away are the nearest airports.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 114 km away.
Road: The nearest bus terminal is Vandiperiyar, 18 km from Thekkady.
Products that will let the traveller discover God's Own Country - all while respecting the nature, environment and the community.
Thenmala Ecotourism :
 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.
Thenmala in Kerala is the first planned ecotourism destination in India. Predominantly a forest area, Thenmala is a small village, located at the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains. Thenmala is about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, (God's Own Country), the southern most state of India. The name Thenmala is derived from two words - 'Then' & 'Mala", in local parlance "Then" means honey and "Mala" means hillock i.e. 'honey hills'. The honey collected from Thenmala forest area is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forests.
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.
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Ecotourism Activities
The principles of zoning in ecotourism have been adopted here to create various zones, featuring specific familiarisation activities for nature enthusiasts. The Thenmala Ecotourism Facilitation Centre has enough activities to entertain both adults and children.
Aralam
The northernmost Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala, Aralam, 45 km east of Kannur, lies on the western slopes of the Western Ghats. With an area of just 55 sq km, this is one of the smallest sanctuaries in Kerala. Established in 1984, it adjoins the State Farm in Aralam at Kannur district and is headquartered at Iritty, a small town that lies 10 km to the east.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is located next to the Central state Farm at Aralam in the Kannur district in Kerala. The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1984. The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 55 square kms. The highest point is the Katti Betta peak in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.
Vegetation in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
The vegetation in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary consists of coast tropical evergreen forest and west coast semi evergreen forest. There are about 490 hectares of teak and eucalyptus plantations within the forest area.
The major wildlife animals found in in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary are the Elephant, Bison, Sambar, Deer, Boar, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Jungle Cat and different types of squirrel.
The Aralam Sanctuary is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, so common to the Western Ghats. The sanctuary is cloaked with tropical and semi evergreen forests with about 490 hectares of eucalyptus and teak plantations.
According to statistical reports, 23 species of mammals, 188 of birds, 22 of reptiles, 16 of amphibians, and 39 of fish are found in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary with main faunal attractions being boar, gaur, spotted deer, barking deer, elephant, Nilgiri langur, malabar giant squirrel, and bison, while jungle cats, leopards, and various types of squirrels can also be spotted.
The forest receives an average annual rainfall of around 4000 mm on a consistent basis. Although, 70% of this average rainfall is received during the southwest monsoon that knocks in the month of June and stays on till August.
The temperature at the foothills varies from 21 0C to 40 0C and fluctuates from 8 0C to 25 0C as the altitude increases. April and May are generally the hottest months of the year while it remains relatively cool from the months December through February. Aralam is also known for the Central State Farm, which produces hybrid coconut seeds and is one of the main production centers in the country.
About 490 hectares of teak and eucalyptus plantations populate this bio-rich forest range that houses diverse plant and animal life. The tallest peak here is Katti Betta, scaling to a height of 1,145 m. The hilly terrains provide ample opportunities for trekking while the predominantly evergreen forest teeming with various species of flora and fauna sets the stage for some delightful outdoor activities.
Ecotourism Activities
Home to a variety of birds and animals including elephants, sambar, bison, leopard, boar, deer, jungle cat and different species of squirrels, the Aralam Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. An overnight stay in the forest watchtower provides ample opportunity for spotting the wildlife. The Meenmutty Waterfall near the watchtower is an ideal place to relax. Another interesting pursuit is the trek from Valayanchat to Meenmutty covering a distance of 14 km. The placid Aralam River, not far from the Sanctuary, is an ideal picnic spot.
In and Around
Chavachi and Meenmutty Waterfalls are a must-see, while the nearby Ambalapara Peak is also worth a visit.
How to reach
Air: Nearest airport is at Kozhikode, 115 km southwest.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Thalassery. Road: 45 km from Kannur and Thalassery.
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Neyyar
Neyyar dam is a gravity dam on the Neyyar River in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, South India, located on the foot of the Western Ghats about 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram.It was established in 1958 and is a popular picnic spot. Lying against the southern low hills of the Western Ghats, Neyyar Dam has a scenic lake.
Covered with 12,000 hectares of rich vegetation, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary set up in 1958 is a colourful canvas of exotic flora and thriving fauna. Tropical evergreens, mixed deciduous and southern hill forests to sub-tropical savannahs and reed breaks make this Sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve.
Neyyar dam is situated at Kallikkad Panchayath of Neyyattinkara Taluk. The peak Agasthya kooodam is very near to Neyyar dam. The dam was built for irrigation purposes. One canal of Neyyar flows to western districts of Tamil Nadu. The main river Neyyar flows through Kallikkadu, Ottasekharamangalam, Aryancode, Kezaroor, Marayamuttom, Neyyattinkara and Poovar and ends at the Arabian Sea.
Kallikkadu panchayath has more cultural and historic heritages. The Travancore King Marthanda Varma's footprints are here. he fought against Ettuveettil Pillais and he had to flee from his palace. He walked through the mountains of Kallikkadu such as Agasthakoodam with the Aborigins, Kanikkar. They saved the king and they were rewarded with 36,000 acres (150 km2) of land. this is known as Kanipatt.
After the democratic reign Kanis lost the land and it came under the controle of local land lords. there was a famous strike, Kanipattu Samaram led by Karshaka Sangham. Kallikkad Ramachandran the famous writer and filim maker, K R Ajayan the Journalist and Short story writer are the products Of Kallikkad.
A yoga centre, Sivanantha Ashram, is near to this place, which provides classes about meditation, yoga etc. for foreigners as well as for natives. Several temples are near Neyyardam, including the Veeranakavu Sreedharma Shastha temple and the Mangara Muttom Siva temple.
Spread over 128 sq km of forest area in the Western Ghats, it forms the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar. The Agasthyamalai, 1,890 metres high, lies within the premises of the Sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of plant species including rare medicinal plants and brilliantly coloured orchids. Animals like elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur etc. and a variety of reptiles including the python, viper and the flying snake inhabit this forestland.
Ecotourism Activities
Crocodile watching, boating and trekking are some of the main activities possible here. A medicinal garden near the Crocodile Protection Centre has 178 varieties of plants. The Boat Club organizes boat rides that take visitors around at least two of the six islands, in the easily navigable Neyyar Reservoir extending 9.06 sq km. En route, can be spotted elephants, sambar, quite a few birds as well as the towering Agasthyamalai.
The more adventurous can go on a safari at the Lion Park. The Sanctuary with its amazing variety of homing and migratory birds is a joy for birdwatchers. Trekking to the Agasthya Peak is possible in summer with prior permission from the Forest Department.
In and Around
The Neyyar Dam site with milky water thundering down the sluices of the Dam and the adjacent park with unusual life-like statues are interesting places to see. The famous Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram in Neyyar, renowned for its yoga and ayurvedic treatment, is a 10 minute walk from the Dam site.
How to reach
Air: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (38 km).
Rail: Neyyar is 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station.
Road: 21 km east of Thiruvananthapuram city, the Sanctuary is connected by a network of roads to different parts of the district.
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