ecotourism in kerala essay

Journal of Tourism & Hospitality Open Access

ISSN: 2167-0269

Research Article - (2020)Volume 9, Issue 4

To Examine the Potential and Scope of Ecotourism in Kerala with a Special Focus on Tourists to Ecotourism Destinations in Trivandrum

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" Around the world, ecotourism has been hailed as a panacea: a way to fund conservation and research, protect fragile and pristine ecosystems, benefit rural communities, promote development in poor countries, enhance ecological and cultural sensitivity, instill environmental awareness and social conscience in the travel industry, and satisfy and educate the discriminating tourist ".

At the threshold of the new millennium, tourism has emerged as the biggest industry of the future. Tourism today is an economic activity of immense global importance. Perhaps there is hardly any other field of activity where so many people are involved directly or indirectly. Tourism has found a niche for itself as a very effective instrument for generating employment, earning foreign exchange, and thereby facilitating overall development. Kerala is popularly known as' God's Own Country'. Tourism is the fastest growing industry in Kerala and the State Government has been earnestly supporting the tourism sector and much of its growth is concentrated in natural areas. Changes in the market forces as well as move towards environmentally sensitive and sustainable forms of tourism offers the maximum potential for the promotion of ecotourism in Kerala.

Kerala has excellent natural resources, several wildlife sanctuaries, and National parks. Major ecotourism resources of Kerala are 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 6 National parks, several scenic mountains, freshwater lakes, mangroves, etc. In Kerala 56 places have been identified for development as ecotourism destinations emphasizing conservation, ecological sustainability, environmental education, and local community benefits. Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala is one such destination. In this background, an attempt is made to study the potential and scope of ecotourism in Kerala with a special focus on Tourists to Ecotourism destinations in Trivandrum.

Ecotourism; Destinations; Tourists; Tourist arrival; Tourist penetration; Ecotourism impacts

Introduction

The origins of commercial enterprise have long historical roots. Humans have cosmopolitan since individuals used to move from one place to a different another. The needs of travel were trade, known secular obligations, economic benefits, war, migration, etc. However, the history of recent travel and commercial enterprise is merely about a century recent (Cooper, 2012). Tourism has toughened continuing growth over the decades and it’s become one in all quickest growing economic sectors with in the world [ 1 ].

The idea of tourism as a development involves the movement of individuals at intervals in their own countries or across the national borders. Wahab has written of " the anatomy of tourism composed of three elements: man, the creator of the act of tourism; area, the physical part to be essentially lined by the act itself; and time, the temporal part that is compared by the trip itself and the stay at the destination" [ 2 ].

Today ecotourism is one in all the quickest-growing segments of the commercial enterprise trade - Its potential growth is nearly unlimited. Ecotourism provides additional pleasurable experiences for tourists through additional meaty connections with native individuals and a larger understanding of the native cultural, social, and environmental problems, etc. It encourages respect between tourists and hosts and designed native pride and confidence.

Ecotourism is an alternative type with the first objective of geographic region experience to the nature lovers. Its a paradigm, philosophy, and catalyst to push accountable travel to study get pleasure from, and admire the natural beauty, wild animals, plants, and native culture. Promoting ecotourism through community participation will facilitate conserve the ecology and environment and improve the well-being of native individuals.

Ecotourism may be a purposeful visit to natural areas to grasp the cultural and explanation of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the scheme whereas providing economic opportunities that build conservation of natural resources useful to the native individual. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people." Ecotourism typically involves travel to a destination where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

The history of ecotourism is also dated back to the 1950s and it had been not well known widely recognized or understood as a variety of attractions. Some choose countries within the African continent that are in the limelight for a jungle hunting expedition and life observation. The requirement for recreational hunting zones led to the creation of protected areas, National Parks and Game Reserves. The idea of ecotourism became wide better known and was smartly studied in the 1980s as a subject integrated with ecology, social science, sociology, ecology, and environmental science.

Honey (1999) remarked that ecotourism was developed within the womb of the environmental movement in the 1970s and 1980s. During this period, the world witnessed the awakening of governments for the preservation of ecology and the environment. The literature about nature tourism and the environmental impacts of the industry dates back to the late 1970s.

The concept of ecotourism became widely known and was vigorously studied in the 1980s as a subject integrated with ecology, anthropology, sociology, ecology, and environmental science. Ecotourism is regarded as one of the forms of responsible tourism and is an integral part of sustainable tourism development, which was declared as a global strategy during the World Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Before one decade of the World Summit, Krippendorf (1982) coined the term "Alternative Tourism "However, it was Hector Ceballos-Lascurain who provided a precise and acceptable definition on ecotourism. The definition is stated as "traveling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objective of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestation (both past and present) found in these areas" [ 3 ].

Kerala-the 'Gods own Country' is unique in its culture and tradition. Kerala is the perfect eco-tourism with all its greenery and natural beauty. Kerala tourism follows a sustainable tourism model adopting various suitable parameters. Kerala believes in qualitative tourism attracting a limited number of visitors who are high spenders and who value local culture, community, and environment. The State has evolved a good model of Private Public Partnership in the tourism industry so that quality management is ensured. It also adheres to Environmental Impact norms, Coastal Regulatory Zone norms, and others. It also insists on the promotion of Eco practices. Ecotourism is a major vertical in sustainable tourism. In 2014, Kerala was awarded Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance for Sustainable Tourism by United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Its ecotourism initiatives including nature-based programs; wildlife resources beaches, backwaters, and mountains which are the major attractions for both domestic and international tourists [ 4 ].

The success of a destination is largely influenced by the tourists that travel to it and the host's ability to accommodate as many different tourist types as possible Akama & Kieti (2003). It is incredibly important to have a well-balanced destination to provide for numerous tourist types as well as to provide for the host population. In Trivandrum many varieties of travel and safari packages that are available. These range from high- to low-end experiences based largely on accommodations and type of experience.

Ecotourism has become an emerging form of alternative tourism and it provides authentic experiences to nature lovers and enthusiasts. It is an accountable visit to study, enjoy and admire the natural beauty together with wild animals, plants, and native culture. The first objective of introducing and promoting ecotourism is to conserve the setting and therefore the social and economic well being of native individuals. Conservation of multifariousness and cultural diversity is one of the necessary principles of ecotourism. It promotes the property use of natural resources and provides ample opportunities for financial gain and employment within the touristy destinations.

Laarman and Durst (1987) outline it as a natural commercial enterprise within which the traveler is drawn to a destination as a result of his or her interest in one or additional options of that destination's natural history [ 5 ].

The International Ecotourism Society in 1991 produced one of the earliest definitions -"Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people".

Significance of ecotourism

Ecotourism offers opportunities to the people in the backward and remote areas to take the economic benefits. The main goal of ecotourism is to strengthen the cause of conservation by providing informed wilderness experience to visitors and it enables the visitors to study and enjoy the forest, wildlife, people, and their culture by providing additional employment opportunities for local communities.

As a result, resource dependency can be reduced to a larger extent. At the same time, it can be a powerful means for protecting and promoting the unique biodiversity along with landscapes and seascapes provided the principles of ecotourism are implemented. With the percolation effects of tourist expenditures, local people play the role of crusaders for the protection of flora and fauna.

Thus, ecotourism provides paid employment to villagers and the types of employment being generated included guides, porters, conservation workers, small shopkeepers. The ecotourism policy is to develop a sustainable community-oriented and managed approach to enforce rules for the visitors, service providers, and community members [ 6 - 8 ].

Objectives of ecotourism

• To provide compatible and sustainable tourism

• To provide enlightened wilderness experience to the visitors and local inhabitants

• To impart nature education to different target groups such as children, teachers, bureaucrats, media persons, rural people, and politicians who influence the policy-making decisions at the local, state, and national levels.

• To provide park or sanctuary interpretation facilities to generate conservation awareness among the visitors by discovering wonders of nature and its intricate relationship; and by bringing about change in perception about one's own natural and cultural environment.

• To strengthen the staff and infrastructure for managing the ecotourism and interpretation programs.

• To make employment opportunities for native individuals to cater to the wants of tourists in raising taxis, hotels, engagement in ret houses, lodges, etc.

• To generate sufficient revenue and make the activity of eco tourism self-sustaining as far as possible.

• To Involve local people in recycling the revenue from tourism for improvement of resources and facilities in the villages by subsidizing alternate energy devices, improving educational and medical facilities.

According to World Travel Organization (WTO), "tourists are defined as persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business or other purposes" (Stephen, 2009). Though a tourism destination can exist without any facilities, there is no tourism without tourists. This may be the reason behind the researchers' curiosity to probe into the details of visitors like ethnicity, satisfaction, spending pattern,attitude, etc. The labels 'responsible tourist', 'good tourists', and 'green tourists' are very thoughtful (Sharply & Telfer, 2002; Swarbrooke, 1999, and Wood & House, 1992). According to Krippendrorf, a responsible tourist prefers a trip that is least harmful to the environment, least disturbing for the people and cultures of the destinations [ 9 ].

Types of ecotourists

Eco-tourists have positive attitudes in themselves about the environment, culture, and development. Learning about the traditions and customs of the community, experiencing the cuisine, and watching the fairs and festivals are some of the key dimensions of ecotourism that majority of eco-tourists wish to do at the ecotourism sites. Eco-tourists are generally informed about the green practices, the size of the group, employment practices of the company, and other organizations associated with the trips. The economic benefit from the trip must percolate down to the local community [ 10 ].

Kusler (1991) proposed three main groups of eco-tourists, namely do it yourself (those eco-tourists are independent, flexible and mobile), ecotourism on tours (those are up-market group tours with demand for comfort and soft ecotourism activities) and school or scientific groups (their principal focus is to acquire and spread environmental education or research). In the same year, Lindberg (1991)- emphasized the importance of dedication and time as a function of defining and classifying different types of eco-tourists based on their travel profiles. He identified four basic types of eco-tourists: hardcore nature tourists, dedicated nature tourists, mainstream nature tourists, casual nature tourists.

Ecotourism in Kerala

Kerala has not done well in agriculture and industry in the past few decades. During this context, the state was that specialize in the event of services connected trade that is currently thought of as the sunrise section of the state's economy. More attention is now bestowed on tourism, information technology, health services, and education. Kerala Tourism started Hospitality Department in 1950. Tourism as a department came into being in the 1960s. The enormous potential of tourism in Kerala was only examined in the 7th plan. Over the last decade, the expansion in the tourism sector in Kerala has been amazing. Kerala is progressively rated as one among the 50 must-see destinations of the world. Indian tourism has been growing consistently for the last three decades. Kerala, because of its notorious labor militancy image, always faced problems in attracting investors. Tourism is an amalgam of various productive sectors like transportation, accommodation, catering, recreation, and travel-related services. This implies that the development of tourism can facilitate to come up with earnings to completely of stakeholders, viz. taxi drivers, craftsmen, airline operators, tourist guides, and shop keepers, and so on. The financial gain generated through tourism can multiply and flow down to even the bottom strata of the economy. The industry, by its employment and income-generating impact, is expected to play a strategic role in accelerating the economic development of Kerala.

Kerala is one of the most renowned eco-destinations. Kerala ecotourism aims to let people have an insight into the local culture. Most of the foreign tourists choose eco-friendly areas to visit because Kerala has many destinations known for their natural beauty and exquisite landscape. Ecotourism along with pilgrim, backwater, and village tourism are propelling this field into new levels of progression with each passing day. Undoubtedly our wealth is nature. Kerala has a protected area of 2,324 sq.km with two national parks and 12 wildlife sanctuaries. The development of Ecotourism in the Western Ghats of Kerala, with its tropical forest eco-system, provides a natural advantage for the tourists [ 11 ].

The major ecotourism products are broadly classified as beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. In Kerala, these are largely spread over the Western Ghats regions. The recorded forest area in Kerala is 1112559 sq.kms. Forest, wetlands, mangroves, and aquatic ecosystems are the major types of ecosystems in Kerala. As per official classification, Kerala has 41 west-flowing rivers and 3 east-flowing rivers. Unlike many other states in India, Kerala is rich with evergreen forests. It has over 25% of India's 15,000 plant species, where the majority of them grow in the Western Ghats. It includes 150 ferns, 4000 flowering plants, 600 fungi, 800 lichens, and 200 mosses. A large number of them are endemic to Kerala. Fifty-six places have been identified for the development of ecotourism destinations which emphasize conservation, ecological sustainability, environmental education, and local community benefits. A separate ecotourism wing has been set up to give policy support for the development of the ecotourism destinations in the state.

Ecotourism spots in Kerala

Most of the resources suitable for ecotourism development are under the control of the Forest department. So it is impossible to promote eco-tourism without the help of the Forest department. The Forest Department is evolving modalities for developing community-based ecotourism products in the already identified potential ecotourism spots, through the institution of Vana Samrakshna Samithi (VSS) or Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) that is the committee of the local dependent communities [ 12 ].

Sixty eco-tourism destinations are functioning in the State implemented through the forest department ( Table 1 ).

Source-kerala.forest.govt.in

Table 1: Ecotourism destinations in Kerala.

The region selected for the study is Thiruvananthapuram district additionally called Trivandrum (Anglicised name),is found in the southernmost district of Kerala State and is the capital town. Mahatma Gandhi referred Trivandrum city as "Evergreen city of India". It is placed between 8°17'and 8°51' North latitudes and 76°41' and 77°17' East longitudes' and is bounded by Lakshadweep island to its west and the Western Ghats to its east.

The city has its boundaries with Kollam district lies on the north, Thirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu on the east and the south respectively. Trivandrum district is treated as one Revenue Division, which spreads over 2192 sq.kms. The district has four taluks viz. Thiruvananthapuram, Chirayinkeezhu, Nedumangad, and Neyyantinkara with12 development blocks and 115 revenue villages of 1st Jan 2006. The population of the district as per census 2011 is 3,307,284. Though the district accounts for only 5.64% of States area it comprises 9.9% of the state population. Among the southern districts, Trivandrum shows a high population growth rate ( Figure 1 ).

Figure 1: Ecotourism map of Kerala district map of Thiruvananthapuram.

Statement of the problem

Tourism is the most potential sector that has the power to grow about economic aspects by which the standard of the life of the local community could be upgraded.

The government of Kerala views ecotourism as one of the ways to improve the economy particularly within the context of restricted prospects of the producing sector, issues within the agricultural and traditional sectors, and uncertainties in farming expatriate employment in the gulf. Ecotourism has emerged as a vital sector for generating employment and income. Therefore careful management is necessary to get maximum benefits and minimum negative impacts. Also, a study on the trend and pattern of Tourist's arrival to Ecotourism Destinations in Trivandrum is pertinent [ 13 - 15 ].

Trivandrum is envisioned as a green city of various functional aspects with an economically lively compact urban form possessing global standards in basic facilities and services. It is the gateway for tourism in Kerala. The city is bestowed with immense scope for the development of tourism in various forms like natural tourism, heritage tourism, religious tourism, cultural tourism, healthcare tourism, educational tourism, and ecotourism offering 'Total Experience'- heritage, beaches, backwaters, wildlife and hill stations. The city can provide a variety of attractions for tourist making like heritage tourism, religious tourism, natural tourism, cultural tourism, health care, etc. It a must-visit location in the tour itinerary of domestic and foreign tourists [ 16 - 18 ].

The development of Ecotourism in Trivandrum will be a major addition to the growth of Kerala into a premier global tourism destination. It will help to improve the contribution of the sector to Kerala's economy. Ecotourism is a remarkable and pivotal part of tourism in Trivandrum because it enhances the natural and cultural integrity of the people responsibly. Ecotourism destinations in Trivandrum are located at Neyyar dam, Agasthyarvanam, Pondmudi, Peepara Mankayam, and Arippa regions. Ecotourism activities such as trekking, rock climbing, elephant safari, nature camping, river cruise by rafting, wildlife watching, bird watching, etc. have ample scope in these regions

Trivandrum has set the objective of raising the quality of visitor attraction in protected areas and sees an opportunity to raise the number of visitors and the standard of wildlife conservation. However, the achievement of this objective is under question mark if it does not specify the importance of considering the livelihood of the community who are found in and around the protected area. Without strong support from the community, the development of Tourism, and its quality of Tourism experience will be constrained.

In Trivandrum, ecotourism has now been misunderstood or not properly understood by many tour operating companies, and tourism project developers may jump on the ecotourism bandwagon and project an environmentally conscientious image as a part of their business marketing strategy. Thus ecotourism can be misinterpreted and exploited to justify tourism development in pristine areas, which may be sacrificed to maximize tourist numbers and profits. As the number of tourists increases, ecotourism becomes mass tourism and generates similar infrastructural demands and proportionate impact on the environment as conventional tourism [ 19 ].

A large number of foreign and domestic tourists and people of governmental and non-governmental business converge to the city of Thiruvananthapuram with high aspirations. But the carrying capacity of the city is such that it cannot provide high-quality infrastructure to the satisfaction of its users. Even though the city has many tourism spots, the quality of infrastructure and other amenities are not up to the mark. There is no agency to constantly monitor and ensure the quality of infrastructure and other facilities offered by travel operators and hotels.

The present study "Potential and Scope of Ecotourism in Kerala with special focus on Tourists to Ecotourism Destinations in Trivandrum is useful to find, the trend and pattern of tourist arrivals in Kerala and Trivandrum district, their opinion concerning Trivandrum as a tourist site and the facilities provided there and additionally the environmental and socio-cultural impact. Because of the cited importance, it is worthwhile to conduct a study on the above-mentioned topic.

Objectives of Research

1. To examine the potential and scope of ecotourism in Kerala

2. To make an in-depth assessment to understand the tourist's arrival to Kerala during the past five years.

3. To examine the various ecotourism sites and the development in Trivandrum district.

4. To create an in-depth analysis of the tourist arrival and therefore the impacts on Eco tourist destinations to Trivandrum both foreign and domestic during 2017-2018.

Ecotourism spots in Trivandrum

There are six ecotourism spots in Thiruvananthapuram. The following are the initiatives of the Forest department towards the development of ecotourism.

Agastyarvanam biological park

Agasthyarvanamis one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats and is the second-highest peak in Kerala after Anamudi with a height of about 1,869 meters (6,132 ft) above sea level. It lies on the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This mountain belongs to the Ashambu Hills, the southern end of Western Ghats. The forests around this peak are famous for the abundance of rare medicinal herbs and plants. It is known for trekking. The trek to the peak is 28 km long from Bonacaud and requires 2 days. Elephants and wild bulls are in abundance in this part, especially in the evenings. The original inhabitants of these hills are a tribe known as "Kanis". Currently, about 400 Kani families are living around these areas [ 20 ].

Neyyar and peppara eco-tourism project

The two wildlife sanctuaries in Thiruvananthapuram Districts are Neyyar and Peepara. Neyyar is situated 30 km east of Thiruvananthapuram via katakana, the sanctuary stretches from Neyyantinkara Taluk to Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Neyyar wildlife sanctuary was set up in 1958 and it is covered with 12,000 hectares of rich vegetation.

Tropical evergreens, mixed deciduous and southern hill forests to sub-tropical savannahs and reed breaks make this sanctuary an ideal place for the tourists. 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 at present in these sanctuaries is limited to conducting nature camps, visiting crocodile rehabilitation center, lion safari park, deer rehabilitation center, and boating in the reservoirs in both the sanctuaries. Very few groups mainly foreign tourists only are at present availing the trekking programs. To make more and more people interact and understand the forests, their importance, and their sustainable management for present and future generations, a few trekking programs have been envisaged. Some of the tourist attractions include Crocodile watching, boating, trekking, and Lion park safari.

Ponmudi (Kashmir of Kerala) is located 53 km north-east of Trivandrum City, 78km south-east of Varkala Beach, and 69km north-east of Kovalam Beach at an altitude of 1100 m. It is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. The normal temperature of Ponmudi is between 18°C to 25°C. Ponmudi is a popular spot for trekking. Other attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and several rivulets and rapids, some even across the road. The lush forest area has tropical vegetation. A variety of wildlife inhabits the hills. The Golden Valley offers vistas of the hills and access to the Kallar River. Flowing through a wilderness area, it has rounded pebbles, cool water, fish, and lush green trees.

A natural spring, flowering trees, and orchids in plenty are found in the Valley. There is also a Deer Park just three km away from the resort. There is a golden Valley for bathing, where a cool, crystalclear mountain stream splashes down the rocks.

Kallar eco-tourism project

Kallar near Ponmudi is in Thiruvananthapuram district. This is a valley of the Vamanapuram River. Lots of tourists on the way to Ponmudi choose Kallar as a recreation spot. A waterfall named Meenmutty 3 kilometers inside the forest from the Kallar bus stop attracts a lot of trekkers. Identifying the spot and the waterfall the Directorate of Ecotourism submitted a proposal for developing eco-tourism programs along the river. The facilities envisaged were bathing ghats, tree huts as a watchtower, toilets change rooms, trek path to the falls, signage's, cafeteria, etc. as this area was under the Thiruvananthapuram forest division the Divisional forest officer was the implementing agency for the project. The forest department had formulated a Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS) involving the residents and the VSS was engaged in the development of the primary infrastructure. The VSS after the development of the primary infrastructure opened the spot to tourists in 2004. Now lots of domestic tourists are attracted to the destination. The local VSS members guide them and provide all the required facilities.

Mankayam is a favorite spot for both nature and adventure tourists. is found in the Nedumangadu taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district. The soil here is very fertile and there is a large choice of Flora. The vegetation includes evergreen and semi-evergreen etc. A big waterfall in this area is Kalakkayam waterfall which is covered by rocky areas. There are a lot of picturesque spots here and trekking can also be done. There is the ecotourism zone which is covered by a variety of forest types from Mankayam to Kurisadi. Trekking of all types of medium, soft and adventure is possible.

Collection of Data

The study of this paper is mainly gathered with some exploratory methods in processing the research. The research is intended to cover certain specific locations where there are existing ecotourism projects in Thiruvananthapuram. The data required for this study were collected from secondary sources like the Kerala Tourism Department, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Kerala Travel and Tourism Studies (KITTS), State Planning Board, local bodies in the study area, publications of various government institutions and internet, etc. A self-structured questionnaire based on the perception of tourists in different dimensions of ecotourism i.e. environmental and socio-economic were constructed.

The total respondents were 100 from Neyyar Agasthayarkudam and Ponmudi Ecotourism destinations, out of which 20 are international tourists, 40 respondents from national and 40 from local tourists. The Likert scale is used to measure the attitude of the respondents agree or disagree with a statement. In this Likert scale item coded as follows; 1 -Very Low, 2- Low, 3- Medium, 4- High, and 5- Very High.

Literature Review

The literature on tourism has expanded enormously and there have been studies of the history of tourism (Sigaux1966, White 1967) the development of seaside resorts (Gilbert 1939; Wall 1967; as quoted in Mathieson and Wall, 1982) Tourism geography is the study of tourism within the concepts, frames, orientations, and venues of the discipline of geography and accompanying fields of geographical knowledge. The present review of literature is an attempt to highlight the different studies which deal with ecotourism.

In the literature, ecotourism is often used interchangeably with "nature-based tourism" or "nature tourism" although it should be noted that many scholars believe there to be a distinction (Orams, 1995; Burton 1998) Additionally, ecotourism has an educational or interpretative element to it where the participants can learn about relevant environmental issues as well as develop skills to minimize the impact that they have on the environment (Burton, 1998). The long term viability of the ecotourism industry depends on the satisfaction of visitors and it is very essential for the survival of ecotourism destinations. It is a form of responsible tourism where visitor satisfaction depends upon the management of the ecotourism destination as well as the level of environmental awareness of the tourists. As ecotourism destinations have limited infrastructure to cope up with sustainability principles, the satisfaction of tourists becomes difficult for its success.

Bhatia (1993) in his book 'Tourist Development – Principles and Practices' has noted that the underdeveloped region of a country can greatly be benefited from tourism development. Sudheer's (1992) study on 'Tourism in Kerala-Problems and Prospects' highlighted the importance of tourism in Kerala and various problems confronting the tourism sector. According to Vijayakumar (1995) "ecotourism implies enjoyment of nature's bounty as well as understanding the culture and natural history of the environment". His thesis mainly stressed the promotion of ecotourism in Kerala as it cares about the conservation of eco-system while respecting the environment.

Katja Pactz (1997) studied the connection between property development and commercial enterprise and concluded that "sustainable development is to be seen because the approach forward to ensure the long term viability of the tourism business". Babu Paul (2001), in his paper entitled 'A Perspective Paper on Tourism Development in Kerala' highlighted the profile of tourism in Kerala and brought out the constraints and prospects of the tourism industry. Niranjan Das and Syiemelieh (2004) in their study 'Ecotourism in Assam' explain that Assam has tremendous potentiality for growth and development of ecotourism. Assam forms a part of global biodiversity hot spot, with varieties of flora and fauna, which can provide a sound base to start eco-tourism ventures.

Anitha and Muraleedharan (2006) evaluate the economic valuation of ecotourism development in the Southern-Western Ghats of Kerala. The study also attempts to estimate the economic potentials of the ecotourism. The results show that sustainable development initiatives through enhancement in employment, income, etc ensures the livelihood security of the people. This helps in achieving the primary goals of conservation of natural resources and improvement in the standard of living of the local households. The study recommends for "One Tourist One Rupee Ten Trees Program" and suggests suitable strategies and action plans.

MH Salim (2008) conducted a study on 'encash the tourism potential of Kerala through Kerala Financial Corporation'(KFC) in Kerala. This study analyzed that infrastructure development holds the key to India's sustained growth in the tourism sector. Therefore the ministry of tourism has been making efforts to develop quality tourism infrastructure at tourist destinations and circuits [ 21 ].

Tourists Statistics of Kerala

Table 2 indicates that the number of foreign tourists per thousand Keralites is an increasing trend. In 2015 there are 1.26 foreign tourists per thousand local people in Kerala and it increased to 1.47 in 2018. In the case of foreign tourists penetration rate Ernakulam (5.91) and Thiruvananthapuram (5.70) show the highest rate and Palakkad shows the lowest (0.10).

Source: Compiled by the researcher

Table 2: Tourist penetration rate of Kerala both foreign and domestic 2014-2018.

Table 3 indicates that the number of domestic tourists per thousand Keralites is an increasing trend. In 2014 there are 5.66 domestic tourists per thousand local people in Kerala and it increased to 7.20 in 2018. In the case of domestic tourists penetration rate Ernakulam (16.59) and Wayanad (16.35) show the highest rate and Malappuram shows the lowest (1.97). Thus the differences in the tourist penetration rate are affected by the institutional setups in the state. The important activities of these institutional setups are catalyzing private investment, strengthening promotional activities, marketing activities, and training manpower resources. That is different agencies under the state government in Kerala, plays a crucial role in coordinating and supplementing efforts of the state government to enhance the tourist arrivals to the state. The major institutional setup for the tourism promotion in Kerala is the department of tourism ( Figures 2 and 3 ).

Figure 2: Foreign tourist’s arrival statistics.

Figure 3: Tourists arrivals domestic: 2014-2018.

Table 3: District wise tourist domestic penetration rate of Kerala from 2011 to 2018.

Tables 4-6 reveal Foreign Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2018 crossed 1,096,407 showing an increase of 0.42% of the previous years. It shows an increase of 5.15% over the previous year. Domestic Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2018 is 15,604,661. It shows an increase of 6.35% over the previous year's figure 13,172,535.Foreign exchange earnings for the year 2018 are Rs: 8764.4 6Crores which recorded an increase of 4.4 4% over the previous year. Total Revenue (including direct & indirect) from Tourism during 2017 is Rs 36,258.01 Crores, showing an increase of 8.61% over the last year's figure. The tourist statistics indicate that Kerala has benefitted immensely from the tourism sector.

Table 4: Foreign tourists arrival Statistics: 2014-2018.

Table 5: Domestic tourists arrival statistics: 2014-2018.

Source: Tourism Department, Government of Kerala

Table 6: Earnings from tourism 2014-2018 (RS in Crores)

Table 7 shows that in 2018 the maximum number of foreign tourists visited Kerala during January followed by February and domestic tourists in December and May.

Table 7: Month wise foreign and domestic tourist arrivals during 2018.

Table 8 reveals that out of 1.56 crore domestic tourist visits, 9.74 million visits (62.42%) were made by Keralites. Tamil Nadu contributed 8.84% of the domestic tourist visits. It was followed by Karnataka with a share of 6.42% and Maharashtra with a share of 3.66%. The other major source markets are Andhra Pradesh (1.8%), Gujarat (1.54%), and Delhi (1.65%). In the year 2016, the % share of Keralites against the total domestic tourists was 66.05% which shows that the contribution of the other states against the total domestic tourists increased significantly this year ( Figure 4 ).

Figure 4: Tourists visiting Kerala.

Source:  Tourism Statistics-2018,Tourism Department Government of Kerala

Table 8: Distribution of domestic tourist visits in Kerala.

Table 9 reveals Foreign exchange earnings from tourism have shown steady growth over the years. In 2018, Kerala has earned 8764.46 crores as foreign exchange earnings from tourism against 8392.11 crores in the year 2017 showing a growth of 4.44%. Ernakulam and Trivandrum lead in foreign exchange earnings ( Figure 5 ).

Figure 5: Foreign exchange earnings 2017-2018.

Source: Kerala Tourism Statistics(2018)

Table 9: District wise foreign exchange earnings from tourism- 2017-2018.

Data Analysis And Interpretation

Among the 22 territorial divisions of the state, the number of foreign tourists arrived in the territorial division of Kerala for the year 2017-18 is highest at Athirapally ecotourism center which lies in the Charpa range of Vazhachal division with 15773 foreign visitors and the second is Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram with 3356 foreign travelers. The total foreign visitors at Vazhachal are 16301 and Trivandrum is 4990. The other territorial divisions the no. of foreign tourists is comparatively less. There are many places like Achencovil, Anchal, Konni, Kalady, Mannrkkad, Aganganmala, Meenvallam, and Dhoni waterfalls in Palakkad, Kakkad, Kakkavayal, Peruvannamuzhi, Janakikkad in Kozhikode, Manathavady in Wayanad were the no of foreign travelers reported zero. Nedumgayam of Nilambur south and Azhakapuri, Paithalmala of Kannur division the number of foreign tourists is reported 19,18and 15 respectively.

The number of native tourists is recorded highest at Athirapally of Charpa range Vazhachal with 1324074 native tourists followed by Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram district with 448097 and then Konni ecotourism and Treetop huts with 187092 native tourists. The least recorded native tourist is at Begur in Waynad with 758 and 401 native travelers ( Tables 10-12 ).

Source: Kerala Forest Department

Table 10: Details of tourists and income generated from eco-tourism activities in territorial and wildlife divisions of Trivandrum 2015-2016.

Table 11: Details of tourists and income generated from eco-tourism activities in territorial and wildlife divisions of Trivandrum 2016-2017.

Table 12: Details of tourists and income generated from eco-tourism activities in wildlife divisions of Trivandrum during 2017-2018.

The total number of foreign tourist visiting eco-tourism destinations at Ponmudi, Mankayam and Kallar Trivandrum during 2015-16 was 3842 and the native tourists was380,774 and the total income generated was 10,882,370/- whereas in the wildlife sanctuaries in Thiruvananthapuram the total foreign travelers are7518 and native tourist 142,788 and the total amount generated was 16,738,590/-. In 2017-18 the foreign tourist in the territorial divisions in Thiruvananthapuram have increased to 4900and the Native tourist also increased to 603,370 and the income generated was16,804,142 as compared to 2015-16and in the wildlife sanctuaries the total foreign tourist has increased to 6520 and native tourist to 167,204 and the total income generated was 10,433,804/-. The native tourist to Neyyar and Peepara wildlife sanctuaries was more in 2015-16 and less in 2017-18 and the foreign tourist visitors at Neyyar in 2017-18 was also less. An amount of 1453.66 lakh has been generated towards eco-tourism activities in various ecotourism centers in 2015-16 and an increase of 1667.94 lakh has been generated towards eco-tourism activities in various eco-tourism centers in 22 territorial divisions in the State during 2017-18 [ 22 ].

Table 13 shows that the most number of tourists arriving Trivandrum is National and local tourists and foreign tourists are second in position [ 23 - 25 ].

Table 13: Showing the category of tourist (Source: Computed by the researcher).

Table14 reveals that a low level of response (305 scores) regarding the negative environmental impact on Neyyar, Agasthyarvanam, and Ponmudi. About 72% of tourists believe that these hill stations are not affected by any decreased impact on landscape change. These Ecotourist spots still preserve the beauty and can accommodate ecotourism development in a wide manner the effort of the Forest department and tourism department proved a positive recognition in protecting the landscape characteristics, at the same time high level of response generated from tourists regarding positive environmental impact especially to preserve the accessible water resource (73%). At the same time, the response level was negligible with 'very low 'for in positive environmental impact regarding the need for increased environmental education and efforts (51% in environmental efforts). The importance of environmental awareness was stressed by all tourists with medium to the high-level rating.

Source: Computed by the researcher

Table 14: Perception of tourists on environmental quality in Trivandrum.

In the given Table 15 , the socio-cultural impact is been decided with the parameters of rising the infrastructure. Involvement of local people in tourist activities, increasing gender equity, better information access, and approach to tourists end ups in the traveler opinioned with medium and low positive impacts, whereas sharing expertise and culture with traveler supported high positive impacts [ 25 - 27 ].

Table 15: Tourist perception on socio-cultural influence in ecotourism destinations in Trivandrum.

About 73% of the tourists extremely supported the very fact that Neyyar, Agastyarvanam, and Ponmudi are tourist-oriented. Based on the opinion from tourists, it ought to be noted that the main focus of taking part the tribal communities is needed for better ecotourism development, In the case of increasing gender equity in tourism development in these regions the response was low (61%). This may be because of the risk and safety factor perceived by tourists for this low level of response in considering gender equity in ecotourism development in Ponmudi and Agastyarvanam.

Kerala could be converted into a tourist paradise and there is considerable scope for it. The returns from the tourism economy can effectively answer to the problems of unemployment and nonproductivity present today in the state. Trivandrum is a paradise for nature lovers. Its coastal location, greenery, evergreen forest, mountains, hills, valleys stream, rivers, backwaters, beaches, lagoons, cultural heritage, and rich bio-diversity provide a wide base for the development of eco-tourism. The success of the Eco-development project in Trivandrum reflects the concern for achieving a balance between conservation of the forest and wildlife and livelihood of people living in and around it Ecotourism can help the local people for economic development. The local people in the ecotourism spots can attain high economic development through the implementation of suitable economic projects in these places. Attempts are to be made to attract a greater number of tourists both foreign and domestic to these ecotourism destinations potential of Kerala. Countries like the UK, France, Germany, USA, etc are very good markets and hence more tourists can be obtained from these nations.

As per the tourism data (Tourism Department, Government of Kerala) about 10.96 lakh international tourists visited Kerala during 2018. Thiruvananthapuram holds the second position with 3.43 lakhs foreign tourist arrivals followed by Alappuzha with 95000 tourist arrivals, while Ernakulamleads with total foreign tourist arrival of 4.88 lakh. The total domestic tourist arrivals to the capital city were recorded at R27.12 lakh while it was 25.05 lakh in 2017, showing an increase of over two lakh domestic visitors. Though the city was not much affected by the flood in 2018, the capital city, however, witnessed a reverse trend from September which continued up to December with an average decline of 9.34 in four months, worrying about the industry. The tourism officers attributed the negative trend to the unseemly unrest which happened in connection with the Sabarimala issue. The tourism statistics released by the Tourism Department puts forth an alarming trend, with tourist arrivals taking a dip. The Nipah scare and the floods had their effect on tourism with domestic as well as foreign tourists eschewing Kerala from their travel itinerary.

Kerala can further move up in international tourism with strategic planning and regular monitoring of the activities done. It is the role of Government and other local authorities to improve communication strategies and providing more exposure to our destinations and other tourist attractions will improve this scenario. The Study of tourist destinations in hill-stations of Trivandrum offers a pleasant climate, calmness with great potentialities of promoting ecotourism. The study evaluated the positive and negative impacts of ecotourism developments in Neyyar, Agasthyarvanam, and Ponmudi ecotourism destinations in Trivandrum and to assess the environmental and socio-cultural impacts of ecotourism development in these regions. The analysis of collected data reveals that environmental quality in terms of conserving natural resources, improving environmental quality Agasthyarvanam, and Ponmudi achieving good status. The low status observed in negative environmental impacts like ecosystem damage and natural hazards.

The perception against socio-cultural influence and communication, local people participation, and gender equity needs to be improved while less distortion observed on the loss of cultural value and heritage and leading primary work to tourism-based jobs. The study finally concludes that there needs to have appropriate planning for these destinations to provide infrastructural facilities for ecotourism development. Furthermore, new potential sites for ecotourism development are to be identified and planning is to be made accordingly for their development to promote and attract travelers from India and abroad. Solely the combined and sincere effort from each stakeholder as well as every city will bring a positive amendment within the growth of tourism. It's additionally necessary that the requirement for communities and conservation ought to go hand in hand.

Suggestions

Tourism today is considered as an industry adding a considerable amount to the exchequer. It is revealed from the survey that in Trivandrum, domestic tourist is coming more than a foreign tourist. Infrastructural facilities should be improved to attract foreign visitors so that earnings from tourism will be more.

• Steps should be taken to improving marketing facilities for ecotourism promotion in Trivandrum district. Ecotourism marketing is different from traditional marketing as it involves the marketing of products and services with positive ecological outcomes to environmentally concerned consumers.

• Implementation of proper security measures during boating should be a must. Special care should be given to women tourists and children.

• The tourist information centers are necessary. To provide proper information and education for visitors, tourist information centers are necessary. To earn foreign exchange, proper-publicity should be made to attract foreign tourists towards ecotourism. Ecotourism exhibition is an important tool for ecotourism promotion. Brochures and guidebooks can also be used as a promotional method. Advertising and mass communication media can be used for the promotion of ecotourism. It is recommended promotion should be taken up. Internet and social networking sites for marketing.

• The tourist spots should be 'plastic-free'. Adequate waste boxes should be kept in all tourist areas to keep the surroundings clean. These wastes should be collected and Hi-tech pollution control equipment should be used to prevent pollution.

• Separate policies are required for ecotourism, distinguishing it from mainstream tourism operations. We need long term planning. The Government and other agencies should examine ways to assist with ecotourism operations research.

• Implement modern ticket- issuing system to visitors and also impart training to Staff on GPS, computer application, etc.

• Empowerment of women and indigenous people economically and socially to take part in tourism development.

• The cultural value, social system, economic system, the way of life, local environment, and political setup should be preserved and respected.

• Giving employment to the local community in managing home stays, cooking, serving as guides, involving in rescue operations, maintenance of premises and monitoring, acting as guides to bird lovers, etc

• Providing a platform to showcase their skills such as handicrafts, pottery, etc., this would also enable them to earn an extra income.

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Author Info

Citation: Ranjith M (2020) To Examine the Potential and Scope of Ecotourism in Kerala with a Special Focus on Tourists to Ecotourism Destinations in Trivandrum. J Tourism Hospit 9:433. doi: 10.35248/2167-0269.20.9.433

Received: 09-Jun-2020 Accepted: 29-Jun-2020 Published: 06-Jul-2020 , DOI: 10.35248/2167-0269.20.9.433

Copyright: © Ranjith M. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

• DOI: 10.35248/2167-0269.20.9.433
• Corpus ID: 222139597

To Examine the Potential and Scope of Ecotourism in Kerala with a Special Focus on Tourists to Ecotourism Destinations in Trivandrum

• Published 2020
• Environmental Science, Business
• Journal of Tourism and Hospitality

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• Sreerekha. M. Ecology and Economy: A Case Study on Thenmala Ecotourism in Kerala, India. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences . Vol. 8, No. 6, 2020, pp 351-354. https://pubs.sciepub.com/aees/8/6/4 ">Normal Style
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Ecology and Economy: A Case Study on Thenmala Ecotourism in Kerala, India

Nature has always been vibrant that we inherent from the past and pass on to future generations to use. There is a symbiotic relationship between ecosystem and socio- economic life of the people. The present study seeks to review certain aspect of ecology and economy in the context of Thenmala ecotourism. Kerala the southernmost state of India and popularly known as God’s own country in tourist literature. Thenmala ecotourism project is the first planned ecotourism project in the country. Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats and predominantly a forest covered area located in the Kollam District of Kerala. Ecotourism is an emerging concept in tourism industry and this programme encompasses education, sustainable development, respect for fragile environments and the people with whom the traveller is interacting. The concept of ecotourism today has sharpened its aspects in the goals of responsible tourism by making maximum participation in responsible positions for the local as well as tribal hosts India.

1. Introduction

The formations of ecological signs as a direct outcome of inter relationship between nature and human subsistence strategies. Studies show that everything in the socio-cultural regime revolved round eco- culture of this economy and everything was disposed of so as to establish its eco -cultural hegemony over other economies 1 . Tourism is recognised as one of the important global service industry today and it has seen rapid growing industry. Over the last fifty years tourism has become one of the largest economic sectors globally, accounting for some 9 percentage of the world’s GDP and over 200 million jobs 2 .

International agencies like the United Nations World Tourism Organization have estimated that nations like India and China would become the superpowers in the global tourism map by the year 2020 3 . The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the Rio Earth summit were identified Travel and Tourism as one of the key sectors of the economy which could make a positive contribution to achieving sustainable development 4 .

Ecotourism is an emerging concept in tourism industry and this programme encompasses education, sustainable development, respect for fragile environments and the people with whom the traveller is interacting. According to the World tourism organisation: “Ecotourism is the tourism that involves travelling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with specific objective of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals as well as any existing cultural aspect found in this areas” 5 . Ecotourism is one of the key sectors for India in the service sector negotiations under General Agreement on Trade in Services in the WTO 6 . The India’s New Tourism Policy 2002 was implemented in the 10 th Five Year Plan, will generate awareness about the benefit of tourism for the host population 4 .

2. Western Ghats and Tourism

The Western Ghats which are older than the Himalayas and are described one of the 8 “hottest hotspot” areas of biodiversity were inscribed in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites list in July 2012 7 . The term Western Ghats refers to the practically unbroken hill chain (with the exception of the Palakkad Gap) or escarpment running roughly in a north-south direction, for about 1500 Kilo meter parallel to the Arabian sea coast, from the river Tapi (about 210 16’ North) down to just short of Kanyakumari (about 8019’ North) at the tip of the Indian peninsula 8 . The number of tourists visiting the Western Ghats is increasing steeply. The forms of tourism observed are nature based on ecology, wildlife, religious, social and business. Religious tourism has the highest share of tourism in the Western Ghats followed by other forms of tourism. The Western Ghats are naturally is an important centre of sustainable development efforts. The Gadgil Report says that Tourism needs special attention in the Western Ghats and such sites need to be understood as production-consumption systems. These are “systems in which environmental goods and services, individuals, households, firms and states are linked by flows of materials, energy and relationships in which transactions of money and information or negotiation of power and influence take place” 8 .

3. Definitions of Ecotourism

Tourism has immense potential to accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals. This sector can generate quality job for durable growth, reduce poverty and offer incentives for environmental conservation a triple-win to help countries transition toward more inclusive, resilient economies 9 . The term ecotourism was emerged in the late 1980s as a result of the world’s acknowledgement and reaction to sustainable practice and reaction to global ecological practices. Ecotourism was a term first coined by Hector Ceballos Lascurain 10 , a Mexican Environmentalist in 1983. The first organisation devoted to ecotourism was the International Ecotourism Society founded in 1990.

Ecotourism meant to be a Sustainable form of natural resource based tourism. There are many well recognized definitions formed a clear picture of the concept of ecotourism. Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as responsible travel that conserves natural environments and sustains the wellbeing of local people 11 . Das says, “ecotourism, defined as responsible travel to natural areas, that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people, has caught the attention of diverse interests, both as an economically profitable leisure activity, and as a means of conservation and development” 12 .

National ecotourism strategy (1994) defines “ecotourism is the nature based tourism that involves education and interpretation of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable”. Wenjun Li (2009) describes in the recent decades, ecotourism emerged as one of the most economic, effective and environmentally friendly way of utilizing natural resources and maintain sustainable development in natural reserves 13 . According to Weaver (1999), Interest in ecotourism now wide spread among tourism planners and marketers, is rationalise by a number of popular assumptions regarding the sector’s potential economic, environmental, and socio-cultural benefits. However, most of the definitions of eco-tourism boil down to a special form of tourism that meet the criteria like it provide environmental conservation include meaningful community participation and it is profitable and can be self-sustained.

4. Ecological Economics of Thenmala Ecotourism in Kerala

Kerala situated the southernmost tip of India. The state blessed with excellent weather and networked by forty- four rivers, thirty - four lakes, Pond, lovely hills, its numerous lagoons, dense vegetation and paddy cultivation. The tourism destinations like silent valley National park, wild life sanctuaries of Shenduruney, Parambikulam, Neyyar, Periyar and the bird sanctuaries of Thattekkadu and Kumarakam enrich the exotic wild life. According to the 1999 statistics of Kerala has eleven Wildlife Sanctuaries, two National parks, one tiger reserve and many potential ecotourism destinations 5 .

The excellent geographical features of Kerala and serene environments attracted tourists in all over the world. Tourist arrival is one of the most important indicators of the demand for tourism in a particular destination point. Kerala one of the highest growth rate in tourist arrivals and the following table gives the data on Foreign Domestic tourist arrivals over the last five years. From 2014 onward, it can be seen that there is steady growth in tourist arrivals. The given below official Statistics shows that the foreign and domestic tourists are increasing in absolute terms.

Table 1. Tourist Arrivals (2014 - 218) [14]

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Ecotourism today has sharpened its aspects in the goals of responsible tourism by making maximum participation in responsible positions for the local as well as tribal hosts India 15 . The Government of Kerala is committed to develop plans for utilizing the ecotourism potential in the State. The Government assure that ecotourism is promoted on the basis of sound principles of ecological sustainability. Thenmala Ecotourism is India’s first planned ecotourism project 16 based on sound principles of ecological sustainability. Thenmla lies on the western slope of Western Ghats, in Kerala and ecosystem management in Thenmala attracted many tourists from all over India.

Thenmla is a small Village, located at the foothill of the Western Ghats, between Kulathupuzha and Punalur, in Kollam District of Kerala, with full of rivers, streams, hillocks and evergreen forests 17 . The hilly village of Thenmala is situated 22km east of Punalur on the Kollam - Shencotta railway 18 . The area is covered by dense forest, Tea and rubber plantation and beauty of this destination is attracted large number of domestic and international tourists. Thenmala Forest Division and Shenduruney Wildlife Division fall wholly within the district 18 .

The name Thenmala is derived from two words “ Then ” and “ Mala” in local parlance. Then ‘Thenmla’ translates to Honey Hill’ and high quality honey is exported from this area. The majority part of Thenmala is under forest cover and it borders the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. The artificial lake formed by Parappar dam built across the Shenduruney and the Kulathupuzha rivers occupies the central part of the sanctuary. The forests of Thenmala offer excellent fortuity for ecotourism with a wide array of flora and fauna. The surrounding dense forest is also known for the good quality timber that is in much demand across the country. In order to promote tourism ten satellites enters are identified around Thenmala. These places are Palaruvi falls, Aripa, Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Achancoil, Konni, Pamba, Kochu Pamba, Umayar and Ponmudi. Thenmala ecotourism project won the prestigious Pacific Asia Travel Association gold award for 2003-2004, the National Tourism Awards for the most Eco - friendly organization in 2001-2002, and the best ecotourism practices in 2003-04 19 .

5. Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary

Thenmala Ecotourism project has been formulated in and around the shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary with the assistance of Tourism, Forest, and Irrigation Departments. Shenduruney wildlife sanctuary is the one of the richest areas of Bio- diversity in Western Ghats. The sanctuary is located in Kollam district and comes under the control of Agastyavana Biological Park. The etymological meaning of the name “Shenduruney” is derived from a tree called “ Shenkurrunjy” or Chenkurunji which is an endemic tree was found in this region. Chenkurinji tree ( Gluta Travancorica) from which the sanctuary got its name Shenduruney grows here. This area is covered with Tropical evergreen forest and semi evergreen forest comprises three fourth of the total area of sanctuary. The major forest type in the region are Sothern Hilltop Evergreen forest, West coast semi Evergreen forest, Sothern secondary moist mixed Deciduous forest, Myristica swamps and Reed Brakes.

Historically, Shenduruney has rich heritage and the remnants of pre-historic period was excavated from this area. A recent study was conducted by P.Rajendran, Archaeological Research association of the Poona Deccan College, has resulted in the excavation of the remains of Stone Age Culture from a large cave situated at the north western part of the Shenduruney River. It has been proved these remains belong to the Mesolithic Age and this study reveals the fact that Shenduruney River Valley Civilization was the one the oldest river valley civilization in India 20 .

Shenduruney wildlife sanctuary confesses that the region has diverse flora with high rate of endemism 21 . This area is covered with Tropical evergreen forest and semi evergreen forest comprises three fourth of the total area of sanctuary. The major forest type in the region are Sothern Hilltop Evergreen forest, West coast semi Evergreen forest, Sothern secondary moist mixed Deciduous forest, Myristica swamps and Reed Brakes. The Myristica swamps are tropical wetland found in the valley of Shenduruney and Kulathupuzha River. The Myristica swaps, a vanishing ecosystem, now largely confined to 53 patches in the Kulatupuzha and Anchal forests and the Shenduruney Wildlife sanctuary 22 . The major ecotourism spots in the Shenduruney sanctuary are Kallar Trial, Dharbhakulam Trial, Kattlapara-Choodal Bird watching Trail and boating in the sanctuary. The Shenduruney forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984.

6. Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society (TEPS)

In the year 1998, the ‘Thenmala Ecotourism Society’ was founded as a Government of Kerala undertaking to promote ecotourism activities at Thenmala and its surroundings. The main aim of this organisation is promoting Ecotourism activities at Thenmala and its surrounding areas with cooperation of Forest, Irrigation and tourism Departments.

7. Objectives

The important objectives of the project are:

Ÿ To develop Thenmala Dam and its neighbouring areas as a major tourism destination by the turn of this country.

Ÿ To promote ecotourism on the basis of sound principles of ecological sustainability in Thenmala and its neighbouring area.

Ÿ To have a well-planned tourist destination with attention on sustainable tourism development so as to become a model for other destination in advancing programmes.

8. Impact of Thenmala Ecotourism

There are both positive and negative impact based on various activities by the tourist and the changes which are taking place. Thenmala ecotourism play beneficial role for the conservation cultural heritage, economy and environment. The ecotourism creates a knowledgeable society in a village at Thenmala and it upgrades the public infrastructure. The ecotourism in Thenmala there appear to play an important role in protecting the natural environment. People should make aware the ecological impacts damage to ecosystem: effects on physical environment. As considering the economic side, tourism should create the employment opportunities for the local communities in the particular region. After coming of Thenmala ecotourism the local people got jobs, number of them provide tourist with local food and lodging, guide service and locally made handicrafts as a result their community receives substantial direct economic benefit. Moreover Thenmala region brought about variety of other positive changes including more jobs and increased the income of the family and this result an improved standard of living for the population. Abolition of poverty is possible under ecotourism and income generation these are the important objectives of ecotourism.

Considering the negative impact of ecotourism, the maintenance of bio diversity is a critical component of the sustainability. The promoters of ecotourism have forgotten or needful ignoring the principles of ecotourism. As a consequence of this we are facing a new form of ecological imperialism in which western cultural values are being impressed on the indigenous culture through ecotourism. The major interruptions by the local residents and officials in the Thenmala ecotourism project from domestic and foreign tourist are mostly on the destruction of natural habitat, wildlife disturbances and conflicting attitude 23 . Ecotourism is the buzzword in tourism. Exciting industry, government and conservationists like, it has come to embrace environmental friendly, community friendly and market friendly tourism 4 . But even though its value in rising awareness of the relationship between tourism and environment, the term has become misused that it is little worthless cliché, which may be harmful as conventional form of tourism. Another disadvantage of ecotourism, sometimes it may be considered only an extension of tourism marketing. The ecotourism need government or NGO’s proper financial support otherwise it will not work out the expected level. Moreover the concepts of ecotourism will work out only the support and cooperation of the local people. Unless the local people will participate the programme will not be consider an ecotourism.

9. Conclusion

Ecology is one of the most critical components essential for the well-being of a society and the foundation for a sustainable and powerful economy. Thenmla, with its diverse nature and culture has enjoying a unique place in the pages of history. Thenmala lies on the foothills of Western Ghats, this area coming under the ecologically sensitive area and need special attention and need to preserve or the future generation. Tourism has experienced continued hike and increased diversification becoming one of the fastest developing economic sector in the world. Thenmala ecotourism project is India’s first planned ecotourism project. The ecosystem management in Thenmala attracted tourist from different parts of India. Ecotourism can able to contribute to development which is economically, ecologically and socially sustainable. This addresses the fundamental issues like conservation of nature, culture, society and promotion of traditional knowledge by developing tourism through community participation. In the functioning of Thenmala ecotourism local people have significant role than any other agency. Endeavour to make tourism and inclusive social experience it is ensure to that there is access for all especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in the society.

Published with license by Science and Education Publishing, Copyright © 2020 Sreerekha. M

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Essay on Tourism in Kerala

Students are often asked to write an essay on Tourism in Kerala in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Tourism in Kerala

Introduction to kerala.

Kerala, often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, is a beautiful state in India. It’s famous for its unique culture, rich biodiversity, and scenic landscapes.

Natural Beauty

Kerala is blessed with stunning natural attractions. From the serene backwaters to the lush green hills, it offers a visual treat to tourists.

Cultural Heritage

The state’s rich cultural heritage is another major draw. It’s known for traditional art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.

In conclusion, Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination for tourists.

250 Words Essay on Tourism in Kerala

Introduction, geographical diversity.

Kerala’s geographical diversity is one of its main attractions. From the high-altitude Western Ghats to the serene backwaters, Kerala’s landscapes offer a visual treat. The state’s pristine beaches, such as Kovalam and Varkala, are popular for their tranquility and natural beauty. The hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad are known for their lush green tea and spice plantations.

Kerala’s rich cultural heritage is another major attraction for tourists. The state’s traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Theyyam, are unique and offer a glimpse into Kerala’s vibrant culture. The festivals, such as Onam and Thrissur Pooram, are grand celebrations that draw tourists from around the world.

Eco-Tourism

Kerala is a pioneer in eco-tourism, with initiatives like responsible tourism in Kumarakom and community-based tourism in Wayanad. These programs ensure the preservation of the local ecology while providing livelihood opportunities for the local community.

In conclusion, Kerala’s diverse geography, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism make it a must-visit destination. As a model of sustainable and inclusive tourism, Kerala offers valuable lessons for other regions aiming to balance tourism with environmental and cultural preservation.

500 Words Essay on Tourism in Kerala

Kerala, often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country,’ is a state in India known for its enchanting beauty and diverse culture. Its unique geographic location, sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, provides it with an array of captivating landscapes, making it an irresistible destination for tourists worldwide.

Cultural Richness

Kerala’s cultural richness is another aspect that sets it apart. The state is a melting pot of numerous religions and communities, each adding a unique flavor to its cultural fabric. Festivals like Onam, Vishu, and Thrissur Pooram are celebrated with great fervor, showcasing the state’s vibrant traditions. The state’s art forms, such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Theyyam, are a visual treat for tourists, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Eco-Tourism Initiatives

Kerala has been a pioneer in implementing eco-tourism initiatives. The state recognizes the importance of sustainable tourism and has taken steps to ensure that tourism activities do not harm the environment. Eco-tourism projects like Thenmala and initiatives like responsible tourism in Kumarakom and Wayanad are examples of the state’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

Health Tourism

Challenges and prospects.

Despite its successes, Kerala’s tourism industry faces several challenges. Environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and the impact of climate change are some of the issues that need to be addressed. However, with proper planning and sustainable practices, these challenges can be overcome. The state’s recent focus on digital marketing and experiential tourism indicates a promising future for Kerala’s tourism industry.

In conclusion, Kerala’s tourism industry is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and innovative initiatives. While challenges exist, the state’s commitment to sustainable practices and its adaptability to changing trends provide a positive outlook. Indeed, Kerala’s tourism industry serves as a model for other regions, demonstrating how to effectively leverage natural and cultural assets while ensuring sustainability.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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Ecotourism in Kerala: a sustainable travel guide

After exploring how to travel responsibly in India here , it’s now time for this small state in the South of the subcontinent. Welcome to the ultimate guide to sustainable travel and ecotourism in Kerala!

Located on the western tip of India, Kerala is famous for its tranquil backwaters, charming houseboats, and… ecotourism opportunities!

If you can only manage a short stay in India, this is the place to be. With over 600 miles of beaches along the Arabian Sea and 44 major rivers , Kerala is the perfect destination if you’re looking to soak up the sun along a shoreline.

It also has a lot to offer in terms of hospitality. From small hostels to luxury resorts, from relaxing sandy beaches to adrenaline-filled water sports, there’s something for everyone.

Unfortunately, all that popularity comes at a cost. Overtourism is putting a strain on the locals and their lifestyle, cruise ships are disrupting the marine ecosystems, and backwaters are jam-packed with houseboats.

This guide is here to help you plan a responsible trip without giving up any of the fun. Read on to learn more about sustainability and ecotourism in Kerala .

Best time to visit Kerala

Every time of the year has its perks when it comes to visiting Kerala. However, certain months are better than others depending on the kind of trip you’re looking for.

You certainly don’t want to plan a beach vacation during the monsoon season, just like you want to be prepared for the summer heat in March-May.

Let’s take a closer look.

September – February: high season

The winter season goes from September through February in Kerala and it’s considered by most the best time to visit.

The monsoon season has just passed and everything is emerald green , temperatures are not at their highest yet but it’s warm enough, and national parks are ready to reopen.

The downside is that high season also means high prices , crowds everywhere, and the toll of overtourism on the locals. If you decide to go during these months, do your best to support the local communities and minimize the negative impacts of your presence there.

Luckily, it’s possible to easily travel off the beaten path in India. Apart from a few popular destinations, there are lots of undiscovered spots that are just as charming.

March – May: shoulder season

If you’re looking to travel outside of the peak times , definitely consider visiting in the shoulder season from March through May. You’ll avoid the larger crowds and won’t overwhelm local areas.

It is much warmer and more humid, with temperatures hitting 35-40C (95-104F).

Not surprisingly this is the perfect time to go to the beach and enjoy the sun or escape the heat and hike in the mountains.

Visiting hill stations is also a tourist favorite and there’s no shortage of festivals where you can see for yourself how colorful and charismatic India can be.

Finally, how not to mention safaris . Because of the high temperatures, elephants and other animals spend most of the time near water and you have the best chances to spot them. Just make sure you pick an ethical operator!

June – September: low season (or Monsoon season)

The monsoons usually reach the coasts of Kerala in early June and bring heavy rain and lightning with them. The weather becomes very unstable and it may be sunny one moment and pouring the next.

Although you may be lucky and get only a couple of hours of rain a day, your options are still very limited. Most national parks close during the monsoon season and so do many resorts and tourism establishments.

On a positive note, prices are extremely low and it could be the perfect opportunity to stay at a yoga retreat or do other indoor activities on a budget.

Keep in mind that flooding is common during the monsoon season. If you’re not traveling on a flexible schedule or are not familiar with the area, it is recommended to stick to the main cities where you can get the best assistance.

Ecotourism destinations in Kerala

Kerala is full of eco-friendly and ethical reserves, as well as stunning nature parks.

Here are some of the best ecotourism destinations in Kerala.

1. Thenmala

Thenmala is “India’s First Planned Ecotourism Destination” and deservingly tops this list.

They offer a wide variety of activities : hiking and trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, butterfly safaris, boat tours, and more. I really recommend the guided trekking along the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary – for less than $2 you can get a glimpse of the natural beauty of this area and hopefully spot some wildlife.

As for most of the activities, there’s a minimum number of participants required, but you can also cover the entire fee and go by yourself. I was traveling solo and there were no other tourists – for a little over $7 I could go on the tour anyway.

If you want to make the most of it, you can book their package that includes an overnight stay and most of the activities.

Nearby are the Palaruvi Waterfalls which are worth a visit if you have an extra day.

2. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Trivandrum, this sanctuary covers over 53 sq. km. of forest and is home to over 400 species . It is part of one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world, the Western Ghats. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is especially good for bird watchers and butterfly lovers .

This is a popular ecotourism destination in Kerala thanks to the collaboration of the Kerala tourist board and the Forest Department which makes sure the tours and other activities don’t harm the environment and wildlife.

For example, all treks must be approved by the Forest Department after assessing their impact.

Just over 30km away is Ponmudi , an off-the-beaten-path hill station that offers hiking, rock climbing, and mountaineering opportunities as well as an amazing view of the hills.

3. Eravikulam National Park

This national park is located in the Kannan Devan hills, in the southern section of the Western Ghats. With a background of tea plantations, this gorgeous park is unlike any other.

The Neelakurinji Trail is probably the most popular as it takes its name from the stunning Neelakurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years in this park.

Eravikulam is also famous for being the natural habitat for the Nilgiri Tahr , an endangered mountain goat on the red list of the IUCN.

Because of that, the park has been separated into three regions : core, buffer, and tourism, which is the only area where tourists can enter while the others are kept untouched.

4. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is home to some of the finest wildlife in India. There are many hiking opportunities that can even be extended to an overnight stay at the campsite if you want to walk along the Tiger Trails .

The sanctuary has a pretty ethical approach to wildlife – tourists are not allowed to feed or interact with the animals during the tours and are warned not to disturb the wildlife.

Unfortunately, elephant rides still take place at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and involve more and more elephants as the destination grows in popularity.

While it is true that facilities that offer animal rides are unethical and should be avoided, it should also be noted that the tiger population in the park is very unstable and the money earned through elephant rides funds a great portion of its conservation.

So, it comes down to a personal choice whether you want to visit this park anyway or do something else. I preferred visiting another park that doesn’t offer elephant rides, and Periyar didn’t really fit into my itinerary anyway. But still wanted to mention it in this list because you can explore the park responsibly .

For example, you could support their conservation efforts by participating in hiking tours or other activities that don’t involve close contact with the wildlife. This way you could still contribute without any animal exploitation involved. I’d still recommend not going on elephant rides regardless of how the money is used afterward.

5. Kadalundi

Located in the north of the state, Kadalundi is one of the best ecotourism spots in Kerala and the perfect day trip from Calicut (Kozhikode). A few meters away from the train station is the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary which attracts tourists from all over for its stunning views of the estuary , the mangrove forest , and – of course – the birds!

There’s a boat service that takes you through the mangroves and gives you the best chance to encounter migratory birds looking for fish and crabs along the river. The best time to go is in December , but it’s worth visiting all year round – you may not be able to see many species of birds in the low season but the mangrove ecosystem is still very impressive.

Once you’re done with the boat tour, take a walk along the banks and go grab a bite from the local restaurants nearby. Although fish is their specialty, there’s no shortage of vegan and vegetarian options.

If you’re in the mood for some shopping, Kadalundi and the surrounding area are famous for traditional handicrafts – it could be a great opportunity to find unique souvenirs to bring back home and support the local community at the same time.

Sustainability and ecotourism in Kerala

Although there’s still a lot of room for improvement, Kerala sets the standard for what ecotourism should include in India. With initiatives emphasizing sustainability for both locals and travelers, this Indian state truly is working towards more responsible solutions for tourists. We should contribute to these efforts by not supporting unsustainable practices ourselves and trying to benefit the locals instead.

So, what can we do ?

A lot that can be said about responsible tourism in Kerala is also true about the entire country. For extra details and tips, check out my sustainable travel guide to India .

If you’re going to an area as rich with life as India, you must check out the local wildlife.

There are a lot of ecotourism projects in Kerala promoting ethical animal tourism and it’d be great if you could add one of them to your itinerary.

Unfortunately, they are still not able to raise enough funds to cover the massive conservation costs.

This is why unethical practices such as elephant rides are sometimes inevitable and necessary to the conservation and survival of other species. Sustainable activities such as safaris are available but not equally profitable at the moment.

What’s the best thing to do then – what’s ethical or what’s useful? It’s not easy to tell, but here are two tips on wildlife tourism in Kerala.

1. Don’t go on elephant rides, but support the communities and parks.

Yes, I just said that elephant rides are often fundamental to funding other conservation initiatives. They also are a source of income for the local community and keep many people away from poaching – running a business with elephant rides is so much more profitable than hunting them and reselling their ivory tusks on the black market.

However, this doesn’t mean that we should ignore the impact of rides on animal welfare. Something like this can be tolerated while there are no other options in the short term but shouldn’t be actively supported.  The idea is to not create more demand for animal rides so that business owners will gradually shift to alternative ways of making money. You can (and should) still support the community by staying at local accommodations and eating at local restaurants .

2. Don’t approach wild animals at festivals

Animals like elephants, camels, and monkeys are commonly used for performances during festivals. People paint their skin, decorate them with ornaments, play polo on elephants, and watch camel races.

These activities are incompatible with animal welfare and shouldn’t be supported.

You may think it doesn’t make much of a difference if you stay away from an elephant when there are hundreds of people teasing and poking it – but it does.

Once again, you can find more details and resources in my sustainable travel guide to India .

Houseboats are probably what put Kerala on the map. Before they became popular, tourists were not able to explore the backwaters extensively and their stays were limited to very few locations.

As the word spread, Kerala became extremely popular and houseboats started popping out everywhere as accommodation, transportation, and tourist attractions.

Unfortunately, the locals are the ones paying the price for this uncontrolled growth . While houseboats do bring a lot of tourist money into the local economy, the environment and the lifestyle of the residents are deeply affected.

Locals rely on the backwaters for drinking water, transportation, fishing, and rice farming. As houseboats pollute them with plastic waste , sewage , and oil from the engines, the water is no longer safe to drink and the fish population has sharply declined over the years.

It’s also become unsafe for the locals to move around by kayak because of the numerous accidents caused by houseboats and the overcrowding of the backwaters.

Finally, tourists constantly violate the privacy of those living along the streams by taking pictures of them while they relax in their gardens or go on with their daily life.

What can you do?

1. Travel off the peak season

Peak times (December-February) are obviously the most crowded and traveling between March and May puts less pressure on the locals and the environment. It is not recommended to travel during the monsoon season instead.

2. Support lesser-known communities

Traveling off the beaten path is another way to avoid overtourism. Do a little extra research and you’ll discover incredible hidden gems.

3. Go on longer tours rather than day trips

Due to the backwaters being so crowded, a day tour will only allow you to travel a short distance and contribute even more to the issue. Instead, a longer tour can take you further away to less popular areas. This benefits the local community and the quality of your stay.

4. Visit the villages

The most effective way to benefit a community is to spend time (and possibly money) in the local shops, restaurants, and accommodations. So, instead of spending day and night on the houseboat, get off and explore!

5. Choose your houseboat accommodation carefully

With Kerala becoming a popular tourist destination, a lot of international companies and tour operators are jumping into this growing market. By doing so, they take potential profits away from the locals and don’t reinvest in the community. Try to avoid this and make sure the stay you book is locally-owned .

6. Ask about the environmental impact of your stay

The local government is finally trying to regulate houseboats and minimize their impact on the environment. In addition, some owners are taking action on their own initiative and powering their houseboats with solar power , using water filters , and providing plastic-free meals.

Check their website or email them to ask if they’re taking any of these steps toward sustainability . Unfortunately, it’s not that common yet and it’s a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. But who knows – you may be lucky, or at least you’ll have hinted to them that visitors are interested in the environmental impact of their boats.

Eco-friendly accommodation in Kerala

If you’re going to the land of ecotourism, you’ll want to stay in the most eco-friendly accommodation. Good thing Kerala is full of them.

From budget-friendly to the most luxurious resorts, Kerala has eco-friendly accommodations for any budget . There are many options to choose from, but here are some we like.

1. Thekkady Spice Village   

This village in the mountains emphasizes ecology , community , and culture . Over 75% of the energy used is solar, and the majority of the food eaten is grown in their gardens. At the Spice Village, you can introduce yourself to new and fragrant spices, learn how to upgrade bio-waste to make your own paper, or take a trek to the Periyar Tiger Reserve with an indigenous guide .

2. Indhrivanam

With many practices focusing on sustainability, you’ll be sure to have a luxury experience unlike any other. Situated in a private forest , there is just one cottage available for visitors. Among other things, this accommodation harvests rainwater and uses only natural or cruelty-free products . All food served is vegan . 

3. Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden

This affordable three-star hotel will connect you to nature’s silence and relax your mind. Located near a cardamom plantation tiger reserve , there is an activity for any type of nature lover.

Getting around Kerala

There are many ways to travel around Kerala. Taking a bus or hiring a car are options, although I recommend using their train system or renting a motorbike or bicycle. Anyway, here are 3 apps you may find useful to navigate the transportation system in Kerala (and India).

This offline map makes it easy to travel anywhere without getting lost. This is excellent for those using public transportation or walking/cycling. Never get lost again!

Incredible India

Created by India’s Ministry of Tourism, this app offers information about sightseeing locations, restaurants, and landmarks.

IRCTC Rail Connect

If you’re looking to travel by train, this app is for you. Launched by the government, this app can be used for online rail booking, train routes, and seat availability.

A Sustainable Budget

Kerala is an affordable destination for many travelers. With options ranging from true backpacker to the height of luxury, you truly are able to spend as much or as little as you want.

On average, expect to pay around $30 per day , with $20 going towards accommodation, $6 towards food, and $4 towards transportation.

If you’re looking to stretch your money, opt for cheaper eco-friendly rooms and local street food, and take public transportation rather than private cars.

Trains are a very efficient way to move around India and the overnight ones allow you to save time during the day and money for accommodation.

Once you get to your destination, bicycles are the way to go if you want to get around on your own, and can be rented for as little as $5 per day. Kerala is truly a stunning state that you won’t be able to get enough of, so rent that bicycle and take scenic routes to each location you visit.

Luxury options are always available, and many of them offer incredibly eco-friendly experiences.

Pick and choose what works for you and, if possible, make it a responsible trip!

Final Thoughts

Kerala just might be the ultimate destination for eco-tourists. With long stretches of seaside, rivers, jungles, and cities, this Indian state has it all.

It is also incredibly easy to encourage sustainable tourism in Kerala. Many accommodations are eco-friendly, as are activities and bucket-list experiences.

If you’re looking to travel sustainably, do check out this must-visit destination.

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ISSUE: 168 AUGUST 2007 16 Ecotourism projects Kerala Travel Mart 2024 Buyer Registration | Register Now Classification Schemes Governmental Affairs Tourism Events Kerala at a Glance Travel Care Where to Stay Travel Tips Specialities Kerala Food Videos/Photos 360° Videos Royalty Free Photos Subscribe Our Newsletter Get notified to Kerala Tourism events and activities For business/trade/classifications and tenders please visit www.keralatourism.gov.in, list of guest house, yathri nivas, kerala house and eco lodge under tourism department. Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer. To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser . Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. We're Hiring! Help Center CHAPTER-4 ECO-TOURISM IN KERALA -AN OVERVIEW Related Papers IAEME PUBLICATION IAEME Publication Kerala is a unique place for attracting both domestic and international tourists because of the existence of most attractive hotspots like seashores, mountains, temples, architectural buildings like very old churches, mosques and temples. Also places and famous temples are internationally renowned ones to attract tourists not only for pious purposes alone but also enjoying their leisure in a useful manner. God’s own country Kerala is birth place of Parasurama who played a key role in setting many more temples. Very recently Kerala is attractive spot from the IT professionals to make their life in a worthful manner along with their tedious routine works by their short trip to Kerala like Munnar, Todibala, Chankalancheri, Trivandrum and Cochin. This paper clearly shows the role and contribution of Kerala in the tourism activities. The author brought out a clear cut vision of tourism activities in Kerala with expositions. Journal ijmr.net.in(UGC Approved) Tourism is a major engine of economic growth in most parts of the world. The immense potential of tourism is particularly relevant for developing nations like India. In respect of India the abundance of extremely serene environments and also quite a large number of religious locations is an additional attraction, unlike most other parts of the world. This favorable situation is more applicable in respect of Kerala state in Indian subcontinent, often referred to as ‘Gods own Country’ in view of its scenic locations and conducive geographic, climatic and other conditions. Along with the appreciable growth in tourism over the last two decades or more in India and the high growth prospects of the tourism industry. this paper analyzes the most visited destinations of ecotourism with reference to Kerala . Indulal Soman jinu joseph Kerala is one of the prominent tourist destinations of India with backwaters, hill stations, beaches, Ayurvedic tourism and tropical greenery. National Geographic's Traveller magazine listed Kerala in the 'Ten Paradises of the World' and '50 must visit places of a lifetime'. Tourism is one of the few sectors where Kerala has clear competitive advantages as Kerala is considered as nature magic ranging from the Western Ghats covered with dense forests to the backwaters to the Arabian Sea. Its ancient rich culture including traditional dance forms and the strong presence of alternative systems of medicine add to its allure. Sustainable tourism is the mission. This can be achieved by integrating tourism with other parts of the economy like medical and health hubs which will attract more stable tourists over a longer period of time and with higher spending capacity. Infrastructure development is crucial to achieve this goal. This paper is an over view on the economic ... Centre for Public Policy Reserch Centre for Public Policy Research Kerala tourism has won several national and international recognitions, mainly due to the region’s picturesque beauty and state’s responsible tourism projects. Based on the tourism policy documents of the central and state governments, the Kerala tourism model is acclaimed as one of the most liberalised tourism models with the private sector leading tourism development and the state acting as a facilitator rather than a regulator. Kerala government’s tourism expenditure is one among the highest in the country. Tourism constitutes 10 per cent of Kerala’s GDP, as per official statistics, and reportedly contributes around 23.5 per cent to the total employment in the state. This study, however, shows that most of the claims made by the government about Kerala tourism are inflated. Though found to be highly unsuccessful and ineffective, the government has spent a significant amount of money on government-run tourism services. The government plays the role of the lead provider of accommodation facilities and is in complete charge of tourism promotion and marketing. At the same time, the potential of innovative products like home stays and houseboats is not tapped for lack of incentives to the entrepreneurs. This study shows that though the government policies were investor friendly in paper, they were actually harming the investors rather than promoting them. Kerala’s international tourism sustains on visitors from a few countries, while domestic tourism is dependent on tourists from within the state, despite the huge spending on tourism promotion by the government. The claims of the economic advantages of tourism are based on unreliable statistics, along with an all-inclusive definition of tourists, which do not come under the realm of the state’s tourism policy. The study shows the need for the government to act as a facilitator by providing the basic infrastructure conducive for tourism and allow the private sector to play the lead role in tourism promotion and development. Tourism promotion and marketing should be the responsibility of the private sector, which will help in implementing innovative marketing methods for attracting international tourists from more countries and domestic tourists from other states. This will help in exploiting the natural potential of Kerala tourism rather than placing artificial constraints on tourism development in the state through government interventions. The study demands a reliable procedure for collating the tourist database in the state that distinguishes tourists based on the type of visa and purpose of visit. The economic impacts of tourism should be analysed using this database for getting a reliable picture in this regard. James Manalel Bijith George Abraham Tourism sector of Kerala has remarkably grown in the past few years. It has emerged as one of the major contributors to the state GDP with total revenue of Rs. 33,383.68 Crores and Rs. 8,392.11 Crores of Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) (Kerala Tourism Statistics, 2018). The Tourist Arrivals in Kerala is accounted to be 10.92 lakh foreign tourists and 1.47 crores domestic tourists for the year 2017. The initiative of the Kerala tourism focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly development of the tourism sector. With the accelerated investment in the tourism sector, it is likely that the sector would provide employment opportunities for over 10,000 people every year as presented in the “Citizens Charter of Kerala Tourism”. Kerala has been fortunately endowed with immense comparative natural attractions: backwaters, beaches, forests, hillstations, health tourism etc. all preserved in its pristine form. Further investment can be brought if it facilitates sustainable tourism options. International Journal of Scientific Research Tourism is an industry which employees the leisure time of the people in a useful way. It is a major engine of economic growth in most parts of the world. The immense potential of tourism is particularly relevant for developing nations like India. In respect of India the abundance of extremely serene environments and also quite a large number of historical and religious locations is an additional attraction, unlike most other parts of the world. This favorable situation is more applicable in respect of Kerala state in Indian subcontinent, often referred to as 'Gods own Country' in view of its scenic locations and conducive geographic, climatic and other conditions. Along with the appreciable growth in tourism over the last two decades or more in India and the high growth prospects of the tourism industry, there are growing apprehensions regarding the sustainability of the industry in view of the adverse environmental impacts of tourism. Both the favourable and adverse aspects as above are probably more applicable to 'Gods own Country' than any other state in India. As it is widely recognized that of the different types of tourism, the nature-friendly tourism model viz. 'Ecotourism' alone can be sustainable for development in the long run, this paper analyzes the prospects and challenges of ecotourism with reference to 'Thenmala' ecotourism project in Kollam district of Kerala, and suggests strategies for sustainable development of tourism. Johney Johnson Eco tourism is a travel experience, first and foremost that helps travellers come to better understanding of unique natural and cultural environments around the world. It was first introduced in the 1980's and was developed as a creative strategy for conservation. Planners and developers are quickly finding that ecotourism can provide an economic rationale for natural resource conservation and wildlife protection policies. But if it is not properly planned it can result in the destruction of the natural environment. So this study makes an attempt to understand the importance of ecotourism development for the sustainable tourism development and also tries to understand the steps taken by Kerala government at Thekkady for the development of Ecotourism. The study used random sampling methodology and primary data was collected from 100 respondents from Thekkady. The study found that many nature friendly activities are practiced in Thekkady with the active participation of the reside... J.W Prakash JUSWIL Loading Preview Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. RELATED PAPERS Dera Natung Government College Research Journal Chandra Sekhar Pattnaik MGES Journals PAUL MATHEW IRJET Journal Gursharan Kaur BL College journal suman kalyan Chaudhury Third World Quarterly T T Sreekumar Atna - Journal of Tourism Studies IJAR Indexing M.Phil Thesis, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kerala, India Dr. Nishamol M Ananda Kumar , Bhavani Djeganadane Dr. Uttiya Chattopadhyay Dr. Archan Mitra , Asif khan IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science IOSR Journals Gayatri Munappy European Journal of Tourism Research Dr. Manoj Edward Sarang S Bhola International Research Journal Commerce arts science   We're Hiring!   Help Center Find new research papers in: Health Sciences Earth Sciences Cognitive Science Mathematics Computer Science Academia ©2024 Only for Hotel Reservation ,Tour Packages, Houseboats & Taxi Bookings Experiences Photo Gallery Video Gallery Kerala Tourism Testimonials Kerala Health Tourism Kerala Spice Tourism Conference & Expos Travellers Diary Travel Guidance Train Timings Accessibility Pincode Search Taxi & Airport Services Distance Calculator Currency Converter Hotels / Resorts Kerala Hotels, Resorts & Homestays Kerala Tour Packages Book Kerala Tour Packages Kerala Houseboats Book Kerala Houseboats Kerala Taxi Book Kerala Taxi Kerala Ayurveda Packages Book Kerala Ayurveda Packages International Tour Packages Book International Tour Packages Kerala Eco Tourism 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, and the backwaters are fringed with Pandanus plants that trail the tips of their long leaves in the rippling water, as you float by. The verdant beauty of Kerala is richly highlighted through the different eco tourism destinations .The hill stations,western ghats,silent valley,the wildlife sanctuaries,jungles and parks are all splendid eco tourism destinations. Eco tourism is all about being sensitive to ones surroundings and the need to preserve nature.The greenery that abounds in Kerala is not only relaxing but also refreshing. The green patch that is Kerala offers shelter to some of the best plant, bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. Kerala - Tourism in a nutshell Kerala Tourism at a Glance Kerala.com travel division. WorldViewer Dot Com (India) Pvt. Ltd. II Floor, G 66, Elders Forum Road Panampilly Nagar, Cochin, Kerala, India Pin - 682 036 Mobile: + 91 98460 43403 Mobile: + 91 93886 40364 [email protected] Other Links www.kerala.com www.keralarealestate.com www.keralamatrimonials.com www.keralaemart.com www.keralafashions.com www.keralataxi.com www.nehrutrophy.com www.sabarimala.org www.guruvayoor.org www.wayanad.com www.varkkala.com www.bekal.com www.kumarakom.com www.munnar.com www.thekkady.com www.kovalam.com www.alappuzha.com www.athirappally.com www.vagamon.com www.indianevents.org www.cherai.in www.keralaindex.com www.alappuzhatourism.com www.kettuvallam.com Get In Touch Cochin: + 91 98460 43403 Kerala Districts : Alappuzha | Ernakulam | Idukki | Kannur | Kollam | Kottayam | Kozhikode | Kasargod | Malappuram | Pathanamthitta | Palakkad | Thiruvananthapuram | Trichur | Wayanad Other Destinations :Nelliyampathy | Kodanad | Fortkochi | Marari | Kulamavu | Cherai | Kanyakumari | Kumbalangi | Kuttikanam | Ramakkalmedu | Vaikom | 235 IMAGES Essay On Kerala Tourism Free Essay Example Ecotourism in kerala essay Ecotourism in Kerala Ecotourism Centres in Kerala Ecotourism in Kerala [TRAVEL GUIDE] PPT VIDEO Essay about Ecotourism Thenmala butterfly safari குற்றாலம் வந்தா இந்த Falls மிஸ் பண்ணிடாதீங்க #palaruvi #thenmalaecotourisam KUDUKKATHUPARA| FOREST OFF-ROAD RIDE WITH TREC #travel #kerala #kollam #ecotourism #royalenfield Gavi ecotourism||JVN Samayal || #travelvlog #tourism #touristplace #ecotourism #naturelovers #kerala Thenmala ecotourism 😍/ travel vlog / little happiness with reshu COMMENTS To Examine the Potential and Scope of Ecotourism in Kerala with a The recorded forest area in Kerala is 1112559 sq.kms. Forest, wetlands, mangroves, and aquatic ecosystems are the major types of ecosystems in Kerala. As per official classification, Kerala has 41 west-flowing rivers and 3 east-flowing rivers. Unlike many other states in India, Kerala is rich with evergreen forests. (PDF) ECOTOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN KERALA ... ECOTOURISM AND SUST AINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN K ERALA: SOME EMPIRICA L EVIDENCE. Dr. Manoj P K* Vidya Viswanath**. *Assistant Professor, Department o f Applied Economics ,Cochin University of Science ... (PDF) Ecotourism in Kerala There are around 50 active ecotourism spots within in Kerala. The ecotourism destinations had been exclusively under the control of the forest department till 2005 and a 'people exclusive' conservation paradigm was followed, but in 2006, a consortium of local community members, Forest Development Agency (FDA) was formed to run the show with ... TOURISM IN KERALA: A STUDY OF THE IMPERATIVES AND ... IMPEDIMENTS WITH FOCUS ON ECO-TOUR ISM. Dr. Manoj P K. Faculty, Dept. of Applied Economics, Cochin University of Science and Technolog y, Kochi - 682 022 (KERALA). Abstract of the Paper ... PDF Sustainable Tourism in Kerala, India: Potentials and Pitfalls Kerala is well known for its eco-tourism initiatives, beautiful backwaters, and unique culture and traditions. Kerala is also unique due to its fascinating geographic diversity compared to other Indian states. Thus, Kerala offers a range of tourist attractions and experiences, as noted by Edward & George (2008). to-examine-the-potential-and-scope-of-ecotourism-in-kerala-with-a The study's objectives encompass comprehending tourist satisfaction with Kerala Forest ecotourism's products and services and discerning whether satisfaction varies among foreign, domestic ... Eco Tourism Initiatives in Kerala-A Study with Special Reference to Eco tourism in Kerala Kerala is a land blessed with natural attractions and is a suitable place for the development of ecotourism. The major attractions for developing ecotourism in Kerala are the natural resources like hillstations, various species of flora and fauna, wild life sanctuaries, national parks, valleys and mountains. PDF Thenmala Eco-Tourism: A Study on Impact and Influence on the Local People People" focus on Thenmala eco-tourism project in Kerala. The paper seeks to identify the major problems and benefits of tourism to the locality and its inhabitants. III. Significance of the Study Ecotourism in Kerala has gaining worldwide attention because Kerala has many destinations known for their natural beauty and exquisite landscape. PDF Eco-Tourism In Kerala and Its Importance and Sustainability son who practices ecotourism has the opportunity of immers-ing himself/herself in nature in a manner generally not availa-ble in the urban environment Ecotourism in Kerala The state of Kerala, forming part of the Western Ghats, con-tains a protected area of 2,324 sq.km in two National Parks and 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The Western Ghats of Kerala, To Examine the Potential and Scope of Ecotourism in Kerala with a Major ecotourism resources of Kerala are 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 6 National parks, several scenic mountains, freshwater lakes, mangroves, etc. In Kerala 56 places have been identified for development as ecotourism destinations emphasizing conservation, ecological sustainability, environmental education, and local community benefits. PDF Ecotourism in Kerala, India: Lessons from the Eco- Development Project Abstract. The purpose of this article is to describe and evaluate the ecotourism project at the Periyar Tiger Reserve (Thekkady), in Kerala, India. The Ministry of Environment has undertaken to promote local community participation in forest management, through the "India - Eco - Development" programme in seven states. (PDF) Prospects and Challenges of Ecotourism: an Empirical Kerala is the perfect eco-tourism with all its greenery and natural beauty. Thenmala is developing as a major tourist centre in Kerala. Along with its natural beauty attempts are made by Tourism Department, Government of Kerala to promote Thenmala as a holidaying spot. ... Department of Tourism, published articles, research papers, Economic ... Top 10 Ecotourism in Kerala : Nature's Paradise Destinations Explore the top 10 Ecotourism in Kerala, India, and experience the magic of nature. Discover wildlife sanctuaries, eco-friendly resorts, organic farms, and more, all while embracing sustainable travel practices. Immerse yourself in Kerala's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage for an unforgettable adventure. Practice of Ecotourism in Kerala's Tourism Destinations: some Emerging While Kumbalangi is selected to represent backwater tourism, Cherai and Munnar successively represented beach and high range tourism., This paper argues that all three destinations have failed in the areas of environmental sustainability, benefits for local people and more revenue generations, each of which is considered a core concern within ... (PDF) Problems and Prospects of Ecotourism in Kerala: Some Empirical Economic Review, Kerala State Planning Board, Government of Kerala, for the years 2008 to 2012. Kabia, Sunil K. (2005), Tourism and Environment , Mohit Publications, New Delhi, First Edition. To Examine the Potential and Scope of Ecotourism in Kerala with a The present study "Potential and Scope of Ecotourism in Kerala with special focus on Tourists to Ecotourism Destinations in 4 Ranjith M Trivandrum is useful to find, the trend and pattern of tourist arrivals in Kerala and Trivandrum district, their opinion concerning Trivandrum as a tourist site and the facilities provided there and ... Ecology and Economy: A Case Study on Thenmala Ecotourism in Kerala, India Nature has always been vibrant that we inherent from the past and pass on to future generations to use. There is a symbiotic relationship between ecosystem and socio- economic life of the people. The present study seeks to review certain aspect of ecology and economy in the context of Thenmala ecotourism. Kerala the southernmost state of India and popularly known as God's own country in ... Essay on Tourism in Kerala 250 Words Essay on Tourism in Kerala Introduction. Kerala, also known as 'God's Own Country', is a paradise for tourists. Its diverse geographical features and rich cultural heritage make it a unique destination, attracting millions of tourists both domestically and internationally each year. ... Eco-Tourism. Kerala is a pioneer in eco ... Ecotourism in Kerala [TRAVEL GUIDE] Here are some of the best ecotourism destinations in Kerala. 1. Thenmala. Thenmala is "India's First Planned Ecotourism Destination" and deservingly tops this list. They offer a wide variety of activities: hiking and trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, butterfly safaris, boat tours, and more. (Pdf) Impact of Ecotourism: Evidence From Thenmala Ecotourism This study is a continuation of the earlier studies and it focuses on the impact of ecotourism with reference to Thenmala in Kollam district in Kerala - the first planned ecotourism destination ... 16 Ecotourism projects 16 Ecotourism projects. As many as 16 of the 49 ecotourism projects being taken up by the Directorate of Ecotourism has been thrown open to the tourists already. The main ecotourism spots opened for the public are Neyyar, Kallar, Mankayam, Ponmudi, Shenduruney, Konni, Thekkadi, Thommankuthu, Eravikulam, Chimmney, Parambikulam and Aralam. Explore. CHAPTER-4 ECO-TOURISM IN KERALA -AN OVERVIEW Kerala has an active tourism industry and that has been accepted as one of the most suited industry. Foreign tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2010 was 6,59,265. It showed an increase of 18.3% over the previous year. Domestic tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2010 was 85,95,075. Kerala Eco Tourism destination Eco tourism is a growing area in the tourist friendly state of Kerala.Eco tourism in Kerala has taken off in a big way because Kerala has many destinations known for their natural beauty and exquisite landscape. As Kerala is one of the greenest destinations in India,the state is a perfect hub for promoting eco tourism in a big way.. The landscape is covered with coconut palms in the coastal areas. essay homework paper phd review speech study thesis