Why Kerala Is A Great Eco-Friendly Destination In India

Global warming is becoming a greater concern every single day. People need to be more aware of their impact on nature and the need for greater sustainability. It is the responsibility of every human being to care for the environment. The good news is that people all over the world are becoming more attracted to green ways of living, which can offset their carbon footprint.

Although eco-tourism is relatively a new terminology in India, it is still a rather popular concept. Local activists and scientists have encouraged the caring people of this region to take the right steps to embrace a new industry built around eco-friendly tourism. They are demonstrating an unparalleled level of responsibility and new commitment to not damaging the environment. Instead, they are focused on conserving natural resources, while also improving the well being of locals.

Kerala is one of the popular destinations of India. You will find that the best tourist places to visit in Kerala are some of the finest tourist spots in India. In addition, it is very eco-friendly and is considered among the best ecotourism destinations in the world. Kerala has taken pioneering steps to progress an eco-friendly destination and support green living.

1. First State in India with Govt Department for responsible Tourism:

Kerala is the first state in India with a dedicated tourism department focusing on “Responsible Tourism Mission” (RT Mission). The government and local residents believe in providing better places to the tourists as well as to its people. The Government of Kerala has taken this initiative to spread the message of sustainability and implement the principles of Responsible Tourism all over Kerala. RT Mission was launched in 2017 by the Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr Pinarayi Vijayan. Responsible Tourism Mission has worked on various projects to work for the economic, social and environmental improvement. This led to the development of local environmental initiatives, women empowerment and eradicating poverty while bringing social and environmental equilibrium.

2. World’s First Solar-Powered Airport:

Cochin International Airport of Kerala established in 2015. It has set a new record of being the first solar-powered airport in the world. More than thousand flights depart from this airport each week, which makes the airport to be the 7^th busiest airport in India.

The airport is fully equipped with renewable solar energy, which works amazingly to provide the necessities of 27 airlines and approximately a dozen shops and restaurants within the vicinity of the airport. Cochin International Airport Limited has recently been awarded the title “Champion of the Earth award”. The airport has made an excellent example of taking the fabulous step of going green and diminishing carbon emission; sending the message of sustainable development to the world.

After all, the sunny days of Kerala have proved a great deal and source of energy for the hard-working solar panels!

3. Eco- Friendly Resorts that are in tune with nature:

Going green has become an ongoing trend among the nature-loving tourists who sought for eco-friendly accommodation. Kerala is particularly famous for its exuberant natural surrounding and is home to exotic resorts, which are exclusively made to tune with nature. The eco-friendly resorts of Kerala are located in refreshingly beautiful parts of the state; where tourists can come close to nature along with the necessary amenities.

One such beautiful resort is “Ecotones”, which is situated in a captivating part of picturesque Munnar. It is located far away from the crowd. It believes that beauty of nature is not about just admiration but as a responsible human being one must know to give back to nature what it requires and conserve nature.

The charm of Ecotones can be felt in the essence. Ecotones relies on the core belief of eco-tourism, according to which one must abide by responsible traveling. It is strongly predicated on the principle of conserving the natural beauty of Munnar, rather than commercial tourism.  The resort provides its guests with nature-oriented activities, where one can enjoy bird watching, nature trails, cycling, visiting local farmers and nature walks while learning and observing nature closely. The resort provides eco-friendly accommodations like mud houses made with grass roofs and chemical-free mud bricks laid by Muthuvans, who are the local tribesmen.

Contemporary interiors along with ethnic mud walls and modern facilities are the unique combination of these mud houses. Plastic bottles are not allowed in the resort and re-usable glass bottles are used instead. The Ecotones resort does not provide exotic or continental cuisine and rather offers ethnic food prepared by ingredients which are locally sourced. The resort has employed 90% locals while providing fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally; leading to community improvement and involvement. The resort plays a vital role in spreading awareness related to nature conservation among the locals.

4. Multiple  Eco-Tourism Destinations:

Kerala is home to various Eco-Tourism Destinations, where one can experience the magnificent beauty of waterfalls and feel the presence of exhilarating wildlife. The rich bio-diversity and people of Kerala are preserved via eco-tourism initiative.

Many such Eco-Tourism destinations in Kerala are: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, The rolling green hills and the Nilgiri Tahr, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, The green haven, Thenmala Shendurney, Gavi, Munnar, An ideal destination for trekking, Kakkayam, Konni, Pambadum Shola National Park, Kottur, Neyyar, Peechi, Mathikettan Shola, Chembra Peak, Kanjirakolli, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranipuram Hills, Vellarimala, Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Arippa, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Siruvani, Vazhani, Abhayaranyam Ecotourism, Ponmudi Hills, Nelliyampathy, Ananmudi Shola, Marayoor, Bhoothathankettu, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Palaruvi, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Nadapuram Mudi, Paithalmala, Athirappally and Vazhachal, Peruvannamuzhy, Perumthenaruvi Waterfalls, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thirunelli, Chellarkovil, Dhoni Waterfalls, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nilambur Nedumkayam.

5. Unique Treehouse Stays that is integrated with Surroundings

Most of the global challenges in environment is because of the lack of respect for forest and living creatures. You need to experience the “Nature Zone Jungle Resort” in Munnar, which is integrated to the environment and has been created without a single nail on tree. This nature-friendly resort is built with modern facilities and utmost comfort while being eco-conscious. This is one of the best tree house resorts in Munnar without nails and construction has been done without any impact on the trees or surrounding. Providing luxury tents and tree houses; the resort brings nature to its guests. It offers its guests with nature-based activities like nature walks, trekking and jeep safari.

Kerala in the lapse of the Western Ghats has been an all-time popular destination of nature lovers. The state is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, which also include some endangered wildlife species. Kerala is a perfect eco-friendly destination and a place working to reduce carbon footprints that should be on your bucket list if you are planning to visit India.

Kerala is One of the Eco-Friendliest Tourist Destinations

There are a lot of sustainable tourist attractions in India. Kerala is one of the best. If you are an eco-tourist, then you may want to check out Kerala during your next trip.