Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Best Eco-Tourism Spots in Kerala

Kerala, often called "God’s Own Country," is a leader in eco-tourism with its lush forests, serene backwaters, wildlife reserves, and sustainable travel initiatives. If you’re a nature enthusiast looking for green travel experiences, here are the top eco-tourism destinations in Kerala:

1. Thenmala – India’s First Eco-Tourism Destination

 Location: Kollam
 Best for: Forest trekking, adventure activities, and boating

Why Visit?

✅ India’s first planned eco-tourism site.
✅ Activities include canopy walks, trekking, rock climbing, and biking.
✅ Explore Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary for nature safaris.
✅ The Thenmala Dam and Musical Dancing Fountain add to the experience.

 Best time to visit: October – March

2. Periyar Tiger Reserve – The Ultimate Jungle Safari

 Location: Thekkady, Idukki
 Best for: Wildlife safaris, bamboo rafting, and eco-lodges

Why Visit?

✅ Kerala’s largest tiger reserve, home to elephants, tigers, and Nilgiri langurs.
✅ Unique bamboo rafting through Periyar Lake for wildlife spotting.
✅ Eco-friendly treehouse stays and jungle treks.
✅ Offers night safaris and tribal heritage walks.

 Best time to visit: September – April

3. Munnar – Tea Gardens and Sustainable Tourism

 Location: Idukki
 Best for: Organic tea gardens, eco-lodges, and nature treks

Why Visit?

✅ Home to Eravikulam National Park, famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
✅ Stay in eco-friendly resorts and homestays amidst tea plantations.
✅ Explore Kolukkumalai, the world’s highest organic tea estate.
✅ Visit the sandalwood forests of Marayoor for a serene experience.

 Best time to visit: October – March

4. Kumarakom – Responsible Backwater Tourism

 Location: Kottayam
 Best for: Houseboats, birdwatching, and mangrove forests

Why Visit?

✅ One of India’s best sustainable tourism projects.
✅ Cruise in eco-friendly houseboats made from natural materials.
✅ Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory birds like Siberian cranes.
✅ Stay at responsible tourism-certified resorts.

 Best time to visit: November – February

5. Silent Valley National Park – The Last Rainforest

 Location: Palakkad
 Best for: Deep jungle exploration and birdwatching

Why Visit?

✅ One of India’s most untouched rainforests.
✅ Home to the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque and Great Hornbill.
✅ Offers guided eco-trekking and wildlife safaris.
✅ A UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot.

 Best time to visit: December – April

6. Agasthyakoodam – Trek to Kerala’s Sacred Peak

 Location: Near Thiruvananthapuram
 Best for: Trekking, medicinal plant biodiversity, and spiritual retreats

Why Visit?

✅ Kerala’s second-highest peak (6,129 feet), ideal for trekkers.
✅ Part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, rich in medicinal plants.
✅ Sacred for Ayurvedic practitioners and pilgrims.
✅ Entry is restricted and requires a forest permit.

 Best time to visit: January – March (when trekking is allowed)

7. Wayanad – Kerala’s Green Paradise

 Location: Wayanad
 Best for: Forest retreats, sustainable tourism, and waterfalls

Why Visit?

✅ Home to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
✅ Stay at eco-lodges and jungle resorts deep in the forest.
✅ Visit Edakkal Caves for prehistoric cave art.
✅ Ideal for trekking, waterfall visits, and tribal heritage tours.

 Best time to visit: October – May

8. Gavi – An Undisturbed Eco-Tourism Haven

 Location: Pathanamthitta
 Best for: Offbeat jungle safaris and nature camping

Why Visit?

✅ A hidden eco-tourism spot inside Periyar Tiger Reserve.
✅ Stay in eco-tents and forest lodges for an immersive experience.
✅ Activities include jeep safaris, birdwatching, and trekking.
✅ Great for spotting Indian gaur, elephants, and Malabar giant squirrels.

 Best time to visit: October – April

9. Kakkathuruthu – The Enchanting Backwater Island

 Location: Alappuzha
 Best for: Authentic backwater village life

Why Visit?

✅ Featured in National Geographic’s “Around the World in 24 Hours”.
✅ A remote island with no roads, only canoe transport.
✅ Experience local fishing, toddy tapping, and sunset kayaking.
✅ A peaceful escape from tourist crowds.

 Best time to visit: October – March

10. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve – A Tribal Eco-Tourism Model

 Location: Palakkad
 Best for: Tiger safaris, treehouse stays, and tribal tours

Why Visit?

✅ One of India’s best tiger conservation reserves.
✅ Run by indigenous tribal communities, supporting eco-tourism.
✅ Stay in treehouses and forest lodges.
✅ Trekking and safaris are guided by trained tribal naturalists.

 Best time to visit: November – April

11. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary – The Hidden Birdwatching Haven

 Location: Near Thiruvananthapuram
 Best for: Birdwatching, boating, and eco-stays

Why Visit?

✅ Home to rare birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill and Indian Pitta.
✅ Offers serene boat rides and trekking trails.
✅ A peaceful alternative to the crowded Periyar reserve.

 Best time to visit: October – February

12. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary – The Offbeat Green Escape

 Location: Kannur
 Best for: Trekking and untouched forests

Why Visit?

✅ Less crowded, perfect for nature lovers.
✅ Rich in elephants, sambar deer, and over 200 bird species.
✅ Offers guided nature walks and deep jungle treks.

 Best time to visit: October – May

 Best Eco-Tourism Destinations in Kerala

✅ For Jungle Safaris & Wildlife: Periyar, Parambikulam, Wayanad, Silent Valley
✅ For Backwater & Sustainable Tourism: Kumarakom, Kakkathuruthu, Thenmala
✅ For Trekking & Mountain Adventures: Agasthyakoodam, Munnar, Gavi
✅ For Birdwatching & Green Retreats: Peppara, Aralam, Neyyar