a peep into Kerala eco tourism with special reference to thenmala.

1. ECOTOURISM
THE KERALA EXPERIENCE
AJMAL M A
Assit. Professor and Head
Department of History
Sir Syed College. Taliparamba

2. The term Ecotourism was coined in 1983
by ‘Hector Ceballos-Lascurian, a Mexican
environmentalist

3. Definition of Ecotourism
“It is a responsible travel to natural
areas that conserves the environment
and improves the well-being of local
people.“
The International Ecotourism Society
(TIES)

4. CHARACTERISTICS
 Involves travel to natural destinations.
 Minimises impact
 Builds environmental awareness.
 Provides direct financial benefits for
conservation.

5.  Provides financial benefits and
empowerment for local people.
 Respects local culture.
 Supports human rights and democratic
movements.
 Helps conservation of biological diversity

6.  Protects cultural diversity through
Ecosystem protection
 promotes sustainable use of biodiversity, by
providing jobs to local populations
 ensures sharing of socio-economic benefits
with local communities

7. Principles of Ecotourism
 Minimise the impact.
 Build environmental and cultural awareness and
respect.
 Provide positive experiences for both visitors and
hosts.
 Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
 Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local
people.
 Raise sensitivity to host countries' political,
environmental, and social climate

8. MERITS
 It is the best form of income generating
activity that is completely ecological.
 Reduction of pressures on the natural
resources,
 Improves the living standards of local people
 Co-operation among regions and countries,
 Acceleration of information

9.  Low impact upon protected areas;
 Involvement of stakeholders (individuals,
communities, ecotourists, tour operators and
government institutes) in the planning, development,
implementation and monitoring phases;
 Respect towards local culture and tradition;
 Generation of sustainable and equitable income for
local communities and other stakeholders, including
private tour operators

10. DEMERITS
 Negative impacts of tourism
 Direct environmental impacts
 Displacement of people
 Threats to indigenous cultures
 Threats to biodiversity
 Green washing
 Problems of Mismanagement

14. GOD’S OWN
COUNTRY

15.  The national
geographic traveler
has labeled Kerala
as one of the 10
paradises in the
world
 The first state which
announce tourism
as an industry

16. Choice for all…

17. ‘Unique Kerala’
 Endless serene beaches
 Emerald backwaters
 Pristine valleys and
mountains
 Exotic species of rare
flora and fauna
 Wild life sanctuaries and
national parks
 Enchanting art forms
 Magical festivals
 cultural monuments
 Historical remines
 Healthcare
 Pilgrim centers
 Accessibility
 Etc…

18. ECOTOURISM IN KERALA

19. THENMALA ECOTOURISM
• India’s first planned Ecotourism
destination
• in the foothills of Western Ghats in
Kollam District
• inaugurated in January 2001

20. THENMALA
• CULTUREZONE
• LEISURE ZONE
• ADVENTURE ZONE
• OTHER ATRACTIONS

21. CULTURE ZONE
• musical dancing
• fountain
• Cultural Program
• amphitheater
• shop
• Courts, etc

22. LEISURE ZONE
• a sculpture garden with the theme of man
and nature

24. ADVENTURE ZONE
elevated walkway
nature trail
Trucking
river crossing rock
climbing mountain
Biking, etc

27. OTHER
• one hour boating in the Shenduruney
wildlife sanctuary reservoir

28. • rehabilitation center with a children’s
ecopark

29. SOME OTHER ECOTOURISM SPOTS IDENTIFIED IN THE
FORESTS OF KERALA
• 1. Agastyarvanam
• 2. Neyyar
• 3. Peppara
• 4. Ponmudi
• 5. Thenmala
• 6. Palaruvi
• 7. Purakkad
• 8. Kumarakom
• 9. Peerumedu
• 10. Kuttikkanam
• 11. Thekkady
• 12. Munnar
• 13. Rajamala / Eravikulam
• 14. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
• 15. Athirapally
• 16. Peechi
• 17. Nelliyampathy
• 18. Silent Valley
• 19. Parambikulam
• 20. Malampuzha
• 21. Muthanga
• 22. Kuruva Islands
• 23. Thirunelli
• 24. Pythalmala
• 25. Aralam
• 26. Ranipuram ….

30. WAYANAD

34. AJMAL KODIYATHR
Head of the Dept. of History
Sir Syed College, Taliparamba