WHAT MAKES KERALA ONE OF INDIA’S MOST ECO-FRIENDLY STATES

Last Updated on 5th August 2024 by Bejal

Anyone considering a trip to Kerala will have no doubt done their research and learnt that without a doubt Kerala is one of India’s most eco-friendly states. Kerala being one of India’s most eco-friendly states probably comes as no surprise, for it’s become one of India’s top monsoon destinations amongst travellers. Know as God’s Own Country, Kerala is smothered in the most wonderful natural beauty from tea gardens, tranquil backwaters, pristine sandy stretches of beaches and lingering sunsets. It’s reported nearly 45 percent of Kerala is a blanket of green and thousands of tourists flock to the destination to experience the eco-friendly practices which are intertwined in culture.

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This article aims to highlight why Kerala is one of India’s most eco-friendly states, right from the government’s commitment to it’s abundance of sustainable hotels and investment in greener tourist destinations.

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Kerala One of India’s Most Eco-Friendly States 

India and Kerala in particular are making huge efforts into embracing sustainable practices surrounding eco-tourism. The environment is a priority in Kerala as is conserving natural resources and improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of the local communities. Green living is supported throughout the state in terms of destinations, attractions, wildlife, food, heritage and culture.

5 Sustainable Initiatives That Make Kerala One of India’s Most Eco-Friendly States

Kerala is the First State In India Which Has a Dedicated Government Department for Responsible Tourism

This is quite an impressive move for a country that is way ahead in terms of it’s IT tech but has taken much longer to develop eco-friendly policies for it’s countries tourism. 

The ‘Responsible Tourism Mission’ (RT Mission) is a dedicated arm of the tourist  department and strongly advocates in providing a more sustainable environment for its tourists as well as it’s local residents.

The government has taken spreading the principles of Responsible Tourism throughout Kerala with the RT Mission being launched back in 2017 by the Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr Pinarayi Vijayan.

The project has led to work on several economic, social and environmental factors affecting the state in terms of tourism. This in turn has led to numerous local initiatives such as the empowerment of women, in the state’s  matriarchal society as well as stopping poverty and begging publicly on the streets of Kerala. The government has put into place initiatives which financially help those in need to build houses and have somewhere to live. Learn more about the Responsible Tourism Mission including a whole wealth of knowledge from ethical eco-friendly tours, hotel classification, local projects, traditional food cooking methods, education, street projects as well as RT destinations in Kerala.

Kerala is the only state in Indian with 100% literacy and by law all children have to be enrolled and present at school. 

An example of just one of the aspects of sustainable tourism that should be on travellers radars is the International Coir Museum. With Kerala’s abundance of coconut trees, there are plenty of coconut shells around. Once the flesh and milk has been consumed, the shell is dried and used to process coconut fibre. The number of products that can be made is fascinating, think weaved floor mats, baskets, insulation panels, packaging such as sacks, bags, brushes, rope and the list goes on.

The International Coir Museum charts the story of coir making as well as having displays of the old and new methods of processing the coconut. It is also a place where weavers go to train and you can see them learning hands on techniques whilst you walk around looking at the exhibits. It’s  self guided museum but explanatory boards are in English. The museum is located on a highway between Kochi and Alleppey, hit the link for a map location.

Kerala Has The World’s First Solar-Powered Airport

Cochin Internation Airport, that most visitors to Kerala will fly in and out of when visiting the state was ready for operation in 2015 and sets a global standard. It;s the world’s first solar powered airport, and India’s seventh most busiest airport, with around 1000 flights leaving the airport per week.

The airport was awarded the ‘Champion of the earth award’ for it’s efforts of installation of the solar panels. There are in the region of 46,150 solar panels distributed over 45 acres of land close to the cargo area, this in turn allows the airport to have around 50,000-60,000 units of electricity available on a daily basis allowing for all operational functions to be catered for and means the airport is power neutral.

The eco-friendly airport has set Kerala amongst the top contenders globally to be investing in sustainable energy and a brighter greener future for generations to come. 

Eco-Friendly Hotels and Lodges Surrounding By Nature & Wildlife

Many of the hotels, resorts and lodges are renovated hill station colonial houses or built from scratch intentionally based on their proximity to nature and wildlife. The serenity of remote locations in tune of their environments is a rising trend in travel. More often than not Kerala is picked for it’s  picture perfect locations, that still remain untouched, which is down to the state wanting to keep things in line with nature and authenticity of this destination.

The vast majority of eco-friendly hotels in Kerala have sustainability practices that they follow in order to be certified as green, although many small eco-hotels can’t always afford to make the improvements, they put  a lot of their time into working with the local community and providing more authentic experiences.

Eco-conscious visitors to Kerala opting for eco-lodges or even resorts, can expect food which has been prepared in house from seasonal ingredients. It’s authentic Keralan cuisine as opposed to the haute cuisine or continental options of the west. Many resorts will employ in the region of 90%-100% of their staff from the local community as well as including the local communities in growing and supplying fruit and vegetables. The conservation of nature and wildlife is at the core of these resorts’ commitment.

Eco-resorts are miles apart from what one would expect from the regular commercial tourism accommodation options. Experiences and tours include activities that concentrate on nature, such as walking trails, visiting local farms, bird watching and the like. There is always time allotted to just relax and taking in and appreciating the surroundings, which can do wonders for ones wellbeing and health.

Treehouses & Safari Tents Interspersed into The Natural Surroundings

One of the most notable accommodation types and a favourite amongst Be-lavie is known for its remarkable respect for the environment and wildlife. A must-experience eco-resort in a remote location in Munnar, only accessible by the resorts off road jeeps, Nature Zone Jungle Resort is a unique stay that touches the hearts of visitors.

The whole site has been created and seamlessly integrated into the environment without the need to pin nails or other such sharps into the tree. Construction has not involved any form of impact to the surroundings and it consist of modern facilities in its tree houses and safari style tents. 

The views are magnificent, the wildlife is swoon worthy and at Nature Zone be prepared to partake in activities like hiking, trekking, jeep safaris as well as tea plantation tours. It’s all about simplicity, tuning in with nature and taking in the surroundings. Meals are prepared and to be eaten in a specified dining area, so not to attract wildlife and cause danger and food is simple and tasty using local ingredients.

Kerala Has Multiple Eco-friendly Destinations

Another reason why Kerala is one of India’s most eco-friendly states is that it is filled with multiple destinations such as waterfalls, tea plantations, wildlife rich environments, lakes and rivers as well as National Parks. 

A few destinations that those wishing to embark on a eco-friendly visit to Kerala should consider Wayanard Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Tiger Reserve for wildlife related eco-tourism. Gavi and Munnar to mention a few.

For trekking consider Peruvannamuzhy, Perumthenaruvi Waterfalls, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Abhayaranyam Ecotourism, Arippa, Idukki and Ponmudi Hills amongst a wide list available from Kerala Tourism

Eco-Friendly Tour Recommendations

Kerala One Of India’s Most Eco-Friendly States Round-up

For travellers with a keen interest in eco-tourism and sustainability, there is no doubt that Kerala is an exceptional choice when it comes to it’s environment preservation initiatives. From their world-class green airport to its ethos on no harm should come to it’s verdant environment and wildlife.

It is inspiring to see Kerala as a destination that invests in its heritage and culture as well as making huge efforts in protecting its flora and fauna, bio-diversity by educating the locals and implementing initiatives from the top down. Kerala’s model for eco-friendly tourism is making such a positive impact on the state and is one to be considered globally as a destination to visit.

Related Articles: Kerala One of India’s Most Eco-Friendly States

• How To Plan The Best 10 day Kerala Itinerary
• Beautiful Eco-friendly Hotels in Kerala & Their Sustainability Practices
• How to spend 48 Hours in Fort Kochi
• A 3 Day Guide to Things To Do In Munnar
• The Best Things to do in Thekkady: A Travel Guide
• A guide to the best things to do on beautiful Marari Beach
• Cruising the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat + sustainability 
• A guide to the best things to do on beautiful Marari Beach 
• A Guide on What to pack for Kerala
• 10 of the best authentic tours and activities in Kerala

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