Date:26/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/12/26/stories/2005122601111300.htm

Back 56 sites identified for eco-tourism in Kerala

Sankar Radhakrishnan

The Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady, one of the spots identified for eco-tourism.

Thiruvananthapuram , Dec. 25

OVER the past few years, eco-tourism has become a key focus area for Kerala's tourism authorities.

The eco-tourism wing of the Department of Tourism has identified 56 places in the State that have the potential to be developed as eco-tourism centres. While six of these sites are already functional eco-tourism projects, work on another 10 projects has been started, said a senior official of the tourism department. Most of these projects are expected to be commissioned in the next six-seven months, he added.

All these projects are being implemented with participation from the local community and the forest department, he explained. For instance, the eco-tourism project at the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady is run by the local community and includes products such as a jungle camp and bullock cart rides along the periphery of the sanctuary.

Another unique eco-tourism project currently being implemented is at Konni in the State's Pathanamthitta district. Inspired by the region's association with elephants and elephant-related folklore, the Konni eco-tourism project focuses on elephants. When completed, this project is expected to include an elephant museum, elephant rides and visits to a training camp for elephants.

The tourism authorities are also developing eco-tourism projects in locations such as the Eravikulam National Park and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. In all these locations, treks managed by the local community will be a highlight. In other eco-tourism projects such as those at Nelliyampathy and Nilambur, the focus will include activities such as plantation and farm visits.