Kerala leads the way in responsible tourism in India

Friday, January 10, 2020

Kerala is a place that, at least for few days, you can truly call home!

Kerala is a narrow slice of land at the southern tip of India that’s blessed with a diverse landscape and enchanting culture. You can experience sweeping mountain vistas, expansive tea estates set up during colonial rule, tranquil backwaters and unspoiled beaches. While the natural beauty of the land will soothe the senses, Kerala’s ancient art forms like Kathakali and Theyam will captivate you.

Unlike many other travel destinations, Kerala has managed to develop its tourism while still retaining the beauty of the land, the wellbeing of its people, and their culture.

“We launched the Responsible Tourism programme in 2007 to bring together local communities and the tourism industry to create sustainable paths with financial, social, and ecological benefits,” said Ms. Rani George, the Secretary of Kerala Tourism.

Kumarakom is a sleepy little village on the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala. At one end is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to several bird species including cuckoos and Siberian storks. Agriculture and fishing were the primary sources of income for people of this village.

In 2007, Kumarakom got the distinction of being the first place in India for implementing Responsible Tourism practices. Homeowners, artisans, and locals engaged in traditional occupations joined hands and opened their doors to tourists.

“The most important benefit from the government’s initiative in Kumarakom is that we do not have to promote the location,” said Mr. Unni Karthikeyan who runs the charming Nallathanka Nest. “Thanks to the RT Mission’s efforts, this little-known backwater village has seen a steady growth of tourists.”

Mr. Karthikeyan, like many local homeowners in the lakeside village, opened his family home for tourists in 2009.

Guests at these homestays experience local life with a family, tasting local food, sourced from farmers in the area. Mr. Karthikeyan’s father fishes in the canal that flows past their property and guests at Nallathanka go with the elder Mr. Karthikeyan for an understanding of backwater fishing.

Through the RT Mission, locals offer “experience tours” like Village Experience, A Day with Farmers, and A Day with Artisans.

Across Kerala, 17,000 registered RT units have 100,000 people working within the Responsible Tourism ambit. Together, their revenue was two million Euros last year. Kumarakom alone generated more than half a million Euros from selling of local products.

« Back to Page