7 days ago
Explore Thiruvananthapuram: Tips For An Eco-Conscious Vacation
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, has beaches, hills, temples, and mosques all in one place. Because this city is so beautiful, many tourists try to visit it. Thiruvananthapuram's clean eco-friendly steps such as ecotourism, allows visitors to appreciate the wonders of nature around them. From saving the environment to helping the local people, an eco-friendly trip to this city does it all. You can find more tips on how to make and plan for such a vacation below.
1. Eco Friendly Hotels
While on a trip, planning is almost everything. One of the best ways to offset carbon emissions is by booking hotels that have a verified eco friendly status. Make sure to choose from Thiruvananthapuram's list of eco-friendly homestays and resorts that utilize solar energy, participate in waste management, and conserve water just like 'The Raviz Kadavu' or 'Poovar Island Resort.' During your stay, seek places that meet these standards. Green Leaf and EarthCheck are two certifications to look out for, as these hotels are more likely to provide meals that have a smaller environmental impact such as food from local farms.
2. Use Public Transport or Hire E-Vehicles
The mode of transport selected has the greatest effect on the environment within any area. You can skip private car rentals and opt for buses or CNG auto rickshaws instead. Furthermore, you can also use electric bicycles and scooters which are becoming fashionable in the area. While cycling around Thiruvananthapuram, you will be able to appreciate many places while keeping your carbon footprint low. It is simpler for tourists to embrace environmentally friendly travel because services such as Yulu provide bike rentals.
3. Enjoy The Environmental Splendors Without Causing Any Damage
Attractions in Thiruvananthapuram include Kovalam beach, Ponmudi hills, and Neyyar wildlife sanctuary among others. These places must be visited and enjoyed with the Leave No Trace rules in mind. Always take reusable water bottles with you, do not throw away garbage and leave it littered around, and do not bother the animals. Nature walks with local guides are effective in providing information about the country's flora and fauna in a sustainable way. And instead of using a car to see the sights, go for quieter options like bird watching and trekking for less noise pollution and less disruption to the habitat.
4. Buy Products From Local Artisans And Businesses
Eco tourism also involves boosting the local economy. Be sure to buy souvenirs handmade by locals instead of cheap imitations sold at stores. Check out places like Connemara Market or other handicraft emporiums for genuine Kerala coir mats, wooden carvings, and traditional jewelry. Eating at small family-run restaurants instead of international chains ensures your money directly benefits the community. Furthermore, the local small scale restaurants prepare authentic Kerala dishes using local fresh ingredients.
5. Join In Community Tourism Projects
Community based tourism projects offer travelers the opportunity to interact and make a positive impact on the local people. Various projects like the Responsible Tourism Mission Kerala help connect the tourists to villages by offering farm stays and cultural programs. Engaging in such activities increases the understanding and respect residents and visitors have for one another. You may be fortunate to be engaged in some grassroots endeavors such as traditional crafts making, paddy farming, or witnessing a Kathakali performance.
6. Reduce The Use of Plastics
Travelers are an integral part of combating plastic pollution, which has become a defining phenomenon of our age. Hence, before reaching the city of Thiruvananthapuram, ensure that you have cloth bags, bamboo utensils, and metal straws instead of single use plastic. Several restaurants and coffee shops in the city now encourage customers to bring their own cups or containers. In addition, it is also important to carry a refillable water bottle and see some places around the city that can allow you to fill filtered water. All of these practices ensure that you do your part in keeping Thiruvananthapuram's beauty intact.
7. Learn About Local Initiatives in Conservation
Being aware of the environmental challenges that impact the region of Thiruvananthapuram is sure to make your travel a lot more responsible. The city has a number of NGOs that work around the clock to conserve endangered wildlife and rehabilitate them back to the wild. A case in point is the Chendamangalam rehabilitation center which houses and treats injured elephants, while the Agasthyamala biosphere reserve works on protecting lesser known species of plants and animals. You could volunteer with these organizations or even support them with donations. Even if you don't travel there, making other people aware of these initiatives leads to positive changes in the longer run.
Bonus Tip: Understand and Follow Important Cultural Traditions and Customs
Tourism doesn't have direct consideration on environmental sustainability, however, it is important culture is followed. When attending temples such as the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, ensure that you dress conservatively. Other practices, like removing shoes before entering temple premises, asking for permission when taking pictures of people, and so on, also require attention. Local customs are very important and once appreciated, goodwill follows, marking a cordial relationship between tourists and the locals.
Conclusion
In order to achieve a memorable eco-friendly vacation in Thiruvananthapuram, it is important to put an effort in planning from every facet of the journey. From choosing the right accommodation and transportation to daily activities and how to best interact with the locals. Employing eco-friendly means, engaging community projects, and lowering your carbon emissions, will guarantee an unforgettable holiday aligned with ethics. The captivating scenery and the friendly nature of the people in Thiruvananthapuram provides both sides of the coin, adventure and responsibility. So get ready, practice eco-friendly tourism, and go on a trip to this picturesque city with a positive attitude
