Must visit Ecotourism destinations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 2025
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, blends a thriving ecological landscape with rich cultural traditions. Its unique location provides access to lush greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, backwaters, and beautiful beaches.
In 2025, eco-conscious travel in Thiruvananthapuram is evolving towards community-led tourism, low-emission travels, and nature-based wellness retreats. There’s also a growing attraction to biodiversity adventure.
In this blog, we discuss some of the top ecotourism destinations in Thiruvananthapuram, fostering visitors’ meaningful connection with nature while encouraging local communities’ financial empowerment, low-impact travel, and sustainable practices.
Why Thiruvananthapuram Is Emerging as an Eco-Tourism Hub?
Thiruvananthapuram is a city abundant in natural resources. It also boasts diverse ecosystems like coastal areas, backwaters, and wildlife sanctuaries.
The city has a diverse landscape with backwaters, hill stations, forests, and beaches. This diversity makes it an attractive and unique destination for eco-tourism. The city offers activities such as wildlife viewing, boat rides, and trekking to nature enthusiasts.
The city is also close to the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Further, most Thiruvananthapuram tourist places practice a proactive approach to sustainability and conservation. And both government and private entities do their part in these efforts.
Mankayam Ecotourism: A Waterfall Trekker’s Paradise
Mankayam ecotourism is one of the top ecotourism destinations in Thiruvananthapuram, with captivating natural beauty. It also includes two major waterfalls, Kurisadi and Kalakayam.
Trekkers seeking adventure can choose from diverse options of shorter and longer routes. The Iruthamoola – Ayampara route is a major short route leading to Ayampara waterfalls. Mankayam – Varayadin Mottai route where forests and lush grasslands blend, is one of the best for those choosing a longer route.
Diverse flora and fauna thrive in this region. These even include Nilgiri Tahr and other endangered species.
The best time to visit these picnic spots in Trivandrum is from October to March. The cool and pleasant weather during these months is the best for trekking and other outdoor activities.
Agritourism at Green tsavorite: Experience the Farm Life
Green Tsavorite is a 7-acre farm property with different plant life and livestock on it. This, along with a warm welcome from sustainability-driven hosts, makes the farm one of the best agritourism activities in Trivandrum for people who want to immerse themselves in farm life.
We offer clean and well-maintained premises and guest rooms for a comfortable and relaxing day out. However, we have prioritized a nature-first and sustainable design throughout the farm.
Special care has been taken to preserve the native ecosystem at the farm even when cultivating diverse crops. Learning about agriculture and working on the farm are some of the eco-farming experiences one can expect at the farm.
Green Tsavorite fosters empathy for all lives in our guests by encouraging them to feed different livestock and fish. We also encourage learning about agriculture by helping them participate in agricultural activities like weeding, preparing land, manuring, sowing, and harvesting.
We also serve warmly prepared food with organic farm-fresh vegetables and other farm produce. But Green Tsavorite is not just about farm life. It is a perfect example of blending fun and adventure with sustainability.
At the farm, we have prepared fun-filled, adventurous activities like the commando bridge, Burma bridge, and treasure hunt for our guests. They can also enjoy unique activities like bamboo rafting, kayaking, mud games, kite flying, and swimming in a natural pool.
From farm-to-table meals to camping and working on the farm to team-building activities, the guests at Green Tsavorite have diverse experiences waiting for them. Further, the authentic, rustic atmosphere at the farm presents a tranquil escape from the fast-paced city life.
Learn more about the farm
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: For the Nature-Obsessed
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular tourist spot in Thiruvananthapuram for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It features trekking trails, a dam, and waterfalls.
Its diverse flora and fauna include 43 species of mammals and 233 species of birds. These also include amphibians, reptiles, and fishes.
The wildlife sanctuary offers eco-tourism activities such as trekking, birdwatching, and guided nature tours. One can also choose the Kerala Forest Department’s trekking package, ‘Visit to Bison Abode.’
Visitors can also observe the richness of plant and animal life in the region through extensive safari rides. The opportunities for unique cultural experiences like visiting the Kani settlements also make Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary worth having on your list of things to do nearby Trivandrum.
Vellayani Lake: Eco-Friendly Boating and Lakeside Relaxation
Vellayani is a quiet, scenic lake close to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Its tranquil atmosphere and lush greenery make it an ideal spot to unwind for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Sustainable boating is one of the major attractions of the lake. The lake is also a good spot for bird-watching and lakeside relaxation. Measures are being taken to address sand mining and pollution at the lake and protect its ecosystem.
During the seasons, one observes different bird species at the lake and the nearby wetlands. These include spot-bellied pelicans and migratory birds such as the Amur falcon, citrine wagtail, and grey-headed lapwing.
The lake is only 7 kilometers south of Kovalam. Hence, it is one of the picnic spots in Trivandrum that guests at Green Tsavorite can visit.
Kottur Elephant Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre: Ethical Wildlife Interaction
Another significant spot among Thiruvananthapuram tourist places is the Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre. The center provides a forest-like natural environment for rescued elephants.
Visitors can observe the daily routines of the elephants in their natural habitat. These ethical wildlife interactions ensure that the animals are not stressed or harmed. The center also hosts educational programs about the conservation and rehabilitation of elephants.
Further, individuals get firsthand experience caring for elephants through the volunteer program. They can also observe the strong bond between elephants and their caretakers. This makes the center one of the best things to do near Trivandrum.
Varkala Cliff and Beach: Sustainable Seaside Bliss
The cliff and beach are among the top ecotourism destinations in Thiruvananthapuram. It stands out for its designation as a national geological monument by the Geological Survey of India.
Various measures have been taken to preserve the unique coastal ecosystem, geological features, and cultural significance of the region. Tourism at the beach and cliff is regulated and focused on sustainability to conserve its geodiversity.
The yoga retreats and green resorts at the beach offer a blend of leisure, exploration, and adventure. This enjoyable and relaxing experience makes a visit to the cliff and beach inevitable in the things to do nearby Trivandrum.
Closing Thoughts
These top ecotourism destinations in Thiruvananthapuram contribute to a strong ecotourism presence in 2025. They offer experiences that promote environmental conservation and cultural understanding.
Immersive agritourism activities in Trivandrum also foster a deeper connection with nature, sustainable practices, and local communities. Green Tsavorite is a perfect example of this because of the impactful and meaningful day-out experience it offers.
Contact us now to explore the magic of Green Tsavorite Farm:
- Email ID: enquire@greentsavorite.com
- Phone: +91 944 746 2828
Follow Green Tsavorite for more travel inspiration!
+91 944 746 2828
enquire@greentsavorite.com
