Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people". Ecotourism has become popular among tourists interested in environmental conservation and sustainable development. It is a way to save forests and a "win-win development strategy for undeveloped rural areas”. Principles of eco-tourism advises to minimize impact, build environmental and cultural awareness and respect, provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts, provide financial benefits and empowerment for conservation and local people, raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate as well as to support international human rights and labour agreements.

are unique and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting eco-system teeming with life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable. Kumarakom and Alleppey (new name Alappuzha) are the prominent Backwater tourist attractions in Kerala. Kuttanadu is the one rare places in the world where farming is done below sea level (1.5 -2 meters below sea level). Inland waterways that flow above the land level is an amazing feature of this land. Kuttanad lies in heart of the backwaters of Kerala. This beautiful countryside with its waterways also is rich in crops like rice, banana, Cassava and yam. Kumarakom is a centre for houseboat cruises. Traditionally, the houseboats were called Kettuvallams, which means a boat made by trying together pieces of wood. Unbelievable as it may sound, not a single nail is used in the making of a Kettuvallam. Jack wood planks are joined together with coir rope and then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nuts shells.