The Eco-tourism centres in Kerala, which has been closed since March 10 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will reopen for visitors once again starting from August 19. All the eco-tourism centres under the Forest Department will be open maintaining all protocols and guidelines.

The decision has been taken considering the negative impact of the five-month-long closure on communities, which depend and sustain on the eco-tourism activities around the forest areas in the state. The Forest Department estimates that the closure of the eco-tourism destinations has had a direct impact on the livelihood of around 2,000 people and 70,000 families living around these destinations.

As per a statement by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State, the permission will be given on the basis of the Unlock 3 relaxations and guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Children below the age of 10 and adults above the age of 65 will not be allowed inside the parks.

There will be thermal checks before permitting people into the eco-tourism centres. Strict sanitation protocols will be implemented for safari vehicles and trekkers. Only small groups will be allowed. Tickets have to be obtained online and no counter sale of entry passes will be available.