Nature has always been vibrant that we inherent from the past and pass on to future generations to use. There is a symbiotic relationship between ecosystem and socio- economic life of the people. The present study seeks to review certain aspect of ecology and economy in the context of Thenmala ecotourism. Kerala the southernmost state of India and popularly known as God’s own country in tourist literature. Thenmala ecotourism project is the first planned ecotourism project in the country. Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats and predominantly a forest covered area located in the Kollam District of Kerala. Ecotourism is an emerging concept in tourism industry and this programme encompasses education, sustainable development, respect for fragile environments and the people with whom the traveller is interacting. The concept of ecotourism today has sharpened its aspects in the goals of responsible tourism by making maximum participation in responsible positions for the local as well as tribal hosts India.

ecology, ecotourism, Western Ghats, sustainable development, shenduruney wildlife sanctuary, cultural heritage