Findings of the study 1. The proposal of turning Mankayam into a Ecotourism hotspot came five years back. 2.

Almost Sixty families took active initiative to bring the destination into a state at which, what we can see there now. 3. Majority of visitors of this place are youngsters which comes under the age group 26 to 30 which constitutes around 30 percent of total visitors and next comes the family section which is limited to around 13 percent. 4. Around 72 percent of visitors coming here are males and females constitute only around 28 percent of total visitors. 5. An important thing to be noted is that 77 percent of people came to know about the destination through their friends and relatives which contributes the lions share to the overall population. This shows that the destination is not marketed in an efficient way. 6. 75 percent of the tourists are frequent visitors of the destination and this is a fact that proves the potential of this destination. 7. Undoubtedly, waterfalls contribute to the 67 percent of visitors interests and an area which currently holds a minor 10 percent visitors interest; Trekking has a wide scope in the near future. 8. 92 percent of visitors reveal that this destination is safe for women and children. 9. 97 percent of visitors showed their interest in visiting the place again.

10. Medical facilities and food systems are the next things that should be resolved there in accordance to the visitors inconvenience. 11. Mankayam is one of the finest examples of a destination least affected with the pollutants like non cleanliness, over infrastructural developments and all. 12. It is a sad fact that, even though the place has a strong potential, it is less popular when compared to others like Ponmudi, Kallar etc which are near to it.

13. Mankayam is a paradise for a true nature lover as it is enriched in wide variety of flora and fauna. 14. Majority of people visiting here are of local residence. 15. In Mankayam, there are no proper shops or snack bars nearby which is major con side. Most of the family tends to bring with them, what they want. 16. There is Bamboo cabanas nearby the waterfalls, this is an aid if rainfall comes or if someone wants to eat and have their food or do a short rest. 17. The visitors can mingle with local communities, share thoughts with them and pure breed of honey called cheru thene and van thene can be bought from them.

Suggestions
1. Proper funding should be made for the periodic development and maintenance of

Ecotourism destinations.
2. Proper waste management and use of non biodegradable materials like plastics and

PVC should be monitored.

3. Tourist inflow should be properly recorded and developments should be made for

the benefit of tourists without affecting the ecological balance of the destination.
4. Food facilities should be provided, so that tourist will be more satisfied. 5. Information regarding the nearby tourist attractions should be provided to the

tourists by the officials, which would be a great help to the tourists. Moreover, the officials should be capable of handling the various guests.
6. Generating greater awareness among public authorities, the private sector, the civil

society and consumers regarding ecotourisms capacity to contribute to the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage in natural and rural areas, and the improvement of standards of living in those areas.
7. Disseminating methods and techniques for the planning, management, regulation

and monitoring of ecotourism to guarantee its long term sustainability.

8. Promoting the exchange of successful experiences in the field of ecotourism. 9. Increase opportunities for the efficient marketing and promotion of ecotourism

destinations and products on international markets

10. The new focus of sustainable development and management of tourism should be

on the promotion of economic incentives and environmental education and on building local capacity rather than merely on the establishment of rules and regulations, which proved to be largely ineffective.
11. Developing and raising Tourism oriented education .This will help change

peoples perceptions regarding tourism and raise their awareness of the opportunities and challenges involved in tourism.
12. This should be accompanied by making efficient use of mass media and other

promotional facilities to publicize and promote existing attractions and available resources. A permanent snack bar shop should be opened. So that local people will have a job opportunity and also tourist will be more satisfied. A gents toilet should be there. There should be a separate guide room facilities.