How do you define sustainable tourism? If your answer is eco-friendly you’re on the right track, but only partially correct. While environmental consciousness—or being green—is certainly a big component of true sustainability, there are other necessary factors to consider as well. These include the economy, or keeping money local whenever possible, and culture, or minimizing the negative impact of tourism on local society while maximizing the positive.

Its idyllic coastline, tropical climate, year-round festivals and relatively unknown status among tourists makes the Indian state of Kerala a near-perfect destination. Among the area’s appealing attributes are miles of tranquil beaches, myriads of ecotourism activities, unique local celebrations and access to ancient Ayurvedic healing practices.