In its 2025 “No List,” Fodor’s Travel Guide has placed Kerala alongside global destinations like Mount Everest, Tokyo, Bali, and Barcelona. This list highlights tourist spots that are rapidly deteriorating due to unsustainable tourism practices, environmental degradation, and natural disasters. Kerala’s inclusion on this prestigious list comes as a stark warning about the rising threats to the state’s tourism sector.
The report points to alarming environmental issues plaguing Kerala, such as water pollution in its rivers and other water bodies. Fodor’s references recent deadly landslides in areas like Chooralmala and Mundakkai, which experts say are exacerbated by unregulated tourism activities. These activities have disrupted the natural flow of water, increasing the likelihood of landslides and other disasters. Despite multiple warnings over the years, Kerala has failed to implement effective measures to address these risks.
According to Fodor’s, the state has witnessed a significant increase in landslides, with 60% of the 3,782 landslides recorded in India between 2015 and 2022 occurring in Kerala. This pattern is indicative of the state’s vulnerability to the environmental impacts of mass tourism. With these issues mounting, the state faces significant challenges in maintaining its reputation as a top tourist destination.
Along with Kerala, other locations like Bali, Mount Everest, and Koh Samui are also part of the “No List 2025,” urging travelers to reconsider their plans to visit these overburdened spots.
