Thenmala Ecotourism: Thenmala is considered as the home of India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, located near Punalur town in Kerala’s Kollam district on the Western Ghats and its around 72 km away from the state’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram. The government managed World Heritage Site is a unique destination where you get to enjoy nature along with adventure and leisure activities.
This fabulous visitor town involves over sections of land of evergreen forest and has 10 eco-tourism spots spread over the intriguing slope ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta locale. As the town is surrounded by dense forest it has the best quality timber yield, which is high in demand across the country. Apart from that, Thenmala produces high quality honey and has medicinal value thus it’s popularly known as the ‘Honey Hill’.
It is also a hub for rubber estates, tea plantations and is a natural territory for an infinite variety of flora and fauna. Besides just being an eco-tourism destination it’s a best spot for the thrill seekers equipped with rugged landscapes, narrow passages, challenging trails, rock formations, captivating peaks, lush forest areas, scenic plains, boat rides, mountain biking, rock climbing and many more.
How to Reach Thenmala?
Thenmala being a popular tourist destination in Kerala is well-connected with some of the major cities and it’s easy to reach the destination if you opt your travel via flight or by road or by train.
By Air:
Trivandrum Worldwide Airplane terminal is the closest plane terminal to Thenmala which is around 72 Km away. Once you reach the airport you can take a bus or hire a taxi and experience the beauty of Kerala’s bustling streets and serene landscapes. The airport has regular flights and is well-associated with all the major cities of India as well as abroad.
By Train:
Punalur is considered as the nearest railway station, but Kollam Junction railway station located in the city of Kollam in Kerala is well connected nationally and most of the tourists prefer this train station. It is around 66 kilometers from Thenmala but considered as the second largest and oldest train station in Kerala, from there you can hire a taxi or take a bus.
By Road or By Bus:
Thenmala has great public transportation and is accessible both from Trivandrum and Punalur by road. From various parts of Kerala there are numerous KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) buses running through this route offering an affordable way to travel. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Thenmala is to travel by hiring or self-driving a car where you get to explore and discover the enchanting beauty of nature all over.
Also Check out :Nelliyampathy Tourist Places – Travel Guide, Things to do in Nelliyampathy
When is the Best Time to Visit Thenmala ?
It’s one of those destinations which looks eye appealing in every season as nature keeps changing its essence and colors throughout the year.
Winter (December to February): Best time to visit Thenmala is during winter, as the place is more adored and admired during this season. It’s an idealized time to explore this place as the climate is so charming and energetic amid this period.
Summer (March to May): You can visit Thenmala during summer as well but usually you find less tourism during this period as the temperature and humidity might rise and it might get very hot. One advantage is that you get to enjoy a clear atmosphere and its ideal time for sightseeing and other water activities.
Monsoon (June to September): It’s the worst time to visit Thenmala, as the place receives inadequate rainfall each year as it is located geographically close to the Arabian sea.
Thenmala Ecotourism Travel Guide – Tourist Places & Accommodation
Places to visit in Thenmala:
Thenmala Dam:
Thenmala Dam is the heart of eco-tourism and a popular Kerala’s natural beauty. This dam is built across Kallada River and it’s a major source of irrigation and hydroelectric power. It was built under the Tree Crop Development Project and Kallada Irrigation in 1960’s, and it’s also called ‘Parappar Dam’. A reservoir which was built across the dam is part of the Thenmala Ecotourism Project since 1998 and is used for irrigation, power generation and drinking water for various villages. Apart from that it’s the best spot for adventure activities like trekking, boating, fishing, exploring leisure zones, Echo Point etc. Thenmala Dam is located at the meeting points of three major streams of the Kallada Rivers: Kulathupuzha, Parappar, and Shendurney rivers.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary:
It’s the one and only wildlife sanctuary in the district and its a treasure house of biodiversity and beauty. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is mostly covered with Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest and spread across a total area of 172 sq kilometers was established in 1984. An artificial lake was built in an area of 18.69Sq.km which is surrounded by Thenmala Dam reservoir. The sanctuary is a hub for various species and it’s a place filled with a lot of trekking trails that takes through dense forests where you get to see rare tree species, flowering plants, forest birds and lion-tailed macaque which is considered as a highly endangered species and more.
Adventure / Leisure zone:
The Adventure Zone can also be called the ‘Mecca’ for adventure seekers which is 2km away from the Thenmala junction. This place features adventure activities like rock climbing, river crossing, elevated walkway, mountain biking, swings, rappelling, rope ladders and more.
Leisure Zone is a place where you can reconnect and relax with Mother Nature. Some parts of the forest are converted into a zone where one can calmly enjoy the walks. Plenty of monkeys will be hanging over the trees and the place is equipped with man and nature made sculptures.
Butterfly Safari Park:
It’s a unique attraction for tourists where they get to explore the beauty of numerous species of butterflies. Take a walk in the park by admiring the colorful creatures as they flutter around the lush greenery, and it has several walking trails along with observation platforms. The Butterfly safari park is an ideal place for children as there are educational activities and games related to butterflies. The park is spread across 4.5 acres of land, is a hub for more than 150 species of butterflies and study more about them over a guided tour.
Aryankavu Sastha Temple:
Aryankavu Sastha Temple is one of the most promising pilgrim centers in Kollam which is situated near to famous Palaruvi waterfalls. This temple is dedicated to Lord Sastha (Ayyappa) and holds the highest significance and artistic value. It is one of the five temples which is dedicated to lord Ayyappa and during the Mandala Pooja and Thirukalyanam festival thousands of pilgrims come to this temple.
Nakshatra Vanam:
Best place to visit if you believe in astrology. Nakshatra Vanam is a tree garden where you get to see 27 trees and each tree is associated with a constellation or nakshatras of the zodiac. These trees are considered to have medical, aesthetic and economical values. A nursey of these trees is maintained by The Thenmala Ecotourism Society, and they sell the seedings. If you plant a tree as per your birth star, it’s believed that will bring you good luck.
Deer Rehabilitation Center:
The Deer Rehabilitation Center was built in the dense forest beside Kallada river and is a home for many wild deer such as Sambar deer, Spotted deer and more. Apart from that this place offers an exciting trek across the riverside. Deer Park Thenmala is just 1.5km away from the Thenmala Ecotourism and it’s open throughout the week from 9am to 5pm.
Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge:
One of the oldest and Historical railway bridges in India, built by the British in 1904 for transporting goods. Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge is tucked away between Kollam Thirumangalam National Highway and River Kazhuthurutty. It’s a visual feast built with just rocks, limestone and jaggery and consists of 13 arches, 5.18 meters tall and 101.72 meters long. It is a best example of British engineering excellence and a popular tourist spot.
Palaruvi Waterfalls:
One among the highest waterfalls in Kerala is Palaruvi Waterfalls, which cascades through the rocks from a height of 300 feet. This fall is surrounded by lush green basins and natural herbal plantations, which makes the fall rich in ayurvedic properties. Palaruvi implies ‘Stream of Milk’ and the drop is a cascade of drain running among the tall rocks of Kollam Timberland.
Accommodation At Thenmala:
There are 5 different types of accommodation available in Thenmala and as per your budget choose the best one.
- The Beehive is nothing but a big dormitory where you need to share common washrooms and per night, they charge you 140rs and for foreigners the price varies. It’s a budget friendly option.
- The Honeycomb is nothing but a group of budget homes. Per night they charge you 700Rs for non-AC rooms and 980 Rs for AC during weekdays. During weekends and holidays, they charge you 1000 rs for Non-AC and 1400 rs for AC.
- Koodu are shaded huts built on four poles and come with attached toilets and balconies. Per night they charge 1400 rs on weekdays, and 2000rs on holidays and weekends.
- The Cocoon is nothing but a Swiss cottage tent that comes with an attached toilet and closets in the tent. They have double and triple occupancy options and per night they charge 1400 rs on weekdays, 2000 rs on holidays and weekends
- The Nest Are a group of Swiss cottage tents located near the riverfront. It’s a place where you can enjoy the river view and comes with attached toilets and balconies. Per night they charge 1820 rs on weekdays and 2600 rs on weekends and holidays.
Conclusion:
Thenmala Ecotourism is a big step in sensible tourism focusing on protecting and improving the environment. Take a break from your regular boring life and spend some quality time just relaxing in nature and explore all the adventure activities in Thenmala.
