Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. Thenmala is a tourist place near Punalur town (20 km away) in the Kollam district of Kerala. Thenmala village located in the valley of Western Ghats amidst evergreen forests of Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. The Thenmala is 72km away from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and 62 km from Kollam. Thenmala is at the meeting point of Kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road. The meaning of the word Thenmala in Malayalam is interesting. ‘Then’ meaning Honey and ‘Mala’ meaning Hill makes it Honey Hill. It is believed that the quality of honey collected from this region is very good and it has a high medicinal value due to the biological settings of Thenmala. Thenmala is blessed with a large number of rubber and tea plantations.
The Thenmala dam was built across Kallada River. Thenmala is famous for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies. It is gaining popularity due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning.
Elevated Walkway in the forest area at Thenmala
The Thenmala Eco-Tourism project is managed by the Thenmala Eco-Tourism Promotional Society, a Government of Kerala undertaking. Thenmala Eco-tourism has equal opportunities for fun, adventure, leisure and for learning the significance and necessity of eco-friendly measures for promoting tourism related activities.
Thenmala Eco tourism offers both eco-tourism and eco-friendly general tourism. The Eco-tourism include trekking to sanctuary from 2hrs to 2 days. Thenmala also offers eco-friendly general tourism are explained in detail below. To enjoy all the attractions at Thenmala you require at least 2 days i.e. 48 hours. You can plan your journey as a one day trip or two day trip. The Palaruvi waterfall is 16 kms from Thenmala towards Senkottai/Courtalam route and Courtalam is 30Kms from Thenmala.
The Park also offers out bound learning activities for students and professionals. There are day programmes and overnight programmes and all programmes require a minimum of 20 participants.
Activities at Thenmala
- Trekking
- Lush green forest Park
- Adventure Park
- Children’s Park
- Butterfly Safari
- Musical Dancing Fountain
- Boating
- Hiking
- Night Camping galore the attractions.
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