What Is So Special About Thenmala | First Eco-Tourism Destination of India

"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry" -Thomas Fuller

A great innitiative was taken in 1999 when the foundation stone for India's first Eco-tourism project was laid by then Hon. Minister for Food, Tourism & Law, Mr. E. Chandrasekharan Nair. Focusing on the protection and development of the place with benifits for the local communities.

Thenmala lies in the Indian State of Kerala and closest airport to the place is Trivandrum Airport. The name ‘Thenmala’ means Honey Hill in Malayalam and is known for its superior quality honey export.

As the place experiences very hot summers and heavy downpour during monsoons, best time to visit is between December to February. Boating, trekking, biking, mountaineering are few of the attractions of this place. Thenmala from a forested area to a growing ecotourism destination shows the power of sustainable tourism practices and collaboration with the local community leading its way to a positive change. 

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This first planned Eco-tourism destination of India and  also a UNESCO World Heritage Site is managed by the government, it is suitable for every kind of tourist. Whether adventure or leisure tourist, there is a lot to view in this perfect destination. The place is planned in a way that minimizes environmental impact using Sustainable practices. The elevated walkway provides a fascinating opportunity to engage in the region's diverse flora and fauna from a heighted point. It has 10 Ecotourism spots that cover the hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, with best views demanding people to visit this beautiful place atleast once in life.

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Visitors can be a part of the local culture immersing themselves into folk dances, traditional art forms, crafts, interactive workshops, visits to tribal settlements and much more. Give yourselves time to engage with the natives, knowing more about the place. An important aim is also to maximize the benefits to local communities. They are actively involved in various initiatives, skill development programs, benefiting from employment opportunities. Being a well administered place, the area focuses on protecting, improving and preserving the environment making it better for locals as well as the tourists. It has different zones i.e. adventure, leisure and nature zone. It offers a nature trail, you can watch the animals walking around, a treat for animal lovers. But be sure not to bother those lovely creatures and watch them from a distance. It houses animals like elephants, bisons, leopards, sambar, wild boar, deer, lion-tailed macaques, langurs and more.

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Several Malayalam and Tamil films including Adiverukal (1986) have been shot here in Thenmala, making it a famous shooting location. Though international destinations have a lot to offer, Thenmala of Kerela won't disappoint you, offering sightseeing, nature trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, boating, river crossing, butterfly safari, and what not. Every part has its own beauty to boast, the area is full of attractions and places worth a watch.

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Rates depend on the activity you choose, as they are different for different attractions. If you book in advance you might get reasonable rates or discounts. As the availability of Eco Tourism Packages change, based on climate and other conditions, please make sure to confirm its availability beforehand.  

Places To Visit  

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Butterfly Safari Park - 

One of the best attractions of Thenmala is its famous butterfly safari park. The climate provides a normal living space for butterflies of diverse species i.e. housing around 125 species of butterflies. The park has hosting plants and roosting plants to provide best quality leafy meal to all the caterpillar species and plants with leaves on which the butterflies depend. Water sprinklers and artificial ponds have also been installed in the park. 

It is Asia’s first butterfly safari park and this artificially created 3.5 hectare park is designed by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI).  

Thenmala Dam - 

The dam was opened in 1961 under the Kallada Irrigation and Tree Crop improvement venture with an expense of Rs. 13.28 crores for irrigation and power generation purposes. It being the second biggest watering system venture in Kerala, India has longest supply in the state.

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary - 

An ideal destination for trek enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The Sanctuary here offers numerous experiences for the travelers. Home to animals like elephants, sambar, wild boar, leopards, bisons, lion-tailed macaques, langurs, deer and more. Best season to visit is between October- Feburary. Trekking to the forests is an option that tourists can choose. The eco-tourism packages offered at present are Dharbakulam trail, Kattilappara – Choodal bird watching trail and Kallar trail. 

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The Leisure zone at Thenmala is a good place to relax as it brings the tourists closer to nature. Timing is between 9.00am to 5.00pm. Riverine, 250m river front walkway. Attractions include the Sculpture Garden, Parappar Dam, Sway Bridge- an unsupported bridge made of wooden planks the main dam of Thenmala, built across River Kallada and Resting Points.  Best for the tourists willing to enjoy the natural beauty and connect their soul with nature alone. Plan a trip with family or friends to immerse yourself in the experience of the breathtaking beauty and peace.

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Adventure zone tourists can spend an entire day at Thenmala.  Try out the Lotus pond, Nature Trail, Elevated walkway, Recreations Rock climbing & Rappelling, Resting points, River Crossing, Tunnel Walk, Mountain Biking, Valley Crossing, Aerial Net Walk, Burma Bridge, Boating, Water Roller, Gyroscope, Aerial Skating and Walking, Wall and tree Climbing, Archery and Short Range, etc. Providing abundant options for the thrill seekers. 

The Culture Zone in Thenmala, helps to know more about the lifestyle of the local people at Thenmala, the history, their art, flavours, architecture, and other elements that helped shape their way of life. Things to try here are Facilitation Centre, Nakshatravanam, Children's Park, Food Outlets Musical Dancing Fountain, Amphitheatre, and Shop Court.  

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Deep Woods Zone, especially for the nature lovers. Tourists who prefer to explore the nature trails through forests, this zone is heaven. There are chances for you to witness untouched parts of the nature through tours and trips. Soft trekking includes guided trekking through the outskirts of Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, Deer Rehabilitation Centre, Santuary Trekking and Santuary Hiking, Boat Ride - boating to explore the greenery of Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary and one hour boat services are available in one hour interval. Timing is 09.00am to 04.00pm.  

Accommodation - 

The Honey Comb is a double occupancy single room with attached toilet.  

Both A/C and Non-A/C are available. 

The Nest This Tented camping offered along Kallada River. Accommodation is provided in Swiss cottage tents with attached toilet for two persons and facilities inside the tent are hot water facility, TV,  Internet, Telephone, and A/c is not available. Mosquito repellent provided. 

The Cocoon or Tented Jungle Camping offfering stay in Swiss cottage tents with attached toilet. The camping site is located uphill about 50 mts from parking area, which gives a forest ambiance. Facilities inside the tent are TV, hot water facility, Internet, Telephone, and A/c is not available. 

The Bee Hive (A Dormitory) available in Thenmala. Two tier beds with a total capacity of 66 beds. You can select a room with 10 beds or on equivalent payment. 

How to reach - 

By Train - Nearest railway stations: Thenmala railway station – 1 Km, Kottarakara railway station – 41 km, Kollam Junction railway station – 69 Km away 

By Air - Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport - 75 Km 

By Road - Thenmala is the meeting point of Kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by forest and is 66 kms east of Kollam. 

Things to keep in mind - 

Keeping noise to minimum to avoid frightening wildlife, staying with the group at all times, not disturbing and maintaining safe distance from wildlife, always remaining inside accommodation at night, avoid smoking.