Thenmala - Nature in its plenty

Thenmala is India’s first planned Eco-tourism destination.  Covered by dense forests, Thenmala in Kollam district is a natural habitat of diverse flora and fauna. This unique place harbours a fragile eco-system. Straddling the hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, the Thenmala eco-tourism project shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats.  The rugged landscape, nature trails and delightful waterfalls of Thenmala offer plenty of adventure activities.

Situated around 72 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Thenmala Eco-tourism is a unique destination from a visitor's point of view. As the place proffer equal chance for fun, adventure, leisure and a lot about eco-tourism activities. Divided into different zones with a particular theme, the eco-tourism are currently has three major zones viz. Culture Zone, Leisure Zone and Adventure Zone.

At the Culture Zone one can indulge in a variety of activities like trying few traditional Kerala dishes at the restaurant there, a bit of shopping, a retrospect on Kerala's art and culture and an amphitheatre. The highlight of the Culture Zone is the open air Musical Dancing Fountain, which is a big attraction among the visitors. To provide information on a wide range of tourism products available at Thenmala, there is also a Tourism Facilitation Centre in the Culture Zone.

The Leisure Zone at Thenmala offers a boardwalk leading to the dam. Adding more charm to the landscape here, there is a Sculpture Garden, which has Man & Nature as its theme.  The Adventure Zone here offers mountain biking, rock climbing and river crossing.

Besides the zone-based activities, Thenmala Eco-Tourism also offers other attractions, like boat ride in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary and a visit to the Deer Rehabilitation Centre. The eco-tourism area also has tree top huts and children's eco-park, riverside treks, and battery powered vehicle rides through the forest, enabling one to sight wildlife from a close distance.

Thenmala Eco-Tourism is open round the year and there are conducted tours organized by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation from the Capital City of Thiruvananthapuram and also by the District Tourism Promotion Council of Kollam District.