Thenmala takes the ultimate pride of being the first planned eco-tourism destination in
India. Located around 66km from Kollam city, this spectacular tourist town boasts of 10
breath-taking eco-tourism destinations. Extending to the fascinating hill ranges of
Trivandrum, Kollam and Pathanamthitta, Thenmala is no less than a fairy tale destination for
the visitors to Kerala!
Extremely popular for its swaying beauty and irresistible charm, Thenmala is also a hotspot
for the best quality timber in the country. Adding more to this eco-tourism destination’s
appeal, one could find the supreme quality of honey in this region. In fact, the name
Thenmala translates to ‘Honey Hill’ in local language.
Besides being an enchanting eco-tourism spot, Thenmala also serves as a hotspot for the
thrill seekers. Dotted with fascinating peaks and mountains, luscious forest areas and
scenic plains, this tourism spot makes it for amazing adventure sport destination as well.
Its rugged terrains, challenging trails, narrow passages, and enthralling rock formations
makes Thenmala a befitting destination to let adrenalines rush with activities like rock
climbing, mountain biking, trekking, and hiking.
1. By Road:
One of the most scenic eco-tourism destinations in Kerala, Thenmala is extremely well-connected with almost all the major cities and other tourist destinations in God’s Own Country. Visitors travelling from Kollam, Trivandrum, Punalur, and other popular destinations can avail regular state-run as well as private buses to reach Thenmala by road. Local cabs and taxis are also available to reach Thenmala by road.
2. By Train:
Thenmala Railway Station on the Kollam-Schencottah train route serves as the nearest railway station to reach Thenmala. The station doesn’t have direct connectivity with any of the major train stations in Kerala. Hence, visitors can alight at the Quilon Junction, and either board the regular buses or hire private transport options to reach Thenmala by road.
3. By Air:
Trivandrum International Airport at a distance of 56km, is the closest airport to reach Thenmala by air. This airport serves as hub for plenitude of direct and via flights from many Indian and foreign cities. However, arriving at the airport, visitors need to hire any of the road transport options to reach Thenmala by road.
Winter (December – February) – Best Time:
The morning dews, crispiness in the ambience, and the misty outlook that encrust Thenmala during the winters, is a sight to behold, adore, admire, and fall in love with! Also, it is during these months, this gorgeous eco-tourism destination experiences a vast drop in the temperature. Summing all these, winter proves to be the best time to visit Thenmala.
Summer (March – May) – Good Time:
Temperature during the summer rises up to a maximum of 39 degrees. This season can only be a good time to visit Thenmala if visitors are accustomed to higher temperature. Ignoring the high rise in the mercury level, one would surely enjoy a clear atmosphere that could serve as an ideal time for sightseeing and other such tourism options.
Monsoon (June – September) – Good Time:
Only if visitors can ignore heavy rainfalls or the water-soaked terrains, monsoon can be a good time to visit Thenmala. With the advent of the monsoon rains, this region becomes more vibrant with a fresh outlook and unique charm all around. Monsoon can also be an ideal time for the thrill seekers who crave for extreme challenges.
Palaruvi Falls:
The ‘Stream of Milk’ or the Palaruvi Falls is a wondrous waterfall to visit while in Thenmala. Revered as the 32nd highest waterfall in the country, this 300ft high cascade is around 18km from the eco-tourism town.
Adventure Zone:
This place can be called the ‘Mecca’ for adventure seekers visiting Thenmala. Offering some of the adrenaline pumping activities like river crossing, mountain biking, rock climbing, elevated walkways, and rappelling, this is one such place any thrill seeker would not dare to miss out!
Leisure Zone:
For the visitors who want to reconnect with Mother Nature, Leisure Zone is the place for them! A calm and serene spot in Thenmala, this is in fact the place that resonates the unique charm of being in an eco-tourism destination.
Deer Rehabilitation Centre:
This rehabilitation centre serves as a foster home to the deer. On a visit here, visitors can spot a number of deer species including spotted deer, sambar deer, and others. Deer Rehabilitation Centre also offers a short, yet exciting riverside trek.
Valliyoorkkavu Temple:
This sacred temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess. Located only 3km from Mananthavady, devotees visit this temple in a large number to worship the goddess in three different forms: Vana Durga, Jala Durga and Bhadraklai.
Butterfly Garden:
Home to a number of butterfly species, this one is the most colourful spots to visit in Thenmala. Within this park, one can come close to these delicate flies, and also learn more about them over a guided tour.
Pandavan Para:
Also called the ‘Rock of the Pandavas’, Pandavan Para connects the visitors with the epic Mahabharata. Resting in Urukunnu, this is the rock, where the Pandava bothers took rest during their exile period.
Ayyappa Temple:
One of the most pious religious establishments in Kerala, Ayyappa Temple (also called Sree Darma Sastha Temple) is the temple of Lord Ayyappa. Located at a distance of 12km from Thenmala, this temple has the Lord in the form of a teenager named ‘Tiru’.
