Time to Visit : Through out the year.
Weather : The hottest months are March to May and the coldest, December and January. The maximum temperature during daytime in the hottest month is about 39 degree cent. The daily temperature varies from 17 degree cent. to 35 degree cent.; Average rainfall 2600 - 3000 mm.
Known
For : The First Planned Eco-tourism destination in India. Thenmala
Thenmala in Kerala is the first planned ecotourism destination in India. Predominantly a forest area, Thenmala is a small village, located at the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains. Thenmala is about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, (God's Own Country), the southern most state of India. The name Thenmala is derived from two words - 'Then' & 'Mala", in local parlance "Then" means honey and "Mala" means hillock i.e. 'honey hills'. The honey collected from Thenmala forest area is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forests.
Thenmala Wildlife Resource
The Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is the prime ecotourism resource of Thenmala in Kerala. This Wildlife Sanctuary is of about 100 sq km in area and inhabits large stock of flora and fauna. The Shenduruny forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in year 1984. It derived its name from an endemic species of tree called Chenkuruny (Gluta travancoria). In the central region of this moist, mixed deciduous forest, spanning over hilly terrain of over 100 sq km, is the 26 sq km artificial lake worked by the Parappar dam built across the Shenduruny and Kulathupuzha rivers. According to some recent archaeological findings, Shenduruny was the bed of one of the oldest river valley civilisations in India.
Deer Rehabilitation Centre
This centre was established to protect and conserve the deer that are strayed out from forests. You will find - Spotted deer, Sambar deer, Barking deer here. There are Tree Top Huts for family day spending, Children's eco-park, Short Riverside trek in the Deer Park.
Boating in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary
The Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary offers boating facility to its tourists. Tourists are transported to boat landing in battery powered road vehicles through forest to expose them to non-polluting sources of energy. One can see - Elephants, Bison, Sambar etc. while boating. The surroundings exhibit a unique scenic beauty and hillocks of high lush evergreen forests.
Culture Zone
This zone is entirely dedicated to exhibit the culture and tradition of Kerala to the outside world. The Culture Zone hold various activities and events, which is in favour of Ecofriendly General Tourism. There are restaurant, shop court, amphitheater, etc. which plays a major role in helping the tourists understand the Kerala lifestyle. Taste some Kerala cuisines here, while appreciating the exquisite piece of Kerala Art & Culture arranged ornately amidst abundant natural wealth. An open air Musical Dancing Fountain which is considered, as "Natures Dance" is another major attraction here.
Leisure Zone
The Leisure Zone inspires the tourists to explore the inherent qualities of the zone - the drastic level changes, favorable views etc. The boardwalk and the sway bridge canvass promising viewpoints. The plazas, the view deck and the courts flash the tourists to a different framework of landscape. The sculpture garden, water features etc are the additional attractions here.
Adventure Zone
By the name itself one can easily make out that, this zone is entirely for the adventure lovers. The activities in this zone favours adventure tourism. The attractions in which you can indulge into are the Elevated Walkway, the Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, River Crossing, Nature Trails, Resting Spots, Lotus Pond, etc. The nature trail meandering through various areas of the zone captivates a large number of nature seekers.
Reaching Thenmala
Air : Thiruvananthapuram 72 km away.
Rail : Thenmala connected with Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Kashmir.
Road : 66 km from Kollam town on the Kollam - Shencotta Road, in Pathanapuram taluk of Kollam district.
