‘Thenmala’: India’s First Planned Eco-Tourism Destination
In a stunning natural habitat abounding with diverse flora and fauna lies ‘Thenmala’- literally meaning ‘Honey Hill’- a unique eco-tourism destination in the Kollam district of Kerala, which lies 500 metres above sea level and shares its boundary with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. The honey obtained from these hills is considered to be of excellent quality owing to the bio diversity of the place.
The rugged terrain of this land harbours a fragile ecosystem, and is ideal for some very exciting nature related activities. Nature trails dotted with delightful waterfalls and enchanting picnic spots attract naturalists, conservationists and adventure seekers. With large tracts of forest land and extensive rubber and tea plantations, Thenmala provides the perfect background for leisure activities.
The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) have developed Thenmala as an eco-tourism project, making it the country’s first planned eco-tourism destination. Attractions include a musical fountain, elevated walkways that allow you to stroll around at tree top level, an amphitheatre, and a sway bridge. A forest trail leads to a sculpture garden with several sculptures revolving around the theme ‘Nature and Man’. Interesting pathways around the sculptures and the integration of the natural features in the zone gives the sculpture garden its own exclusivity.
Besides the zone-based activities for a visitor, Thenmala Eco-Tourism also offers other attractions like an enchanting boat ride in the reservoir within the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, and a visit to the Deer Rehabilitation Centre where one can have a look at groups of spotted deer, sambar deer and barking deer, which have been given protection here after straying out from the forests.
On your next holiday to Kerala it would be a good idea to deviate a little from the routine tourist trail to explore places like Thenmala. Call experts at the Kerala Travel Centre today on Freephone 0808 178 9799 who will be happy to create a customized itinerary for you that includes this fascinating eco tourism destination.
