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Kerala
Eco Tourism -Thenmala, Kollam
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 It
is India's first planned eco-tourism destination, which is gaining popularity
due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning. Situated about 72kms
from Thiruvananthapuram, in the District of Kollam, the Thenmala Eco-Tourism
shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills
of the Western Ghats.
The
word Thenmala in the local language Malayalam has an interesting meaning. Then'
means honey and Mala'means hill; and they combine to mean Honey Hill'. It is
believed that the honey collected from this region is of very good quality owing
to its unique biological settings. Managed by Thenmala Eco-Tourism Promotional
Society, which is an undertaking of the Government of Kerala, Thenmala Eco-tourism
is unique destination from a visitor's point of view. It has equal opportunities
for fun, adventure, leisure and for learning the significance and necessity
of eco-friendly measures for promoting tourism related activities.
At Thenmala Eco-Tourism, a visitor
is taken care of by its well-trained staff providing guidance and information
about the various attractions and facilities, enabling one to move about, explore
and experience every bit of this remarkable destination. There are well-placed
signboards, direction pointers, and information boards to facilitate one's movement
inside the project area. Divided into different zones with a particular theme,
the project area 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 for memento
sake, a peep on Kerala's art and culture, an amphitheatre etc. But the highlight
of the Culture Zone is the open air Musical Dancing Fountain, which is a big
attraction among the visitors. There is also a Tourism Facilitation Center in
the Culture Zone to provide information on a wide range of tourism products
available at Thenmala.
Step into the Leisure Zone for
a feel of different elevations and vantage viewpoints. Adding to one's pleasure
in such exploration are the boardwalk and the sway bridge here, which could
be exciting propositions especially for children. Adding more variety and elegance
to the landscape here is the Sculpture Garden', which has Man & Nature as its
theme.
 For
those with an overdose of adrenalin and those willing to test their adventure
spirit would find the Adventure Zone here quite a thrilling experience. Take
the elevated walkway for a journey that winds through the canopy of trees and
going over rocky terrains bringing one close to some of Mother Nature's best
at varying elevations. And still those who don't mind to give their body muscles
a real work out can go for mountain biking, rock climbing and river crossing.
Other less physically demanding adventure options include nature trails, resting
spots, lotus pond, etc.
Besides the zone-based activities
for a visitor, Thenmala Eco-Tourism also offer other attractions, like an invigorating
boat ride in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary;a visit to the Deer Rehabilitation
Centre, where one can have a look at Spotted deer, the Sambar deer and the Barking
deer, which have been given protection after straying out from the forests.
The project 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.
For a visitor to Thenmala Eco-Tourism,
some of the nearby attractions are also worth exploring. One may visit the picturesque
Palaruvi waterfalls, about 16 kms away, on the way to Shenkottah.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.
Getting
there:
Nearest Railway station:Kollam, about 66 kms away.
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 72 kms away.
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