A Trip to Thenmala

A trip to Thenmala has been on the bucket list for some time. On April 9th, we had to attend the marriage of a colleague’s daughter, hence, we decided to add Thenmala’s visit after.

Thenmala – is an eco-tourism destination on the eastern side of Kollam, 60 km away. A destination that appeals to families and those who enjoy adventurous activities.

The Eco-Tourism department is active here and does many activities for the tourists to spend 2-3 days in this place, though not promoted commercially. You can find a few accommodations and can go trekking, zip line, deer park, Jeep safari, etc.

We drove and reached Thenmala by evening. Our stay was arranged at Ecoresort, a refreshing resort with greenery all around. This resort is nestled in the midst of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes.

The resort offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and sustainable stay for its visitors. The owner itself is taking care of many staff from the locality. They serve you love.

You can go to activities arranged by Thenmala Ecotourism. Some of the activities arranged by Thenmala Ecotourism are:

Canopy Walkway: This is a unique activity where visitors can walk on a suspended bridge built over the tree canopies. It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding forest and is a great opportunity to experience nature from a different perspective.

Boating: Visitors can enjoy boating in the calm waters of the Thenmala reservoir. It is a perfect activity for those who love to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the place.

Deer Rehabilitation Center: The ecotourism center has a deer rehabilitation center where visitors can see different species of deer and learn about their habitat and behavior.

Butterfly Safari: The butterfly safari is a unique experience where visitors can observe different species of butterflies in their natural habitat. The safari is conducted in a specially designed butterfly park.

Adventure Zone: Thenmala Ecotourism also has an adventure zone where visitors can enjoy activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, and river crossing.

Cultural Programs: Visitors can also enjoy various cultural programs that showcase the art, music, and dance forms of the local community.

Overall, Thenmala Ecotourism offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors who love nature and adventure. We checked into the room and had a nap in the evening as we were tired after a day’s journey.

Mentioning the resort, in the middle of a natural ecosystem, the resort was so conveniently situated. The services provided were excellent, and the accommodations were cozy and comfy. Things had a distinctively personal touch. Dinner was served in an open area where a buffet was served including barbecue chicken and fish from their own pond. It was super tasty.

We understood there is a Jeep safari available at a 25km away place called Rosemala, which is inside a forest where you can reach the height and can have good sightseeing. Rosemala is a hidden gem and an offbeat destination for those who love nature and want to explore the unexplored.

Rosemala is known for its scenic beauty, lush green forests, and serene atmosphere. We can even go in the night when people used to spot elephants, deer, etc, or in the morning to enjoy nature. We wanted to go in the morning only hence asked the person to come by 7 am.

Rosemala is an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. Visitors can go on a guided trekking tour through the forest trails and experience the beauty of the Western Ghats. There are different trekking routes available, and the difficulty level varies according to the route chosen.

The trek to Rosemala Peak is a popular activity, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The scenic beauty en route is breathtaking and we enjoyed moving further.

The road was not good, but the feeling was awesome. We stopped here for a photo session.

There is a KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) bus service through this route and wanted to wait for it to cross to move further.

We then crossed through the Chenkurinji redwood tree. The Chenkurunji tree is found in the Western Ghats region of India, particularly in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It grows in a variety of habitats, including moist deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and mixed forests. The Chenkurunji tree is a tall tree, reaching up to 40 meters in height, with a straight trunk and a broad canopy.

The wood of the Chenkurunji tree is highly valued for its durability, strength, and resistance to termites and decay. It is commonly used for making furniture, doors, windows, and other wood-based products. The wood is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, cough, and skin diseases.

After that, we reached the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 171 square kilometers and is home to several species of flora and fauna.

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with the thrill of adventure. There is a check-post at this place too.

We reached the extreme point and wanted to walk from here to reach Rosemala. There are several trekking routes that connect Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and Rosemala. The most popular route is the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary-Rosemala trek, which takes visitors through the dense forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The trek starts from the Punalur-Thenmala road and passes through the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, crossing streams and waterfalls along the way. The trails are designed to showcase the natural beauty of the region and promote physical fitness.

It then leads to the Rosemala village, where visitors can experience the beauty of the village and interact with the local tribes.

The trek is a great way to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Rosemala is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Visitors can spot several species of birds, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Treepie, and Malabar Parakeet.

Overall, Rosemala is a perfect destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature. We were heading towards the Parappar View, which is located in the Rosemala region of Thenmala and is a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers.

The Parappar View offers a stunning panoramic view of the natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the view of the rolling hills, lush green forests, and the meandering Parappar River. The view is especially breathtaking during the monsoon season when the area is covered in a blanket of green.

The ecotourism project in Thenmala was started as a joint venture between the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Thenmala Eco-tourism Promotion Society (TEPS) with the aim of promoting sustainable tourism in the region. The project has won several awards for its conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices.

Thenmala is a stunning location that is ideal for nature enthusiasts and people seeking a tranquil and undisturbed atmosphere. The area is home to a number of attractions that highlight the local natural beauty and traditional culture. Anyone who wishes to experience the Western Ghats’ natural splendor should travel to Thenmala.

Distance from Thenmala

Cochin – 200 Kms

Munnar – 227 Kms

Thiruvananthapuram – 72 Kms

Thekkady – 176 Kms

Alapuzha – 120 Kms

Courtallam – 37 Kms

Madurai – 185 Kms

Kanyakumari – 170 Kms