Thenmala-Kollam
Thenmala is a serene village at the foothills of Western Ghats which is primarily a forest area. The well-known Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is the prime ecotourism resource of Thenmala. The Wildlife Sanctuary is of about 100 sq. km. enriched with large varieties of flora and fauna.
'Thenmala' in English means honey hills. It is located 72 kms from Thiruvananthapuram.
Thenmala Ecotourism Project) has been formulated in and around Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary with the co-operation of departments such as Forest, Irrigation and Tourism. In order to give flexibility in management for the development of this destination, a separate Society, the Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society (TEPS) has been constituted.
For more details: Visit www.thenmalaecotourism.com
Climate
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 Celsius. The daily temperature varies from 17 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius.
Rainfall
Southwest Monsoon: May to August extends up to September
Northeast Monsoon: late September, October and November
Average rainfall 2600 - 3000 mm
Best Season
August to May
How to Reach
By Air: Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram (80kms)
By Rail: Nearest Railhead: Kollam (66kms)
By Road: Two hour journey from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Regular buses are available from Kollam, Kottarakkara and Punalur.
Contact
STD code: 0475
Tourism Information Desk, Thenmala 0475-344800
Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society: 0471-2329770
Stay, Lunch and Dine
Tented camping inside adventure zone: 0475-2344800
Hotel Green Valley: 0475-2335134
Treetop Huts at Kattilappara: 0475-2335134
Restaurant: KTDC Restaurant: 0475-2211600
Packages Available
Trekking packages through Eco Development Committee: 0475-2344800
Trained Guides: 0475-2344725
Attractions
Matysafed Aquarium near Adventure Zone. Entry Fee: Rs.5-10 (10am to 7pm)
Deer Rehabilitation Centre. Entry fee: Rs. 5-10 (8am-6pm)
Boating in Wildlife Sanctuary. Rs. 45-75 (9.30am to 4pm)
Leizure zone. Entry fee: Rs.20-30
Musical Dancing Fountain at 7pm (Monday holiday)
Mountain biking. Rs.20
Conducted Tours
From Thiruvananthapuram KTDC (Ph 0471-2330031)
From Kollam DTPC Kollam (Ph 0474-2745625, 1364)
From Pathanamthitta DTPC Pathanamthitta (Ph 0473-2229952/2326409)
From Alapuzha DTPC Alappuzha (Ph: 0477-2251796, 2253308)
From Kottayam DTPC Kottayam (Ph: 0481-2560479)
From Ernakulam DTPC Ernakulam (Ph: 0484-2383988, 2367334)
Local Guides: Ph: 0475 2344725
Tips
Book accomodation early in advance
Plastic freezone
