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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
You will love Thenmala, known as "Honey Hill," celebrated as India’s first planned eco-tourism destination where lush evergreen forests, mist-covered mountain ridges, gushing streams, and thrilling adventure zones welcome you with open arms.
Region
Kerala
Min temp
16
Max temp
39
Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats across Kollam district, Thenmala gives you an authentic wilderness experience far away from crowded tourist circuits. The region gets its poetic name from the pure, medicinal forest honey harvested by local tribal communities from the dense surrounding woods.
You will discover three distinct ecotourism zones: Culture, Leisure, and Adventure, all designed to immerse you directly in nature. Whether you want to trek deep into the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, challenge yourself on aerial canopy walkways, or enjoy serene reservoir boat rides, Thenmala promises you an unforgettable and refreshing eco-friendly getaway with EasoTrip.
Thenmala is a nature destination in Kerala known for forests, hills, waterfalls, reservoirs, adventure activities, and eco-tourism attractions.
You should make Thenmala your next travel destination if you love untouched green landscapes, exciting outdoor sports, and pure forest air.
India’s First Planned Eco-Tourism Hub
You can explore well-maintained nature parks, eco-friendly jungle camps, and guided conservation zones designed to protect native flora and fauna.
Rich Wildlife & Biosphere Diversity
You can explore the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, where you can spot wild elephants, deer, leopards, and rare butterflies.
Choose Thenmala for forest views, outdoor activities, scenic spots, and a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature.
ctober to February is generally suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities in Thenmala, while the monsoon season brings heavier rainfall and greener landscapes.
Cool & refreshing weather
Choose the drier months for outdoor activities and sightseeing, or visit during the monsoon if you enjoy rain, waterfalls, and lush greenery.
| Months | Weather | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to February | Cool & refreshing weather | Peak Season | For trekking, wildlife safaris, camping, and outdoor adventure sports |
| June to September | Heavy Rainfall | Off-Season | For peaceful stays |
| March to May | Warm | Moderate Season | For river walks and boating |
Attractions
Thenmala Dam & Parappar Reservoir
You can visit this majestic gravity dam built across the Kallada River and take a scenic motorboat ride across the deep green reservoir waters.
Thenmala Hanging Suspension Bridge
You can walk across this thrilling suspended footbridge to enjoy panoramic views of the river flowing below and the green hills around you.
Thenmala Adventure Zone
You can spend an active day tackling rock climbing walls, spider nets, Burma bridges, zip lines, and mountain biking trails.
Palaruvi Waterfalls
You can take a short 16 km drive to visit this 300-foot milky waterfall and enjoy a refreshing bath in its clean mountain rock pool.
Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge
You can marvel at this historic British-era railway bridge in Kazhuthurutty, built entirely of stone, brick, and limestone mortar without steel.
Ambanad Tea & Spice Hills
You can explore the only commercial tea plantation estate in Kollam district, complete with vintage British tea processing machines and orange groves.
Thenmala is well connected by road and can be reached from nearby Kerala cities. The nearest major railway station is Kollam, while Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is a major airport option.
Road travel is a convenient way to reach Thenmala, especially when visiting its different eco-tourism and nature attractions.
By Air
You can land at Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located around 72 km away, and take a 2-hour scenic taxi ride up the hills.
By Train
You can arrive at Kollam Junction Railway Station (66 km away) or Punalur Railway Station (20 km away), which connect with major rail lines across India.
By Road
You can travel easily via the Kollam–Shenkottai National Highway (NH 744) using private cabs, self-drive rentals, or KSRTC buses from Trivandrum, Kollam, and Madurai.
Enjoy boating, trekking, nature walks, cycling, adventure activities, and scenic views around Thenmala’s forests and reservoir.
Add outdoor activities and nature-based experiences to your Thenmala trip to explore the destination beyond its main sightseeing spots.
Take a Reservoir Boat Safari in Shendurney
You can cruise along the calm waters of the sanctuary reservoir while keeping an eye out for drinking wild elephants, bisons, and rare aquatic birds.
Experience River Crossing & Ziplining
You can harness up and glide securely on aerial steel cables above fast-flowing forest streams and rocky gorges.
Explore the Butterfly Safari Park
You can stroll through a specially designed conservatory filled with host plants where hundreds of colorful native butterflies fly around you.
Enjoy Jungle Camping in Swiss Cottage Tents
ou can spend the night at eco-camps like "The Cocoon" or "The Nest," listening to nocturnal forest sounds under starlit skies.
Try Soft Trekking to Pandavan Para
You can hike up this mythological rock hill to catch cool hilltop breezes and scenic views of the eastern valley.
Thenmala and its surrounding areas have several temples and religious sites that reflect the local culture and traditions.
Kulathupuzha Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
You can visit this ancient shrine on the banks of the Kallada River dedicated to Lord Sastha as a child (Balakav), where you can feed the sacred temple fish (Meenoottu).
Aryankavu Shastha Temple
You can explore this historic temple situated 35 feet below road level on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, famous for its annual Thirukalyanam festival.
Punalur Thookkupalam & Mahaganapathi Temple
You can stop at nearby Punalur to admire the 19th-century suspension bridge and seek blessings at the historic riverside Ganapathi temple.
Add a temple or spiritual stop to your Thenmala trip if you want to explore the cultural side of the region along with its natural attractions.
You can try popular Kerala dishes such as appam, puttu, kadala curry, Kerala parotta, fish curry, dosa, and other local meals around Thenmala.
Traditional Banana-Leaf Pothi Choru
You can unwrap a fragrant banana-leaf packet packed with hot boiled rice, fried fish, coconut chammanthi, thoran, and spicy pickles.
Kappa Biryani
You can relish mashed tapioca mixed with spicy bone-in meat, toasted spices, curry leaves, and coconut oil.
Appam with Spicy Nadan Chicken or Egg Roast
You can enjoy soft, bowl-shaped fermented rice hoppers served with rich onion-tomato and coconut curry.
Try traditional Kerala food during your Thenmala trip, especially local meals available around the nearby towns and villages.
Thenmala is known for local products, forest-related items, spices, honey, handicrafts, and other Kerala souvenirs available around the eco-tourism areas and nearby markets.
Pure Forest Wild Honey
You can buy certified organic honey with high medicinal value harvested directly from wild hives in the Western Ghats.
Tribal Bamboo & Cane Handicrafts
You can purchase handcrafted bamboo pen stands, decorative baskets, and wooden decor items crafted by local communities.
Ayurvedic Herbal Tonics & Oils
You can shop for natural therapeutic massage oils, wild herbal remedies, and eucalyptus oils.
Look for locally made products, spices, honey, and simple souvenirs to take home from your Thenmala trip.
Local markets around Thenmala and nearby towns are useful for buying spices, fresh produce, snacks, household items, and regional products.
Thenmala Ecotourism Facilitation Shop Court
You can browse authorized eco-shops offering pure forest honey, tribal crafts, postcards, and herbal products.
Kazhuthurutty Town Market
You can visit this roadside market along the Kollam-Shenkottai highway to buy fresh farm vegetables, local fruits, and travel essentials.
Ambanad Estate Outlets
You can purchase factory-fresh tea packets and estate-grown spices right from the plantation sales counters.
Visit the local market areas if you want to pick up everyday items, Kerala snacks, spices, and small souvenirs during your trip.
Wear lightweight cotton clothing and carry sturdy sports or trekking shoes for walking along forest trails and adventure parks.
Carry cash with you for forest entry tickets, camera passes, and local roadside tea stalls.
Book your sanctuary safaris and adventure packages in advance during peak winter weekends to avoid waiting in queues.
Always follow safety guidelines and wear safety gear provided during zip lining, rock climbing, and boat rides.
EasoTrip can help plan a Thenmala trip with accommodation, sightseeing, local travel, and Kerala tour arrangements based on your itinerary.
Customized Ecotourism Packages
You can tailor your itinerary to combine adventure sports, wildlife safaris, waterfall visits, or family leisure.
Verified Forest Resorts & Tented Camps
You stay in safe, comfortable jungle lodges and eco-resorts with great views and verified hygiene standards.
Dedicated Private Transport
You travel comfortably with skilled local drivers experienced in navigating ghat roads and forest routes.
Add Thenmala to your EasoTrip Kerala holiday plan to include its forests, waterfalls, adventure activities, and eco-tourism attractions in one itinerary.
Where is Thenmala located?
Thenmala is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Kollam district, Kerala, roughly 20 km from Punalur and 66 km from Kollam city.
What are the top things to do in Thenmala Ecotourism?
You can enjoy rock climbing, river crossing, reservoir boating, the butterfly safari, deer spotting, and visiting Palaruvi Waterfalls.
How much time do you need to explore Thenmala?
You need at least 1 to 2 full days to experience the adventure activities, wildlife safari, waterfalls, and evening musical fountain show comfortably.
What makes Thenmala famous across India?
Thenmala is recognized as India’s first planned eco-tourism project, famous for sustainable tourism, pure forest honey, and rich biodiversity in the Shendurney reserve.
Is Thenmala suitable for a family vacation with children?
Yes, children will love the Butterfly Safari, the Deer Rehabilitation Centre, the tree house, and the spacious riverside gardens.
Can you visit Palaruvi Waterfalls and Courtallam from Thenmala?
Yes, Palaruvi Waterfalls is just 16 km away, and the famous Courtallam waterfalls in Tamil Nadu sit roughly 30 to 34 km from Thenmala.