Thenmala

Eco-tourism

Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. The Thenmala dam was built across Kallada River.

Etymology

Thanmala is derived from Malayalam names of 'Then' meaning Honey and 'Mala' meaning Mountain. Thenmala is famous for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies.

Tourism

Thenmala attracts foreign and domestic tourists with a host of attractions. Boating on the lake, a rope bridge, trekking, mountaineering, biking and a musical fountain. Thenmala is approachable both from Trivandrum and Punalur by road. Punalur is famous for Suspension Bridge made by British, is an architectural marvel that has withstood the test of time. Nearest railway station is Punalur. The waterfall called Palaruvi is a prime attraction nearby. Also nearby is a deer rehabilitation center where visitors can see deer in a forest setting and have a peep into a traditional tree house used by forest dwellers to escape harm from wild animals.

Hotels

There are few hotels in Thenmala. The only classified hotel is at Punalur, which is 19 Km drive from Thenmala.

Nearby attractions

Other places near Thenmala are Kulathupuzha, Anchal, Punalur, Kamukumchery and Sengottai in Tirunelveli district (Tamil Nadu). Themala is 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 16 km from Palaruvi Falls.

Nedumpara

Nedumpara is a scenic place located 7 Km from Thenmala. Harrisons Malayalam Limited has a rubber estate in this place named as Isfield Estate. One of the highest peak of the village is located in Nedumpara, which is locally known as Nedumpara Motta. Ambanad hills is just 8 km from Nedumpara.