Thenmala – Kollam
May 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Eco Tourism, Thenmala - Kollam
THENMALA – KOLLAM
Thenmala decodes into a lyrical sounding of ‘Honey Hills’, as “Then” means honey and “Mala” means hillock. The honey collected from Thenmala forest region is of rich quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forests. Thenmala, a region placed 72 kms from Trivandrum, is a small village on the eastern side of Quilon (Kollam) district was being promoted as first planned ecotourism destination in India. The Department of Tourism in the Government of India, has taken steps to give focused attention to ecotourism in the State. As a result, a project for the first planned ecotourism destination (Thenmala Ecotourism Project) has been formulated.
The mantra of the Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society (TEPS) is to understand and appreciate the environment without causing any disturbance to the balance of the eco – system. Various zones have been created by TEPS so that tourists are spreaded over an area and the environment is not burdened. “Thenmala Ecotourism” has been conceived as a first planned ecotourism destination in India and the initial stages of implementation is completed.
Attractions
Culture Zone
The main highlight of the cultural zone is the Musical Fountain. It is a synchronized open – air rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light. The musical fountain literally dances to grooving songs. Minimum 20 audiences are required for a show.
There is an Amphi – theatre for folk art and other cultural performances. The women of this region have shopping stalls selling forest products, handicraft items and much more.
Leisure Zone
The leisure zone includes the area of the canal downstream between Kallada dam and the bridge. It has a huge pathway, sway bridge and garden with beautiful sculptures. Take a leisure walk on the pathway along the river front and relish the charm of Thenmala hills. A forest hike leads to the sculpture garden which has magnumopous statues. There are also deep woods for soft trekking and biking programmes which extends from two to four hours.
Nakshatravanam (Star Trees)
There is a nursery of trees that is considered sacred to the 27 constellations, located inside one of the zones. This is an innovative way of caring for the environment. Visitors can take back a sapling of the tree relevant to their birth star. This project is based on the ancient belief that it is auspicious for one to plant a tree corresponding to one’s asterism . Once you buy the sapling of your lucky tree, pictures of the tree at different stages of its growth will be sent to you. There is even a software the will help you to find your group of stars and the corresponding tree.
Deer Rehabilitation Centre
Here, we can see sambar, spotted and barking deer. These animals are fed and restored in a fenced area. There is also children’s eco – park with swings and treetop huts. You can also walk along the banks of the Kallada River by the side of the enclosure.
Rock shelter
This is a cave that was inhabited during the pre - historic age. This cave has rock engraved designs similar to Edakkal cave dating back to the Mesolithic age. Microliths, small stone tools made of milky white quartz, can also be seen in the ground around the shelter.
Spiritual Tour
There is an eco-tourism trip for religious people, connecting the Ayappa temples in the region. You can see Lord Ayappa in three different incarnations in three different temples. These three shrines of Lord Ayappa are seen in temples of Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu and Achankovil, which falls withi n the project area. The temple of Aryankavu depicts Lord Ayappa as a bachelor. In the Achankovil temple, you can see Lord Ayappa as Dharmasastha with his consorts, Poorna and Pushakala. Though originally constructed by the Raja of Pandalam, the present day structure of Sree Dharmasastha was made by the Raja of Kottarakkara. A unique feature of this temple is the feeding of fish. The Vishnu Mahotsavam, celebrated in the month April – May, is the most important festival.
Adventure zone
If you are adventurous, the adventure zone presents a multitude of activities like trekking, bird watching, mountain biking and rock climbing. An elevated walkway; a wooden stairway at 120 metres above sea level, climbs tree- canopy level to the Thiruvananthapuram – Chenkotta Road. There is also a Lotus Pond that showcases different forms of aquatic plants. Arm yourself with a pair of binoculars and you can see a host of birds. At the end of the pathway, there is a sheer rock face for climbing and rappelling. Ropes are tied at great heights across the river for audacious river activities. This zone tests your physical prowess.
Boating in the reservoir
Take a battery powered vehicle ride from the facilitation centre. It you opt for early morning or late evening boat ride, you will see herds of elephants ambling along the wooded waterfront.
Way to Thenmala
Location: Situated in Kollam district, it is adjacent to the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary.
Road: Thenmala is at equal distance form both the cities, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. It takes two – hour drive to reach this wonderland. There are regular buses from Kollam, Kottarakkara and Punalur.
Rail: Thenmala has a metre gauge. The nearest gauge station is Kollam, which is about 66 kms away.
Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, at 80 kms distance.