[edit] Thenmala
Located 73 km north of Thiruvananthapuram and 73 km east of Kollam town, Thenmala lies in the foothills of western Ghats in Kollam district. It neighbours Senduruney wildlife sanctuary and distances little from Courtallam Falls in Tamil Nadu.
For nature trail, Thenmala is the right choice. India’s first eco-tourism project was implemented here. Its lovely evergreen forests, rubber and tea plantations attracted many tourists to its fold. Multi-religious shrines, waterfalls etc stand as bonus to the visitors.
Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is also a major attraction, especially for boating in the Shenduruney Reservoir. Boating is arranged by Thenmala Eco-tourisim Facilitation Centre. Here trekking is also facilitated by Thiruvananthapuram based Adventure Foundation.
For those disinterested in trekking Adventure Zone bares open facilities for nature walk, elevated walkways, recreational rock-climbing, mountain biking, rappelling and river crossing.
There is a Leisure Zone suitable for broad-walk. A swaying bridge multiplies the all around greenery attraction. A sculpture garden themed on man and nature has several big attractive displays.
Yet another Zone called Culture Zone revels in Musical Dancing Fountain. Jets of water dance amazingly in tune with film songs.
Deer lovers may get into Deer Rehabilitation Centre where spotted sambar and barking deer strayed from nearby forests are rehabilitated and given medical care and food. This Centre is an enclosure surrounded by nature trail. Minimum 30 minutes walk may result in spotting deer.
