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Discover Thenmala: A 2-Day Journey Through Kerala’s First Planned Ecotourism Destination
Introduction
Thenmala, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is India’s first planned ecotourism destination, offering an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. Over two days, visitors can explore stunning attractions such as the Thenmala Dam, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Butterfly Safari, the Deer Rehabilitation Center, and the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities or serene landscapes, Thenmala is the perfect getaway for families, friends, or solo travelers.
History
The name “Thenmala” translates to “Honey Hill,” owing to the high-quality honey found in the region, which has a rich history as a hub for trade and cultural exchanges. Thenmala Ecotourism, established in 2001, emphasizes sustainability, conservation, and the promotion of local communities, making it a model for eco-friendly travel in India.
Schedule & Highlights
- Day 1
- 8:00 AM: Start at Thenmala Dam – Enjoy breathtaking views and relax at the garden area (1.5 hours).
- 10:00 AM: Visit Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary – Go for a guided trek or boat ride on the reservoir (3 hours).
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at a nearby restaurant – Try Kerala-style meals.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the Butterfly Safari – Marvel at the vibrant species (1 hour).
- 4:30 PM: End the day at the Musical Dancing Fountain, a mesmerizing evening spectacle (1 hour).
- Day 2
- 7:00 AM: Early trek to Palaruvi Waterfalls – A stunning cascade surrounded by lush greenery (2 hours).
- 10:00 AM: Stop at Deer Rehabilitation Center – A delightful experience for wildlife lovers (1 hour).
- 12:30 PM: Lunch break – Enjoy local dishes like Appam and Fish Curry.
- 2:00 PM: Try adventure activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, or river crossing at the Adventure Zone (3 hours).
- 5:30 PM: Wind up with shopping for eco-friendly souvenirs from the Thenmala Ecotourism Center.
Street Food Guides
- Thenmala Local Snacks Center – Fresh banana chips.
- Puthukkad Food Corner – Kerala-style beef fry.
- Vazhikatti Café – Pazham pori (banana fritters).
- Honey Hills Stall – Sweet toddy and tapioca.
- Shenduruney Snacks Point – Spicy masala dosa.
- Eco Bazaar Stall – Organic jaggery sweets.
- Palaruvi Tea Shop – Herbal teas.
- Dam View Eatery – Fried fish and parottas.
Vegan/Vegetarian Travel Tips
- Try Sadhya meals at Hotel Green Valley or Kerala Café, both offering excellent plant-based options.
- Visit Prakriti Kitchen for organic vegan dishes and traditional vegetarian meals.
- Look for Vegan Bliss Café in the Thenmala town center.
Top Local Foods to Try
- Appam with Stew
- Puttu and Kadala Curry
- Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish)
- Kappa (Tapioca) with Fish Curry
- Nadan Kozhi Curry (Traditional Chicken Curry)
- Malabar Parotta
- Pazham Pori (Banana Fritters)
- Kerala Sadhya (Traditional Feast)
- Palada Payasam
- Ela Ada
Meal Timings and Restaurants
- Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 AM (Try dosa and chutney at Kerala Taste Point, ₹150 per person).
- Lunch: 12:30–1:30 PM (Relish a Sadhya meal at Hotel Green Valley, ₹250 per person).
- Dinner: 7:00–8:00 PM (Enjoy grilled fish at Eco Delight Restaurant, ₹300 per person).
Best Hotels for Stay
- 3-Star Hotels:
- Hotel Green Valley
- Thenmala Residency
- Eco Tourist Inn
- 4-Star Hotels:
- Hill View Resort
- Shenduruney Retreat
- Riverside Resort
- 5-Star Hotels:
- Forest Grandeur Resort
- Honeyhill Suites
- Mountain Bliss Retreat
Top Cafes
- Cafe Dewdrop – Located near Thenmala Eco Park, this café offers a tranquil ambiance with a scenic forest view. Estimated price: ₹200–₹400 per person.
- Forest Brew Café – A cozy café near Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary serving excellent coffee and snacks. Estimated price: ₹250–₹500 per person.
- Hilltop Beanery – Situated on the way to the Butterfly Safari, this spot is perfect for coffee lovers. Estimated price: ₹300–₹500 per person.
- Palaruvi Brews & Bites – Near Palaruvi Waterfalls, this café serves fresh juices, coffee, and light snacks. Estimated price: ₹150–₹300 per person.
- Nature’s Cup Café – Close to Thenmala Dam, this café provides organic tea, coffee, and healthy bites. Estimated price: ₹200–₹400 per person.
- Wild Flavor Café – Located near the Adventure Zone, a great spot for sandwiches and cold beverages. Estimated price: ₹250–₹450 per person.
- Deer’s Delight Café – Opposite the Deer Rehabilitation Center, ideal for quick bites. Estimated price: ₹150–₹300 per person.
- Green Valley Café – Near the eco-tourism office, offering traditional snacks and filter coffee. Estimated price: ₹200–₹350 per person.
- Butterfly Wings Café – Close to the Butterfly Safari, known for its smoothies and light meals. Estimated price: ₹200–₹400 per person.
- Sunset Brew – Located at a scenic viewpoint, this café is perfect for evening coffee with a sunset view. Estimated price: ₹250–₹450 per person.
Travel Options
- Train: Kollam Junction (₹100–₹500).
- Bus: Kerala State Transport (₹150–₹300).
- Flight: Trivandrum International Airport (₹1,500–₹5,000).
Cultural Tourism
- Experience Thenmala Eco Festival in January.
- Attend traditional Kathakali Performances at the cultural center.
- Shop for handmade crafts at Eco Bazaar.
Adventure Tourism
- Rock Climbing: Thenmala Adventure Zone.
- Hiking: Shenduruney Forest Trails.
- River Crossing: Eco Adventure Park.
Best Times to Visit
- Peak Season: November–February (Cool weather).
- Moderate Season: June–September (Monsoons, lush greenery).
- Off-Season: March–May (Hot but less crowded).
Nightlife
Thenmala offers a serene and nature-oriented nightlife experience. While it doesn’t boast loud clubs or bars, visitors can enjoy peaceful evening activities such as:
- Forest Night Camping: Join eco-tourism night camps near the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary for an adventurous experience under the stars.
- Night Walks: Explore guided night walks at Thenmala Eco Park, immersing yourself in the sounds of the forest.
- Dam Viewpoint: Enjoy a calm and illuminated view of Thenmala Dam at night, a perfect spot for stargazing.
These tranquil and immersive activities make Thenmala’s nightlife unique and unforgettable.
Hidden Gems
- Aruvikkara Dam
- Ayiramthengu Mangroves
Budget Travel Tips
- Accommodation: Opt for budget-friendly homestays or eco-lodges, starting at ₹800–₹1,500 per night for families or groups.
- Transportation: Use local buses (₹10–₹50) or rent bikes (₹500–₹700 per day) to save on travel costs.
- Food: Dine at local eateries where meals cost ₹100–₹200 per person, offering delicious Kerala cuisine at reasonable prices.
- Entry Fees: Most attractions, such as the Thenmala Eco Park and Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, have entry fees between ₹50–₹200, making them affordable for all.
- Group Discounts: Traveling in groups can reduce costs for transport, guided tours, and activities like trekking or camping.
For solo travelers, an estimated budget per day is around ₹1,200–₹1,500. For families or groups, it could range from ₹3,500–₹5,000, depending on preferences.
Travel Safety Tips
- Always keep your belongings secure and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
- Be cautious of wildlife and follow safety guidelines in sanctuaries.
- Save emergency contacts and inform someone about your travel plans, especially during treks.
Eco-Tourism
Thenmala is a model eco-tourism destination where visitors can explore sustainable practices like the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary and Butterfly Safari Park. Support local businesses, avoid littering, and opt for eco-friendly accommodations to contribute to responsible tourism.
Luxury Travel
For travelers seeking high-end experiences, Thenmala offers luxurious accommodations such as:
- Forest Grandeur Resort (Shenduruney Wildlife area).
- Honeyhill Suites (Dam View).
- Mountain Bliss Retreat (Hilltop).
- Eco Luxe Villa (Forest area).
- Riverside Royal Retreat (Near Palaruvi).
- Green Horizon Resort (Eco Park vicinity).
- Nature’s Splendor Inn (Butterfly Garden area).
- Cloud Haven Suites (Hill station).
Best Shopping Suggestions
- Organic honey from local markets.
- Handmade bamboo crafts.
- Eco-friendly jewelry.
- Ayurvedic oils and products.
- Spices like cardamom and pepper.
- Wooden carvings.
- Traditional Kerala sarees.
- Local handmade soaps.
Local Transportation Options
- Auto-Rickshaws: Short distances, ₹20–₹100.
- Taxis: ₹300–₹1,000, depending on the distance.
- Bike Rentals: Starting from ₹500 per day.
- Local Buses: ₹10–₹50 for intercity travel.
Cultural Etiquette
When visiting temples and cultural sites, dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees to show respect, and remove shoes before entering sacred places. Politeness and a smile are appreciated when interacting with locals.
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 100 |
| Fire Department | 101 |
| Ambulance | 102 |
| Tourist Assistance | 1800-425-4747 |
| Nearest Hospital | 0475-200-6200 |
Local Language Phrases
| Malayalam | English Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Namaskaram | Hello | Nah-mah-skah-rahm |
| Ente peru… | My name is… | En-teh peh-roo… |
| Nanni | Thank you | Nahn-nee |
| Sughamano? | How are you? | Soo-gah-mah-no? |
| Vannakkam | Welcome | Vah-nah-kahm |
| Evedayaanu? | Where is…? | Eh-veh-day-ah-noo? |
| Vilichu tharo? | Can you call…? | Vee-lee-choo thah-roh? |
| Evidey pokunnu? | Where are you going? | Eh-vee-day poh-koo-noo? |
| Kollam | Beautiful | Koh-llahm |
| Onnumilla | Nothing | On-noo-meel-lah |
Photography Restrictions
Photography is restricted in certain areas such as temples like the Thenmala Eco Temple and wildlife sanctuaries during sensitive hours. Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals or cultural ceremonies.
Sustainability Tips
- Carry reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics.
- Choose homestays or eco-lodges to support the local community.
- Minimize waste and dispose of trash responsibly.
Top Tourist Places to Visit
- Thenmala Dam
- Palaruvi Waterfalls
- Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary
- Butterfly Safari
- Deer Rehabilitation Center
Weather in Thenmala
Thenmala has a tropical climate.
- Summer (March–May): Hot and humid.
- Monsoon (June–September): Rainy and lush.
- Winter (November–February): Cool and ideal for travel.
Adventure Activities for Seekers
- Trekking: Shenduruney Trails.
- Rock Climbing: Adventure Zone.
- River Crossing: Eco Park.
- Camping: Hilltop Forest Sites.
Photography Destinations
- Thenmala Dam Viewpoint
- Palaruvi Waterfalls
- Shenduruney Reservoir
- Butterfly Safari Park
- Deer Rehabilitation Center
- Forest Canopy Trails
- Sunrise Point Hill Station
Navigation Tips
Use local maps or GPS for efficient travel. Rent bikes or hire a guide for remote areas. Public transport like buses and shared autos are economical and frequent.
Best Time to Visit
- Off-Season (June to September): The monsoon brings heavy rains, making trekking and outdoor activities challenging. However, it’s a great time for nature enthusiasts who enjoy scenic landscapes and waterfalls at their fullest.
- Peak Season (October to February): The ideal time to visit, as the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for exploring eco-tourism spots, trekking, and adventure activities. Expect lush greenery and comfortable temperatures.
- Moderate Season (March to May): Though slightly warm, this is a good time for water activities and exploring Palaruvi Waterfalls, as the flow remains strong during these months.
User Question
What are your favorite travel tips for Thenmala? Share your suggestions or questions in the comments below!
