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Thenmala is a very popular tourist place
near Punalur in Kollam district. India's first eco tourism project is
located at Thenmala. Thenmala is located about 72 kms from
Thiruvananthapuram. This is a predominantly forest area in the Western
Ghats. Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the major attractions of
this place.
Other places of tourist importance are Thenmala Dam, Palaruvi, the
adventure zones etc. Palaruvi Waterfalls is only 16km from Thenmala. The
main attraction is a 300 foot-high waterfall which looks like a Stream of
milk and hence the name Palaruvi.
Thenmala (Parappar) Dam is a centre of attraction at Thenmala. It is built
under Kallada Irrigation Project. The Thenmala Eco-tourism Project has a
threefold strategy, that involves eco friendly general tourism, eco
tourism and pilgrimage tourism. The culture, adventure, and leisure zones
fall within the project area.
Culture Zone
In the culture zone, there is the tourism facilitation centre, musical
dancing fountain, amphitheatre, restaurant, parking areas and the shop
courts. The tourism facilitation centre can accommodate large crowds, have
ticket centres, and information desk. The musical fountain, which is
located on the top of the hill-a, synchronized rhythmic ballet of water,
sound and light and a natural ambience is rare and provides a unique and
authentic experience. The amphitheatre can accommodate 1250 people at a
time and is used to perform local art forms at various occasions.
Leisure Zone
The major attractions of leisure zone are sculpture garden and the Board
Walk. The 250-metre Boardwalk along the banks of the river brings out the
beauty of the
Thenmala hills, the dam and the flowing water.
Adventure Zone
The adventure zone is located on the other side of the leisure zone. The
attractions are the elevated walkway, mountain biking facility, rock
climbing, river crossing, small nature trials, lotus pond, etc.
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Thenmala
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