Kerala has no shortage of beautiful places. But Thenmala is different. It is not a hill station crowded with resorts or a wildlife destination experienced only from inside a jeep. Recognised as India’s first planned ecotourism destination, Thenmala was designed to let visitors experience forests and nature without disturbing the environment.
Located in the Kollam district, at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Thenmala offers a blend of forests, reservoirs, waterfalls, and activities suited for families, couples, and solo travellers. The name Thenmala comes from two Malayalam words — then (honey) and mala (hill), meaning Honey Hill. The region has long been associated with wild honey and forest-based traditions, and even today, visitors can spot small roadside shops selling locally collected forest honey.
This guide covers everything you need to know before planning a trip to Thenmala.
What Makes Thenmala Special
Unlike most tourist spots, Thenmala was built around a clear idea: tourism should not destroy the very thing people come to see. Walkways are elevated to protect the soil. Waste is managed strictly. Visitor numbers are kept within limits. That is why it is called an ecotourism destination.
Beyond that philosophy, here is what you can actually see and do:
- A reservoir with boating facilities – one of Kerala’s largest reservoir systems
- A butterfly safari park – one of Thenmala’s most distinctive attractions
- A deer rehabilitation centre (often called Deer Park)
- Three separate visitor zones – Adventure, Leisure, and Culture
- A musical dancing fountain in the evening
- Easy access to Palaruvi Waterfalls and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Thenmala works well for families, school groups, couples, and anyone who enjoys nature walks or light adventure.
The Three Zones – Quick Overview
Zone | Main Attractions | Best For |
Adventure Zone | Elevated walkway, trekking, rock activities, mountain biking | Adventure lovers |
Leisure Zone | Reservoir views, Sculpture Garden, Hanging Bridge, Children’s Park | Families |
Culture Zone | Musical Fountain, Nakshatravanam, performances | Evening visitors |
Note: The three zones are spread over more than a kilometre apart. You will need a vehicle to move between them. Walking is not practical.
Thenmala Dam and Reservoir
The dam is officially called the Parappar Dam. It was built across the Kallada River and creates one of Kerala’s largest reservoir systems. The sight of blue water surrounded by evergreen forest is quite striking.
You can take a boat ride on the reservoir. Approximate charges are around ₹300 per person and include entry to Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. Note that boating usually requires a minimum of 8 passengers before departure.
Deer Rehabilitation Centre
This is not a zoo. The centre takes in deer that wander out of the forest or get injured. Spotted deer, sambar, and barking deer live here in a large, open enclosure. Children enjoy watching them because the deer are often comfortable around visitors.
Butterfly Safari Park – A Unique Attraction
The butterfly park is a large netted dome filled with plants that attract butterflies. On a sunny morning, you can see dozens of species flying around. The park remains one of Thenmala’s most distinctive attractions. It was inaugurated in February 2008 and designed by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI).
Guides explain the lifecycle of butterflies. It is a quiet, educational experience.
Hanging Bridge – Current Status
The Hanging Bridge remains one of Thenmala’s popular attractions and is accessible through the Leisure Zone. Entry access and operational status may change during maintenance periods, so checking locally before visiting is recommended.
Nearby Places You Can Combine
These are all within a 30‑minute drive from Thenmala:
Palaruvi Waterfalls – 16 km away. The name means “stream of milk”. For more details, see our complete Palaruvi Waterfalls travel guide.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary – Adjacent to Thenmala. You can book a jeep safari to see elephants, gaurs, and leopards. Prices vary, but a full jeep costs around ₹3,000. Contact the sanctuary office for current rates.
Aryankavu – A short drive away. Here you will find a historic 13‑arched railway bridge on the old mountain rail route between Kollam and Shenkottai.
Ottakkal Weir – A quick stop on the way to Thenmala. It offers a panoramic view of the reservoir and surrounding hills.
Travel Tip
Weekends and public holidays get crowded, especially at Palaruvi Waterfalls. Start your day by 9 AM. Visit the Adventure Zone or Butterfly Park first – most visitors head straight to the waterfall. And a critical reminder: carry cash. Mobile network coverage in Thenmala can be inconsistent, and online payments may not always work reliably.
Adventure Activities – What Is Available
Thenmala offers several adventure activities, but availability depends on the season and weather. Here is a general list:
- Soft trek (reservoir walk) – about 2.5 hours, roughly ₹500 for a group of five
- Hard trek to Kattilappara – 4 hours, about ₹2,000 per person
- Full‑day Wet ‘N’ Wild trek – 8 hours, about ₹400 per person
- Rock climbing and rappelling – included in the Adventure Zone ticket
- Valley crossing and river crossing – seasonal
- Night camping – tents available for rent at the Adventure Zone
- Mountain biking – bikes can be rented on site
River rafting & bamboo rafting – Seasonal programmes have occasionally been reported in the Thenmala–Aryankavu region, especially during monsoon and post‑monsoon months. Availability depends on rainfall and water levels, so confirm current status with TEPS before planning your visit.
Entry Fee, Timings, and Practical Information
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Ticket issuance: Until 4:00 PM
Zone Entry Fees (subject to change):
Attraction | Adult | Child |
Leisure Zone | ₹70 | ₹55 |
Adventure Zone | ₹70 | ₹55 |
Butterfly Safari Park | ₹70 | ₹55 |
Deer Rehabilitation Centre | ₹50 | ₹30 |
Musical Fountain + Light & Sound Show | ₹155 | ₹135 |
Boating on the Reservoir | ~₹300 per person (includes Shendurney entry; min. 8 passengers) |
Important: Fees and schedules may change seasonally. Verify current prices with the Thenmala Ecotourism office before travel.
- Cash is essential (as noted in the Travel Tip above). Mobile network coverage can be inconsistent, and online payments may not always work reliably. Carry sufficient cash for tickets, food, and emergencies.
- Food: There is a food court in the Leisure Zone, but options are limited. Carrying your own water and snacks is a good idea.
- Contact:
Thenmala Eco‑tourism Promotion Society (TEPS)
Landline: 0475-2344800
Mobile: +91 9496344800, +91 9495344800
Email: info@thenmalaecotourism.com
How to Reach Thenmala
By road – Thenmala is well connected. Distance from Thiruvananthapuram is about 75 km (1.5 to 2 hours). From Kollam, it is 65 km (learn more about other tourist places in Kollam). From Kochi it is about 180 km.
By train – Thenmala has its own railway station. Kollam Junction is the nearest major railhead.
By air – Trivandrum International Airport is the closest, about 75 km away.
Visitors without a private vehicle often prefer taxi services when exploring Thenmala, especially while combining nearby attractions such as Palaruvi Waterfalls, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, and Aryankavu in a single trip. Since many attractions are spread across different locations, having a dedicated vehicle can make travel more convenient.
A Note on Information Freshness
Information such as timings, fees, activity schedules, and the operational status of attractions can change seasonally or without prior notice. This guide reflects the best available information at the time of writing. We strongly recommend verifying all critical details directly with the Thenmala Ecotourism office (+91-475-2344800, +91 9496344800) on the day of your visit.
Final Thoughts
Thenmala is not trying to be another Munnar or Thekkady. It is quieter, simpler, and more thoughtful. You walk on elevated paths so you do not crush the forest floor. You watch butterflies inside a protected dome. You see deer that were given a second chance. And at the end of the day, you leave without leaving much behind except footprints.
If slow, nature-focused travel appeals to you, Thenmala is likely to leave a lasting impression.
Last updated: May 2026
