THENMALA AND PALARUVI

Thenmala is located at about 75 km from Trivandrum. Its on the border areas of Trivandrum and Kollam districts of Kerala. It is the first Eco-tourism project developed in the country.It also shares its borders with the Shenduruney wildlife sanctuary in the state of Tamil Nadu.

When one goes from Trivandrum to Thenmala, you will sight a railway bridge known as Kannara bridge.Its view is beautiful and is a 110 years old bridge built during pre-independence era.Its on the once used Kollam-Shenkottai metre gauge route, which is not used now.Renovation works are going on to get the railway line back on track.

KANNARA BRIDGE

After that while you reach the Thenmala town, you will be received by the Thenmala dam, which is also a tourist attraction.The dam is built mainly for irrigation purpose.It is also known as Parappar dam.

THENMALA DAM

While moving some more distance one could see the entrance for Eco tourism centre. There is a small fee for entrance,and once inside the centre there’s an elevated walkway leading into the deep forest.Its not advised to walk more deep into the forest, as sometimes tracing the way back is difficult.

There are many activities for a visitor like mountain biking,river crossing,rock climbing etc.there’s also an activity known as board walk leading to top of the dam.

For children, there is also a dear park, which has spotted dear, sambar dear and barking dear in it.some of the other attractions inside the park are tree top huts and river side treks.

16 kms from Thenmala, located deep inside the forest is a hidden gem, the mystic Palaruvi water falls, meaning stream of milk.The water in the falls is clear as milk and is very cold too.For reaching there you have to travel around 6-8 km through the forest.here the water falls down from the height of 300 ft. Water of Palaruvi pools is believed to have healing properties. Many locals, who never otherwise venture out to any waterfall, visit here to just take a dip in the medicinal waters.

The falls has two sections, one for gents and other for ladies.it also provide changing rooms for ladies.One thing one should remember is that entire area is kept plastic free by vana smarakshana samithi.so “SAY NO TO PLASTICS”

HOW TO REACH:-

From Trivandrum-Get on to any ksrtc bus going to Thenkashy,Aryankavu or Thenmala and get down at Thenmala.It take about 2 ½ hrs to reach there from Trivandrum.