Thenmala is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in Kerala and is located close to the Punalur town. Placed at an altitude of about 1,640 ft, it is the first planned eco-tourism center in India. The place is located at a distance of about 72 km towards north of Trivandrum, the capital city of the state. The name Thenmala is taken from two local words, ‘Then’ and ‘Mala’. The word ‘Then’ means honey and the word ‘Mala’ means hillock, which ultimately means ‘honey hills’. It is believed that the honey collected from the bee hives in the forests of this region are of good quality and high medicinal value due to the unique biological settings of this place. Thenmala offers opportunities for adventure, fun, leisure and is also a perfect place to learn the importance of eco-friendly tourism.
The Deer rehabilitation Centre in ThenmalaThe main purpose behind the establishment of this center is to protect and conserve the deer that stray out of the forest area. The rehabilitation center is an important part of the Thenmala eco-tourism, which has been built within the Kallada River side forest. The center holds a diverse variety of deer along with which there is also a Tree House and a small children’s park that includes few ecologically blended resting places. At this park, you will find different species of deer, like sambar deer, barking deer and spotted deer. Short riverside treks are also provided at this place.The park includes several walking routes into the forests that allow you to explore the different parts of the park. The trees of this place have been fixed with name boards by the park authorities to inform the visitors about the species of the tree. The forest area of this park is fenced and you can walk around this fenced area to spot the different species of deer living in the park. There are water tanks close to the fencing where you can spot herds of deer that come to drink water from the tank. Tourist info board has been fixed at various places inside the park by the authority to inform you about the different deer species living at this place.
There is also a deer sculpture right in front of the park and this is the first deer that you will witness while entering this place. Though it is a lifeless structure, the sculpture stands tall over a big rock. The sculpture has been built in honor of the first spotted deer brought to the park. The deer was named Krishnan and was brought to the park at the age of 5, in the year 1999. The deer remained as a prime attraction of Thenmala eco-tourism deer park for almost 10 years. Best Time to VisitThough Thenmala can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit the place is during the months of December and February.AccommodationAccommodation is not much of a problem in Thenmala, as you will find several budget hotels along with tents and dormitories at this place. Tourists looking for budget hotels can also opt for the government run inspection bungalows found at this place.
How to ReachBy Air: The nearest airport to the place is Trivandrum airport, located at a distance of about 76 km. The airport conducts regular flights to places like Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kochi and Bengaluru. Tourists will get bus and taxi services from the airport to the place. By Train: The nearest major railhead to this place is in Kollam, located at a distance of about 66 km. The station is well connected with places like Trivandrum, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Delhi and Bengaluru. Hired jeeps and taxis are available from the station to the place.By Road: The place is easily accessible by road from Trivandrum, located at a distance of about 72 km. Regular bus and taxi services are available from the capital city to the place. Thenmala is also well connected by road with places like Kollam and Punalur.
