When it was decided that the destination for our next team-trip is Thenmala, I was less than enthusi...
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When it was decided that the destination for our next team-trip is Thenmala, I was less than enthusiastic. As per my database, Thenmala is a small village near Punalur city, Kollam district in Kerala – a place known only for its dam. It is located at the foothills of Western Ghats and predominantly a forest area. Little did I know that the next 2 days stored a bundle of adventure and fun.
It was only later that I heard that the first eco-tourism project in India was located at Thenmala and it was hot destination for movie filming. We started on the 200km journey from Kochi in the wee hours of the morning and reached our destination before noon. After refreshing, we made our way to the “Tourism Facilitation Centre”. This is well conceived information centre which provides an encyclopedia of information on the land. We made this our hub, as we visited the hot attractions of the area. There were a number of shops run by local women. This has been an excellent initiative taken by the Self Help Groups in the area. All of us flocked to these shops to buy the fresh honey from the area. Thenmala in Malayalam means “honey hills”. Due to the unique floristic composition of trees, honey gets good quality and high medicinal value.
Our next halt was the adventure zone which starts with an elevated walkway made of wooden planks taking us above the trees. We proceeded up while viewing the breathtaking views of the trees below.
Here, I first rushed to try my hand (and legs) at the steep rocks. With the safety measures in place, we enjoyed the recreational rock climbing and rappelling. Meanwhile, some colleagues enjoyed the river crossing by attaching safely to a rope and moving across the river.
We ended the evening at the “Culture Zone” in natural ambience of a star lit night, feasting our eyes on the rhythmic ballet of water and lights to many of the hit music.
Next day we enjoyed at the leisure zone – which is a natural forest patch specked with sculptures – theme is: Man and Nature. It is a piece of natural forest converted into a zone for leisurely walk.
A beautiful panoramic view of the Parappar (Thenmala) dam and power house can be seen at the distance. Later we climbed up this dam built under Kallada Irrigation. The small trek up the longest reservoir in the State saw many puffing and panting. Waters from the reservoir is used for power generation.
Downstream of the dam is a
Hanging Bridge which sways as you walk.
On our way back home, we halted at the Palaruvi waterfalls. It was mesmerizing watching the milk white waters falling down the mist clad hills.
We had an overall unique and authentic experience in the mesmerizing Thenmala. The various tourist friendly and Eco friendly activities made our trip one of the best the state now offer – Ideal for any energetic holiday seeker and lover of nature.
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Hi Bindiya
Beautiful photographs and Right desriptions.
A Good knowledge bank for future tourists.
regards
Chanchal
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Nice brief write-up, but informative. Photos are very pleasing to the eyes. ...Was about to visit this place, missed it. What a miss. Reading this write up makes me want to visit it the next time i am around
-The Unknown
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very informative
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The photoes posted by u on sulekha.com are amazing particularly the cracked egg, white milky water falls.
laxman_ahire@yahoo.com
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Thanks Hari.
Here goes the details:
How to Get there: Thenmala is 200km journey from Kochi (or around 75km from Thrivanthapuram, capital city of Kerala). Its situated near Punalur city, Kollam district and around 4-5 hours car drive from Kochi city. Check out http://www.thenmalaecotourism.com/ for more details.
Where to Stay: We had searched google before starting out the journety Check out: http://www.thenmalaecotourism.com/thenmala_facilities.htm . We had stayed at Apichayans Cliff Resort. Its a nice place.
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As u said the photographs are very nice
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Sorry George,
My previous comments, I said about the information bullet points.
You done on korea visit, which is perfect.
Can you do the same for thenmela as well please?
hari
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Hi,
Thanks for your wonderful narration and photographs.
You can add some bullet point instrctions.
where is nearest hotel
How far by car to travel
facilities available in the destination.
contact phone of the information centre.
You said that you stayed for a night.
If someone need book for the stay contact nos?
These information will be useful for those wish to travel.
I wish to visit this place next time when i visit India.
Thanks again,
Hari from London. UK
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talking of the sculptures.. the whole park was full of them.. the theme "man and nature". Its a bit philosophical on how the man and the nature interacts - for food, survival, knowledge etc. I think the man in egg was something about how man is born from nature & looks up for enlightment.. or something like that. Theme talks about the strength of unity and how people interacts.
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I was in hibernation for some time now..
and saw all the wonderful compliments only now..
Thanks a lot for the words.... Its certainly inspiring to recieve such positive feedback.
Thanks to the mobile camera, we can now take snaps at any time..
Thenmala is certainly a beautiful place.. and sometimes i feel there is a lotta beautiful places in india that not much people have been to...
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