Thenmala dam
The Thenmala dam is the second largest irrigation project in Kerala, India.
It impounds the longest reservoir in the State and water from the reservoir is also used for power generation.
The dam was started in 1961 under the Kallada Irrigation and Tree Crop development project with an original cost of Rs. 13.28 crores and revised estimate of Rs. 728 crores at the 1999 schedule of rates, the cost escalation reported is 5356 per cent.
The ayacut targeted was 61630 hectares (net) and 92800 hectares (gross).
Though the project was targeted for completion, and priority in allocation was given during Ninth Plan, it could not be completed and commissioned fully.
It is now a centre of attraction at Thenmala and an ecotourism destination, with boating available on the reservoir, which is bordered on both sides by the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Thenmala
Thenmala is a tourist place near Punalur town, Kollam district in Kerala. It is located about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, and about 160 m above sea levelThe first eco tourism project in India is located at Thenmala. The Thenmala dam was built across Kallada River. Thenmala is famous for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies.
Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats and predominantly a forest area. The famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is the most important ecotourism resource of Thenmala Ecotourism. This Wildlife Sanctuary is of about 100 sq. km. and harbors large varieties of flora and fauna. Thenmala : “Then + Mala” , i.e. in local parlance “Then” means honey and “Mala” means hillock i.e. it mean honey hills. The honey collected from Thenmala forest region is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forests.
Culture Zone
This zone accommodates various activities, which favours Ecofriendly General Tourism. Restaurant, Shop court, Amphitheatre etc help the tourists understand the Kerala cusines, Kerala crafts and natural wealth and Kerala’s Art, Culture etc. An open air Musical Dancing Fountain which is considered, as “Natures Dance” is another major attraction here.
Nakshatravanam
A garden comprising of 27 trees associated with the 27 birth stars. You will be blessed to see all the 27 trees planted in the garden. Walk along and get more information on the trees. If interested to purchase a book providing the details of Nakshatravanam titled “Stars & Trees-Trees of the Nakshatravanam” it is available at the facilitation Counter at a cost of Rs.250/-. The book published by Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society with research support from Tropical Botanical garden and Research Institute, Palode.
Butterfly Safari
An abode of the butterflies in an open ambience. A garden of host plants for the butterfly has been created enabling the large number of butterfly species of the region to thrive. A guided walk (Safari) along the nature trail of the garden will provide the visitor an opportunity to sight the butterflies and to learn about the butterflies.
Musical Dancing Fountain
A synchronized rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light located in the natural surroundings. Such a natural ambience is very rare and hence provides a unique and authentic experience.
Reaching Thenmala
Air : Thiruvananthapuram 72 km away.
Rail : Thenmala connected with Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Kashmir.
Road : 66 km from Kollam town on the Kollam - Shencotta Road, in Pathanapuram taluk of Kollam district.
