Thenmala,
which lies at the conjunction of the Kollam-Shencottah road and the
Trivandrum-Shencottah Road, boasts of India's first planned Eco-tourism
destination. It has 10 Eco-tourism spots that cover the great hill ranges of
Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts. ‘Thenmala’ translates
to 'Honey Hill' and so it is no surprise that high quality honey is exported
from this area. The surrounding dense forest is also known for the timber that
is in much demand across the country. Its terrain is dotted by forests, rubber
and tree plantations and was selected by the World Tourism Organisation as one
of the premier eco-friendly projects in the world.
Solo trip begins.Left Bangalore at 6.30 PM. All set for the long 12 hr
journey. Reached Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala at 7 AM.Had to wait for
a bus after breakfast for half an hour to step into Thenmala Eco Tourism .
After 2 hrs of journey finally in Thenmala.My canopy hut was pre booked
online.So just had to meet the representative to take me to the hut.It was a
thick forest and had to hike a bit to reach my canopy hut.Wow , that was an
unusual place to stay.
Whatever, freshened up and walked to a boating place in Shendurunuy wildlife sanctuary which is surrounded by the reservoir of Thenmala Dam.It was a beautiful 2 hrs boat ride where we could spot some elephants, deers and birds.After the boat ride , it was the time to check out a long bridge spanned all over 1 km up and down in the forest from which we could see the thick jungle from a height.It was late evening and I was tired !
Had dinner in a nearby restaurant and went to my canopy hut but after reaching there it got too scary and the watchman advised me to move out and stay in another room a little further as I was alone and the only person staying in such place that night.Ok, had to agree and no compromise when the govt authority advises on such things.Good night for the day.
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| Stairs leading my room |
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| Canopy house |
Whatever, freshened up and walked to a boating place in Shendurunuy wildlife sanctuary which is surrounded by the reservoir of Thenmala Dam.It was a beautiful 2 hrs boat ride where we could spot some elephants, deers and birds.After the boat ride , it was the time to check out a long bridge spanned all over 1 km up and down in the forest from which we could see the thick jungle from a height.It was late evening and I was tired !
Had dinner in a nearby restaurant and went to my canopy hut but after reaching there it got too scary and the watchman advised me to move out and stay in another room a little further as I was alone and the only person staying in such place that night.Ok, had to agree and no compromise when the govt authority advises on such things.Good night for the day.
Next day morning, had breakfast and left to Trivandrum by 10 AM.From there
headed back to Bangalore.It was a short weekend trip but was happy to step into
an offbeat destination and talking to locals was the best thing.
