Thenmala
Kollam district · 8.959° N, 77.068° E
A forest-fringed ecotourism project in the Western Ghats foothills, with boardwalks, boating and short trails.
Photo: Vis M / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Best time
September to March. Avoid heavy monsoon days, when trails and boating may close.
Suggested stay
Half a day to 1 night
Daily budget
₹1,500–₹3,500
Crowds
Moderate · Moderate adventure
The guide
Why Thenmala?
Thenmala sits where the Kollam–Shencottah road climbs into the Western Ghats. The area was developed as a planned ecotourism destination around a dam and reservoir, with a landscaped boardwalk, a deer rehabilitation centre, boating and a small adventure zone. It is a popular domestic picnic spot, especially at weekends, rather than a remote wilderness.
The landscape is the draw: forested hills, the Kallada river and the reservoir, and a climate noticeably cooler than the coast. Thenmala works well as a half-day stop between Kollam and the hills, or as a gentle introduction to Kerala's forest edge for families. For deeper forest experiences, continue to Gavi or Thekkady with the necessary permits.
Why go
An easy, family-friendly taste of the Western Ghats with boating and forest views, close to Kollam.
What makes it different
One of India's early planned ecotourism projects, combining a reservoir, forest and interpretation centre in a compact area.
Logistics
How to get there
By air
Trivandrum International Airport is about 75 km away.
By rail
Thenmala has a small station; Kollam Junction is the more reliable railhead.
By road
The site is on the Kollam–Shencottah road, about 65 km from Kollam by bus or car.
Nearest airport
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), ~75 km
Nearest railway
Thenmala (TML) or Kollam Junction (QLN)
A hired car gives the most flexibility. Local buses run along the highway but are infrequent.
What to do
Things worth doing
- 01Walk the boardwalk and forest interpretation trail
- 02Take a short boat ride on the reservoir
- 03Visit the deer rehabilitation centre
- 04Try the adventure zone's low-ropes and zip activities
- 05Continue to the Jatayu Earth's Center or Kollam backwaters
Keep going
Nearby, and worth the detour
Also nearby
- Palaruvi Falls
- Achankovil river villages
These are editorial suggestions, not verified attractions. Access may be seasonal or private; ask locally before setting out.
Money
What it costs, and what we assume
Per person, per day
₹1,500–₹3,500
Indicative, not a quotation.
Per person per day, excluding travel to Kerala. Includes entry, one or two activities and simple food; transport is extra.
- · Excludes travel to Kerala and any international flights.
- · Assumes two people sharing; solo travellers usually pay more per person.
- · Peak season, festivals and luxury stays can multiply the upper figure.
Who it suits
Families, senior travellers and access
With children
Yes. The boardwalk and boating suit children; check age limits for adventure activities.
Senior travellers
Moderate. The main paths are manageable but there are slopes and steps.
Accessibility
Limited. Some paths may be usable with assistance; confirm at the entrance.
Practical
Safety and weather
Read before you go
Wear life jackets on the water. Leeches are common in the wet season. Do not enter restricted forest areas without a guide and permit.
Medical
Basic first aid on site; nearest hospitals are in Punalur and Kollam.
Police
Thenmala police station serves the area.
Cooler and wetter than the coast, with heavy monsoon rain from June to September.
Questions
Practical answers
Is Thenmala suitable for a day trip from Kollam?
Yes. It is about two hours by road and can be visited in a half day, though an overnight stay makes it less rushed.
Can I see elephants at Thenmala?
Not reliably. The deer centre is a rehabilitation facility; wild elephants are sometimes seen in the wider forest but sightings are never guaranteed.
Sources & verification
Last editorially verified: 1 October 2026. Fees, opening hours, transport and access change; confirm important details with official sources before travelling.
- Kerala Tourism — official state tourism portal · checked 2026-10-01
- Kerala Forest Department — protected areas and permits · checked 2026-10-01
- Indian Railways — station and train information · checked 2026-10-01
Editorial rating: 4.1 / 5. Pleasant and convenient rather than wild. Good for families and first-time forest visits. No visitor reviews are published for this destination yet, so no visitor rating is shown.
Next
Keep the route going.
Ashtamudi Lake
A wide, eight-armed lake at Kollam, with houseboats, kayaks and quiet canal villages.
Jatayu Earth's Center
A colossal sculpture of the mythical vulture Jatayu on a rocky hill, with cable cars and long views.
Hidden gemGavi
A forest eco-camp on the edge of Periyar, reached by a winding road and limited by permit.