Organization

Ecotourism Defined :
Ecotourism is a new concept in tourism. It is a purposeful travel to natural areas to
understand the cultural and natural history of environment, taking care not to alter the
integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make
conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people. In short, ecotourism can be
conceptualised as

"Any tourism programme that is

nature based,
ecologically sustainable,
where education and interpretation is a major component and
where local people are benefited
can be called ecotourism".
If it does not satisfy any one of these components then it cannot be called a real
ecotourism venture

Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society(TEPS) :

Tourism Department, Government of Kerala, India has taken steps to give focussed
attention to ecotourism in the State. A separate ecotourism wing has been created to give
policy support for the development of the ecotourism destinations in the State.
Accordingly a project for the first planned ecotourism destination (Thenmala Ecotourism
Project) has been formulated in and around Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary with the co-
operation of departments such as Forest, Irrigation and Tourism. In order to give flexibility
in management for the development of this destination, a separate Society, the Thenmala
Ecotourism Promotion Society (TEPS) has been constituted. "Thenmala Ecotourism" has
been conceived as a first planned ecotourism destination in India and the initial stages of
implementation is completed.
The major objectives of this project are

1. To develop Thenmala dam and its surroundings as a major tourist destination.

2. To promote Ecotourism on the basis of sound principles of ecological sustainability in
the surrounding areas of Thenmala.
3. To have a well planned tourism destination with emphasis on sustainable tourism
development so as to become a model for other destination development programmes.

When the idea of developing Thenmala as a tourism destination was mooted seriously in
1996, it was decided to develop it as an ecotourism destination by keeping the degraded
forest area, in the outskirts of the Sanctuary, as a familiarization zone. The studies and
discussions followed helped to evolve a strategy to control the mass tourism within the
outer limits of the Sanctuary. Hence the ecotourism products, which are developed within
Sanctuary, are expected to be supply driven, which eventually takes care of ecological
sustainability. It was also planned to have satellite centers in various places in Western
Ghats mountainous region within a radius of 50 km from Thenmala. The familiarisation
zones thus created function as area for soft ecotourists.
Eco-friendly General Tourism is planned in the periphery of the sanctuary so that pressure
of tourism will not affect sanctuary. The real ecotourism is to take place in sanctuary and
only ecotourists are encouraged for that. Others can experience the ecofriendly products
such as small nature trails, elevated walkway through canopies, mountain biking etc. This
will give them a feeling of what awaits as ecotourism in the sanctuary area, for which they
have to wait since it is supply driven. This was a consciously developed management
strategy after analysing what is happening in various sanctuaries by way of tourist
pressure.
Facilities such as boating in the Sanctuary reservoir, boardwalk, sculpture garden,
amphitheatre, Musical Dancing Fountain, etc. are also provided at Thenmala for soft
ecotourists. An Environmental education and interpretation center is also being set up at
Thenmala.

Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society adopted a strategy to co-ordinate with Forest

Department, the Irrigation Department and Tourism Department and implement various
activities in association with each Department. Private initiative is expected in areas such
as providing accommodation, transportation facility etc. No permanent constructions are
made in forest areas. Accommodations for tourists are developed outside the forests, at a
distance. To make this project a great success Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society
(TEPS) entrusted the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to Kerala Forest
Research Institute (KFRI). KFRI had conducted EIA for the destination and the satellite
spots. Further, on the recommendations of KFRI and on the basis of the Environmental
Impact Assessment, TEPS amended the activities so as to minimise the negative impacts
of the project.

The products such as trekking, bird watching trails etc. is being developed and
operationalised through the institution of Eco-development Committees / Participatory
Forest Management Committees (locally known as Vana Samrakshna Samithi (VSS)),
thereby ensuring local benefits from ecotourism. Forest Department has already evolved
expertise in the formulation of Eco-development Committees and VSS through
institutionalised means. This will help in channelising the benefits of ecotourism to the
local people, which will ultimately elicit support of local community for forest protection
and conservation.

Thenmala ecotourism project is the first planned ecotourism project/destination in the

country. In many other cases it was just renaming of an already existing "nature tourism".
Here from the very beginning efforts have been taken to imbibe the internationally
accepted principles of ecotourism in the planning process as well as in implementation. A
conscious management strategy has been evolved to create a familiarization zone to limit
the impacts in sensitive ecosystems to the minimum. Another important feature is the
institutionalizing of co-ordination mechanism among Forests, Irrigation and Tourism
Departments, Local Community, Local Self Government and other stake holders. In short
"Thenmala ecotourism" is a learning experience. Our idea is to make this destination
qualitatively better by getting valuable feedback from all esteemed visitors and there by
strive for excellence in the area of conservation of natural resources and authentic
tourism experience.

Chief Executive
 Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society

FAQ

Guest Service
We are here to serve you and we make sure that we give you the service you
seek for at Thenmala. A team of trained guest relation executives, Instructors,
Naturalists, Security guards are at your need.

Information Desk: At the Tourism facilitation Center provides all necessary

details to your visit, answer to all your queries, all the information related to
park & formalities of booking is taken care here.

Accommodation: We provide accommodation facility for visitors who need

overnight accommodation at a fee. Prior booking is required.

Bath & Fresh Up facility: We provide facility for visitors who need to take bath
and use toilets for maximum 4 hrs at a fee. Prior booking is required.

Dormitory Facility (Students/General groups): We provide dormitory facility for

visitors who need overnight accommodation at a fee. Prior booking is required.

Briefing Program: The school groups visiting the park will get a briefing
program by the Naturalists for a fee. The concept of ecotourism and the
concept of Thenmala Ecotourism will be explained for better understanding
and enjoyment. Contact Information desk.

Cloak Room: To keep the heavier baggage of tourists in the cloak room at a
fee. Contact Information Desk.

Drinking Water: Water from bore well is made available at the Tourism
Facilitation Center.

First Aid: We offer first-aid in case of necessity.

Lost & Found: You can enquire & lodge complaints in case if you lost your
belongings with the Information Desk.
 Parking Area: Provides parking facility to its visitors at a fee.

Pet Animals: Pet Animals are not allowed to accompany the guest inside the
park. We do not provide facility to look after the pet animals.

Pram: The pathways in the parks are not designed for the use of prams.

Smoking: Smoking inside the park is prohibited.

Telephone/Internet Facility: To connect with your desired people Telephone

facility is available at Information Desk at a fee.

Wheel Chairs: Guest can bring their wheel chairs to the park. Limited wheel
chairs available at a refundable deposit at the Information Desk.

1) Where Is Thenmala located?

Thenmala is a village 20 kms from Punalur Town, Kolam district,Kerala State, india.

2) What are the attractions at Thenmala?

Thenmala offers two kinds of products

a) Ecotourism

b) Eco-friendly General Tourism

3) What are the Ecotourism Programme at Thenmala?

Ecotourism programme include trekking to sanctuary from 2hrs to 2 days.

4) What are the Eco-friendly general tourism Programme at Thenmala?

Eco-friendly General tourism programme include various attractions in and

around the Thenmala dam.The attractions are Leisure Zone, Adventure Zone,
Butterfly Safari, Childrens park, Deer Rehabilitation Center, Boating in the
Sanctuary Reservoir and Musical Dancing Fountain.

5) Is Palaruvi and Courtalam nearby?

Yes, Palaruvi waterfall is 16 kms from Thenmala towards Senkottai/Courtalam

route and courtalam is 30Kms from Thenmala.
6) How much time is required to see Thenmala?

To enjoy all attractions at Thenmala minimum two days time (48 hrs) is needed.
One can chose a picnic to Thenmala by opting the park package, One night
package and two night package.
7) I would like to read more about the Ecotourism programmes?
Soft Trekking

4 kms covered in 2 hrs. Trekking fee is Rs.60/- per adult, 60/- per child, International Tourist
Rs.120/-. This guided trekking programme starts from facilitation center with a minimum of 5
trekkers or on equivalent payment of Rs.300/-. Main attraction is to see the Myristica Swamp
Forest which can be seen only in this part of the country. The walk along the reservoir is scenic
and beautiful. This trekking is through a jungle which is not part of the Shenduruney wildlife
sanctuary. Animal sighting depends on your luck. Birds and reptiles are in plenty. As you know
that trekking is preferred by adventure loving tourist who explore at their own risk. Our guide
will be there for all sorts of assistance. Trekkers will be brought back to facilitation center in bus
from the finishing point which is 3 kms away. Please carry water for drinking and snacks etc if
necessary. Avoid littering the forest. Best time for this programme from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 3
p.m. to 4 p.m.M

Village Tour

Day trip 37 kms drive one way from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Trekking fee is Rs.730/- per adult, 730/- per
child International Tourist Rs.1000/-. This guided safari starts at 8 a.m. from facilitation center in
our vehicle with a minimum of 6 trekkers or on equivalent payment of Rs.4380/-. The trip covers
Palaruvi waterfall, Aryankavu Shastha temple and Rosemala village. A short walk for 5 kms in
and around the forested area of the village is interesting. This village is inside the Shenduruney
Wildlife Sanctuary. Animal sighting depends on your luck. Birds and reptiles are in plenty. As
you know that trekking is preferred by adventure loving tourist who explore at their own risk.Our
guide will be there for all sorts of assistance.Trekkers will be brought back to facilitation center
in bus. The entry fee to Palaruvi falls,tea snack and vegetarian Lunch will be provided.

Village tour with night camping

37 kms drive one way from 2 p.m. to 2p.m. next day. Trekking fee is Rs.1750/- per
adult,International Tourist Rs.2000/-. This guided safari starts at 2 p.m. from facilitation center in
our vehicle with a minimum of 4 trekkers or on equivalent payment of Rs.7000/-. The trip covers
Palaruvi waterfall, Aryankavu Shastha temple and Rosemala village. A short walk for 2 kms in
and around the forested area of the village is interesting. This village is inside the Shenduruney
Wildlife Sanctuary. Night camping is in camp shed in sleeping mats. Animal sighting depends on
your luck. Birds and reptiles are in plenty. As you know that trekking is preferred by adventure
loving tourist who explore at their own risk. Our guide will be there for all sorts of
assistance.The trekkers will go for a morning trek next day from 7 a.m. to 12. Noon for 10
kms.Trekkers will be brought back to facilitation center in bus. The entry fee to Palaruvi falls,tea
snack, vegetarian Dinner,Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.

8) What is there to see in Adventure Zone?

Forest area with an Elevated walkway, Adventure activities like
1. Rock Climbing & Rappelling
2. Short Range (5 Rounds)
3. Archery (5 Rounds)
4. Trampoline (10 minutes)
5. Trust fall (30 min 15 persons)
6. Pedal Boating (30 min 4 persons)
7. Coracle ride (30 min 2 persons)
8. River Crossing
9. Spider Net
10. Burma Bridge
11. Valley Crossing
12. Flying Fox
9) What is there to see in Leisure Zone?
Forest garden with pathways, Sculpture garden with 24 sculptures with theme
man nature, boardwalk and suspension bridge.
10) What is there to see in Deer Rehabilitation Center?
Rehabilitates, Spotted, Sambar and Barking Deer, Has childrens pay lot.
11) What is there to see in Butterfly Safari?
A research oriented area. A park is planted with the host plants of butterflies
which attract butterflies,moths and Dragon flies for survival. Chances of
butterfly sighting best between 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 5 p.m
12) What are the timings of Musical Dancing Fountain?
Daily one show of 30 minutes duration between 7 p.m. and 7.30 p.m except on
Mondays. Open air natures dance.
13) What are the types of accommodation available?
We offer 5 types of accommodation namely
1. Dormitory (Bee Hive)
2. Jungle Camping (The Cocoon)
 3. Canopy hut (Koodu)
4. Water front hut.(The Nest)
5. Budget rooms.(The Honey Comb)
14) What facility the dormitory offers?
1.Capacity 43 adults
2.Three rooms with attached toilets accommodating 12 persons each.
3.One hall accommodating 8 people with common toilet.
4.Per person 140/- + tax
5.Minimum 10 persons required or on equivalent payment.
15) What facility the Jungle camping (The Cocoon) offers?
1.Swiss cottage tents with attached bathroom facility with European closet.
2.Tent size 10 x 12 feet.
3.The tent has a triple cot and a table two chairs.
4.Lunch can be ordered at the restaurant nearby.
5.You will enjoy the wilderness experience.
16) What facility the canopy hut (The Koodu) offers?
1.Hut on four poles
2.Attached bathroom and a balcony
3.You will enjoy the wilderness experience.
17) What facility the Water front hut (The Nest) offers?
1.Swiss cottage tents with attached bathroom facility with European closet.
2.Tent size 12 x 14 feet.
3.The tent has a triple cot and a table two chairs.
4.Lunch can be ordered at the restaurant nearby.
5.You will enjoy the riverfront experience.
18) What facility the tourist home (The Honey Comb) offers?
1.Three rooms with attached bathrooms.
2.Food can order and have from the restaurant nearby.
3.You will enjoy the highway experience.
19) Is facility available for freshen up?
1.Day time only.
2.Per person 60/- + tax
20) How to book facility in advance?

If you want to book the rooms please call over phone 0475-2344800,0475-2344855 and book it
after remitting 50% of the total facility availed as advance to our bank account
SBT/SB/67068611539,IFSC code SBTR 0000323 favoring Thenmala Ecotourism.

21) What are the general rules for accommodation facility?

 1.Check in 12 noon check out 11 a.m.
2.Not a luxury accommodation.
3. TV, hot water facility, Telephone, Internet, A/c not available.
4.Mosquito Repellent provided.
5. Enjoy darkness when current fails.
6.Cancellation before 24 hrs.
7. If within 24hrs cancelation fee is 50% of the facility availed.
22) How far is the nearby attractions?
1. Look Out (4 kms)
2. Trekking to Pandavanpara.(5kms)
3. Palaruvi Waterfalls (16 kms)
4. Ambanad Hills (32 kms)
5. Kulathupuzha Shastha Temple (10 kms)
6. Aryankavu shastha Temple (17 Kms)
7. Achancovil Shastha Temple (36 Kms)
8. Courtalam waterfalls (34 Kms)