Thenmala: Difference between revisions

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'''Thenmala''' is a tourist destination in the eastern side of [[Kollam district]] in [[Kerala]], India. The place is world-famous because of the presence of the first eco-tourism centre in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/62546/thenmala-kerala-planned-ecotourism-destination/ |title=Thenmala, India’s First Planned Eco-Tourism Destination Is Full of Scenic Surprises |publisher=The Better India |date=23 July 2016 |access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref> The word 'Thenmala' means "'Honey hills" in Malayalam language. The town is 66&nbsp;km away from [[Kollam]] city and is just 14&nbsp;km away from [[Tamil Nadu]] state border.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-about-kerala/kollam/2019/10/12/thenmala-peaceful-getaway-foothills-western-ghats.html |title=Thenmala: A green getaway at foothills of Western Ghats |publisher=On Manorama |date=12 October 2019 |access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref> The interstate [[National Highway 744 (India)|National Highway-744]], connecting [[Kollam]] with [[Madurai]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[State Highway 2 (Kerala)|State Highway-2]] of Kerala are passing through Thenmala.

Thenmala is the first planned [[Ecotourism|eco-tourism]] destination in India. The [[Thenmala Dam]] is an ecotourism destination in Kerala. The Dam, which impounds the largest reservoir in the state which was built under the Kallada Irrigation and Tree Crop development project. The construction of the Parappar Dam across the confluence of the Chenduruney, Kazhuthurutty and [[Kallada River|Kulathupuzha rivers]] has resulted in the creation of an artificial lake of about 26 Sq. Km. which spreads along the middle of the [[Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary]]. It is the largest irrigation project in Kerala.

==Etymology==

''Thenmala'' is derived from malayalam word "theen" means honey and "mala" means mountain. Thenmala was the shooting location for several Malayalam and Tamil movies including Adiverukal.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.tourinkerala.com/thenmala|title=Touring in Thenmala}} </ref>

<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nativeplanet.com/thenmala/photos/2927/|title=Photos of Thenmala}}</ref>

 

Thenmala attracts foreign and domestic tourists with a host of attractions. Boating on the lake, a rope bridge, trekking, mountaineering, biking and a [[musical fountain]] Thenmala is approachable both from Trivandrum and Punalur by road. The Nearest railway station is Punalur. [[Kollam Junction railway station|Kollam-QLN]] is better connected nationally. The waterfall called [[Palaruvi]] is a prime attraction nearby. Also nearby is a deer rehabilitation center where visitors can see deer in a forest setting and have a peep into a traditional [[tree house]] used by forest dwellers to escape harm from wild animals.

 

==External links==

[http://www.touristplacesinindia.org/thenmala-attractions/ Thenmala Attractions]

[[Category:Cities and towns in Kollam district]]

[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kollam district]]

 

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