Thenmala Dam

Thenmala Dam: An Overview

Thenmala Dam is tucked in the Western Ghats in Kollam, Kerala. It boasts spectacular scenic beauty, postcard-perfect landscapes, and several recreational activities for families, couples, and thrill seekers.

This reservoir area has tremendous ecological significance owing to the various conservation projects in place to safeguard its biodiversity.

It’s the first planned eco-tourism destination in India with the country’s first-ever eco-tourism center located right here!

Visitors are mostly attracted by its unique flora, rare species of plants and herbs, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and adventure activities like trekking, mountain biking, boating, and camping.

Best time to visit Thenmala Dam

October to March is the ideal time to visit the Thenmala Dam when the weather is cool and pleasant and explore its natural beauty and outdoor activities.

While the monsoon brings heavy rain and isn’t suitable to visit this place, it revives and regenerates the region’s foliage and vegetation.

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Thenmala Dam timings and entry fee

The dam area is open to tourists and locals from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

The entry fee is INR 30/- per person. Timings and charges for the various activities here may vary.

How to reach Thenmala Dam

Thenmala Dam is situated in the Kollam district of Kerala. It lies about 40 km from Kollam city center and 73 km from Trivandrum.

There are several ways to reach the Thenmala Dam with ease and comfort.

By air

Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Thenmala located 73 km away. Taxis and rental cars are readily available at the airport to take you to Thenmala Dam.

You can also head to the Angamaly KSRTC Bus Stand 8 km away and take a bus to Thenmala.

By train

Kollam Junction is the closest railway station to Thenmala and lies about 40 km away. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and buses are available here too.

By car

Thenmala is well-connected to nearby cities in South India by a smooth road network.

You can book a taxi online from Kollam or Trivandrum to reach Thenmala with ease. Pre-paid taxis are also available from Kochi, Bangalore, Madurai, and Coimbatore.

By bus

KSRTC buses connect many small cities and towns in Kerala with the rest of the state and nearby states.

It runs a regular and comfortable bus service to Thenmala from major cities like Trivandrum and Kollam at nominal rates.

You can book the tickets online at the official KSRTC website.

Things to do in Thenmala Dam

There are plenty of rejuvenating experiences and adventure activities that you can engage in during your visit to Thenmala Dam and its adjoining reserve area.

→ Guided trekking: There are several nature trails in the surrounding forests and hills where you can indulge in a session of guided trekking and hiking. While the trails differ in level of difficulty, they all offer stunning views of the Western Ghats mountain ranges!

→ Boating: The dam area is great for paddle boating, row boating, and canoeing. It’s the perfect way to witness the surrounding natural beauty and spot several water birds.

→ Nature walks: If you do not wish to engage in hardcore trekking, you can simply check out the various designated nature trails beside the dam area that allow you to observe the vibrant flora at a close range! You can either walk or go cycling through these!

→ Thenmala Eco-Tourism Centre: For a deeper understanding of the unique flora and rare plants and herbs of Thenmala, a visit to India’s first-ever eco-tourism center is a must!

→ Birdwatching: The reservoir’s lush greenery is home to several endemic and migratory aviaries. Birdies and birdwatchers visit Thenmala in droves to observe its delightful bird species!

→ Wildlife sighting: The adjoining forest also shelters diverse species of animals like sambar deer, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, bison, wild boars, leopards, and various types of reptiles.

→ Thenmala Adventure Zone: Walk on the Elevated Walkway for 360-degree views of the surrounding greenery, misty mountains, and birds nesting high up in the trees! Try activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, river crossing, Burma bridge, and more.

→ Thenmala Hanging Bridge: Click pictures at the photogenic hanging bridge nearby and spend some quiet moments amid the sounds of nature!

→ Jungle camping: With prior permission from the Kerala Forest Dept, your group can camp near Thenmala Dam with the company of a certified local guide. Lying under a canopy of stars with a hearty bonfire and good friends is an experience you’ll never forget!

→ Nearby attractions: Check out tourist places like the 13-arched Pathimoonam Kannara Bridge and the Palaruvi Falls located nearby.

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Thenmala Dam is a power package of nature, rejuvenation, beauty, and adventure! With stunning landscapes, thrilling activities, and virgin flora, it’s the perfect escape from the dullness of daily routine.