Sunday, September 6, 2009

THENMALA DAM

----------------------A view of Thenmala dam-------------------

Thenmala,situated about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram ,Kerala, on the Shencottai Road. Once much sought-after for its honey believed to have medicinal properties, Thenmala is today home to India's first planned eco-tourism project. The nerve-centre of a chain of ten satellite eco-tourism destinations scattered across the hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, is spread over with acres of evergreen forest.

A natural habitat of diverse flora and fauna, The rugged terrain of this land harbouring a fragile ecosystem packs plenty of adventure activities. Nature trails dotted with delightful waterfalls and enchanting picnic spots attract naturalists, conservationists and adventure seekers. With its forests and tea plantations, Thenmala provides the perfect background for leisure activities.

Thenmala dam

---------------------------------------THENMALA----------------------------------
Altitude 1,640 ft above sea level.
Snuggled in the foothills of the Western Ghats in east Kollam District, adjacent to the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, Thenmala is 72 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. A short distance from Courtallam Falls in Tamil Nadu, this ecotourism destination lies on the northernmost end of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
Deer Rehabilitation Centre
An opportunity to view deer and understand their delicate ecosystem. The deer that stray out from the forest are rehabilitated here. Spotted deer and the sambar are the main inhabitants. The Centre also has a children's eco-park .

An Amphitheatre and musical fountain in Thenmala.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Bathing Elephant-Elephants are surprisingly good swimmers and love water. Wild herds seek out ponds and rivers for bathing. The elephants can use their trunks as a snorkel and hose pipe.