Thenmala in Kollam district, India's first planned eco-tourism destination

Background

India's first planned eco-tourism destination lies in the foothills of the Western Ghats, in the Kollam district of Kerala. Thenmala is a government-managed facility. It is run by the Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society (TEPS). Thenmala is the meeting point of Kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, and is 66 kms east of Kollam. The destination offers lush green forests, butterfly safaris, musical dancing fountains, and adventure activities such as trekking, hiking and night camping. The stated aim of the Thenmala Eco Tourism area is preserving, protecting and even improving the environment.