Located about 72kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the State Capital of Kerala, God's Own Country, the southern most State of India. Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats and predominantly a forest area. The famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is the most important ecotourism resource of Thenmala Ecotourism. This Wildlife Sanctuary is of about 100 sq. km. and harbors large varieties of flora and fauna.
Thenmala : "Then + Mala" , i.e. in local parlance "Then" means honey and "Mala" means hillock i.e. it mean honey hills. The honey collected from Thenmala forest region is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forests.
General Information
(Thenmala Grama Panchayat: the local self Government)
Total population 24,212,
Altitude Between 100-600 m above MSL
Climate The hottest months are March to May and the coldest, December and January. The maximum temperature during daytime in the hottest month is about 39oC. The daily temperature varies from 17oC to 35oC.
Rainfall Southwest Monsoon: May to August extends up to September
Northeast Monsoon: late September, October and November
Average rainfall 2600 - 3000 mm
Languages spoken Malayalam, Tamil & English
Season Throughout the year
Clothing Tropica
CULTURE ZONE
This zone accommodates various activities, which favours Ecofriendly General Tourism. Restaurant, Shop court, Amphitheatre etc help the tourists understand the Kerala cusines, Kerala crafts and natural wealth and Kerala's Art, Culture etc. An open air Musical Dancing Fountain which is considered, as "Natures Dance" is another major attraction here.
Tourism Facilitation Center
Accommodates
Well-conceived information center explaining The wide range of Tourism products available at Thenmala.
Shop Courts - Run by Local Women Self Help Groups.
Toilet facilities
Well informed staff to provide personal attention.
Functions from 09.00 am to 7.30 pm on all days.
Musical Dancing Fountain
A synchronized rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light located in the natural surroundings. Such a natural ambience is very rare and hence provides a unique and authentic experien
TOUR ITINERARY TO THENMALA ECOTOURISM
Day 1: At Thenmala
9.30 a.m. Reach the Tourist Facilitation Center, TEPS Thenmala.
10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m One hour Boating on the reservoir.
Entry fee- Indian - Adult (Rs. 50 + Rs. 10) Child (Rs. 30 + Rs. 5)
Foreigner - Rs. 100 + Rs. 100
11.30 a..m. to 1.30 p.m. Visit to the Adventure Zone
(Attractions - Elevated walkway, Nature trail, Lotus Pond, Adventure activities like River Crossing, Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Mountain Biking etc.)
Entry fee-Indian - Adult (Rs. 20) Child (Rs. 10)
Foreigner - Rs. 50
1.30 p.m. to2.30pm Lunch at KTDC restaurant at the Culture Zone.
02.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. At Deer Rehabilitation center
Entry fee - Indian - Adult (Rs. 5) Child (Rs. 3) & lookout
Foreigner - Rs. 20
4.30p.m to 5.30pm. Tea break
5.00 p.m to 6.30 p.m. Visit to the Leisure Zone
(Attractions - Courts, Pathways, Plazas, Sculpture Garden, Board Walk)
Entry fee - Indian - Adult (Rs. 30) Child (Rs. 20)
Foreigner - Rs. 100
7.00 p.m. to 7.30p.m. Musical dancing fountain
Entry fee - Indian - Adult (Rs. 25) Child (Rs. 15)
Foreigner - Rs. 50
7.30pm Departure.
Soft Trekking (07.00am to 4.0p.m. on all days) Duration – 2 hrs, Distance – 4 kms Route: Trekking to a Myristica Swamp Forest Patch Adult (Rs. 50/-) Child (Rs. 30/-) Foreigner - Rs. 100/-) Maximum trekkers 19 Minimum No. 5 in one trip. Minimum charge Rs.250/- per trek
Food and Snacks: The preferred food and snacks can be obtained by placing order at the earliest vide fax to The Restaurant Manager, KTDC, Thenmala in the fax No 0475-2344800.
Guides: Local guides are available and it is recommended to avail the services of the guides so that the visitors can understand the project better. Contact: 0475-2344725.
Alternate tour programmes can be arranged if the tourist decides to stay at Thenmala.
Day 2: At Thenmala
9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon Trekking Programme by National Adventure Foundation
3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Palaruvi and back to Thenmala.
Day 3
9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon Visit to Achancoil Eco-contact Center Khumbhavurutty waterfalls inside forest.
3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Visit to Courtallam waterfalls and back to Thenmala.
Or
Day 3
6.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Eco-pilgrimage tour from Kulathupuzha ending at Achancoil
3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Visit to Courtallam waterfalls and back to Thenmala.
Day 4
7.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. Bird watching trails in Deer Rehabilitation Center
10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Local village visit.
Afternoon Departure
ACCOMMODATION
Dormitory facility (Capacity 25 visitors) Rate Rs.40/- per person. + Rs.250/- service charge. (24 Hrs) (4 carpeted rooms. 2 attached toilet, sleeping bags provided, food extra. Do arrange with KTDC restaurant in the same premises) Taxes extra Contact TEPS
Ph: 0475-2344800,
E-mail: tpo@thenmalaecotourism.com
Lake View Ayurvedic Resort Lake View Ayurvedic Resort Ottakal, Thenmala
(Ph: 0475-2783222,9447247573, 0473-2471126)
E-mail:larc@satyam.net.in
Local & Tented Accommodation At Thenmala by National Adventure Foundation
(Ph: 0471-2400740, 0475-2317629/2317897)
E-mail: skjnaf@yahoo.com
KTDC Motel Aaram Palaruvi
(Ph: 0475-2211600)
E-mail: ktdc@vsnl.com
Apichayans Cliff Resort Arayankavu, Thenmala,
Tele-Fax: 0475-2317612/2317542
E-mail: apichayans@hotmail.com
Hotel Highland
Kottarakara (30 Kms from Thenmala)
(Ph: 0474-2451442)
E-mail: highlandhotel@vsnl.com
CONDUCTED TOURS
From Thiruvananthapuram KTDC (Ph 0471-2330031),
Aries Travel (0471-2331165/2330417),
Remya Travels (0471-2461197)
From Kollam DTPC Kollam (Ph 0474-2745625, 1364)
Travel Express Tours & Travel Division (0474-2765373)
From Pathanamthitta DTPC Pathanamthitta (Ph 0473-2229952/2326409)
From Alapuzha DTPC Alappuzha (Ph: 0477-2251796, 2253308)
From Kottayam DTPC Kottayam (Ph: 0481-2560479)
From Ernakulam DTPC Ernakulam (Ph: 0484-2383988, 2367334)
Local Guides: Ph: 0475 2344725
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
(a) nature based,
(b) ecologically sustainable,
(c) where education and interpretation is a major component and
(d) 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
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.
T.P.Naryanan Kutty IFS
Director (Ecotourism)
Tourism Department
Government of Kerala
India.
"Thenmala Ecotourism" is the first planned ecotourism destination in India. Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains and predominantly a forest area with a lot of human interventions at the periphery.
HOW NATURE BASED?
The nearby Wildlife Sanctuary (Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary) is the most important ecotourism resource. This is considered as a unique destination development initiative with "Thenmala" the village as a focal point with small community led ecotourism developments within a radius of 50km from Thenmala in the foothills of Western Ghat Mountains. Investment is to the tune of 1.6 Million US Dollars. Development period was 3 years. Stakeholders include Government Departments such as Tourism, Forest, Irrigation, local self Government and local communities, scientific institutions etc. The main components of the destination are ecofriendly general tourism products and ecotourism products.
The Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary
The etymological meaning of the name *Shenduruney* has been derived from a tree species locally called, "Shenkuruny" or "Chenkuruny" (Gluta travancorica) an endemic tree mainly confined to this area. The Government declared Shenduruney as a Wildlife Sanctuary on 25th August 1984. The construction of the Parappar Dam across the confluence of the Shenduruney Kazhuthurutty, and Kulathupuzha rivers had resulted in the creation of an artificial lake of about 26 Sq. Km. which spreads along the middle of the sanctuary.
Location - southern part of the Western Ghats (8'50 and 8'55 N; 77'5 and 77' 15 E)
District - Kollam
Taluk - Pathanapuram
Total area of - 100.32 Sq. km.
Rain Forest, Deciduous Forest, Man Made Forest
Myristica Swamps And Shola-Grasslands
1500 flowering plants (3800 in Kerala State)
43 mammal species
200 species of birds (475 species in Kerala State)
Chenkuruny tree (Gluta travancorica)
Map of Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary
HOW ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE?
a. Contribution to the Conservation of Natural Areas
Initially 30 acres of degraded forest areas were taken up and protected from biotic interferences, which now became fully covered by trees and being used by visitors for small wilderness trails, riverine walk, canopy walk etc. This area has been divided into 3 zones and planned as a familiarisation zones so that impact on the larger ecosystem, "the sanctuary" is kept minimum. Another conservation effort is the deer rehabilitation programme where the deer that stray out from nearby forests are taken to this center and being helped to survive.
Nakshathravanam: (Star Forest) - A unique system to popularise tree planting.
The predictions forecasted for a man are based on the Nakshthra or the constellation in which one's Moon was placed at ones birth. The entire Zodiac comprises of 360 degrees. Therefore, there are 27 Nakshthras or constellations in the Zodiac.
Each of these Nakshthra is associated with a tree. These trees are of medicinal, social, aesthetic or economic value. There is a belief that it will bring good fortunes if one plants one's own tree (pertaining to his star) in his home. In this proposed programme a nursery of these 27 trees are established and visitor are encouraged to visit and if interested, they can buy the same. Definitely people will see that these plants survive once they purchase it. Hence ultimately ecotourism contributes to the greening i.e. protecting nature.
b. Environmental Practices in the Development and Operation of Ecotourism Facilities, Establishments and Services
Waste Management: Vermi Composting technique is being practiced. Only local architecture and locally available materials are used in construction. Battery Powered Vehicles are used to transport tourists through forests to Boat landing in order to signify the importance of non-polluting sources of energy. Local cuisines are also promoted. Local accommodations are encouraged in destination. Environment Impact Assessment has been done and parameters of sustainability has been laid down by a leading Research Institute - Kerala Forest Research Institute.
HOW EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION IS A MAJOR COMPONENT?
Society associates with Protected area (Wildlife Sanctuary) authorities in the field of the nature education activities. Special concession rate in ecotourism zones are offered for school children, college students and those who attend Wildlife Sanctuary Nature camps. Special nature education classes (1/2 to 1 hour) is conducted in forest environment by the trained staff for the students on demand. Good signages and tree labeling are provided in all pathways and nature trails. During trekking programmes, trained local guides are utilised for education. Local youth are given training on interpretation and helped to avail self employment opportunities in ecotourism.
HOW LOCAL PEOPLE ARE BENEFITED?
Local youth were trained to use self-employment opportunities i.e. as guides etc. The trekking programme is being managed by the local group of people residing nearby with support of the private sector. Direct employment given to people belonging to the area / district. Apart from that the shops established by the Society for selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and for running the cafeteria etc. are entrusted to local "woman group" i.e. local women self help groups. Employees are also given training frequently. Ecotourism products such as trekking etc are managed by local community with the help of forest department.
Thenmala : "Then + Mala" , i.e. in local parlance "Then" means honey and "Mala" means hillock i.e. it mean honey hills. The honey collected from Thenmala forest region is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forests.
General Information
(Thenmala Grama Panchayat: the local self Government)
Total population 24,212,
Altitude Between 100-600 m above MSL
Climate The hottest months are March to May and the coldest, December and January. The maximum temperature during daytime in the hottest month is about 39oC. The daily temperature varies from 17oC to 35oC.
Rainfall Southwest Monsoon: May to August extends up to September
Northeast Monsoon: late September, October and November
Average rainfall 2600 - 3000 mm
Languages spoken Malayalam, Tamil & English
Season Throughout the year
Clothing Tropica
CULTURE ZONE
This zone accommodates various activities, which favours Ecofriendly General Tourism. Restaurant, Shop court, Amphitheatre etc help the tourists understand the Kerala cusines, Kerala crafts and natural wealth and Kerala's Art, Culture etc. An open air Musical Dancing Fountain which is considered, as "Natures Dance" is another major attraction here.
Tourism Facilitation Center
Accommodates
Well-conceived information center explaining The wide range of Tourism products available at Thenmala.
Shop Courts - Run by Local Women Self Help Groups.
Toilet facilities
Well informed staff to provide personal attention.
Functions from 09.00 am to 7.30 pm on all days.
Musical Dancing Fountain
A synchronized rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light located in the natural surroundings. Such a natural ambience is very rare and hence provides a unique and authentic experien
TOUR ITINERARY TO THENMALA ECOTOURISM
Day 1: At Thenmala
9.30 a.m. Reach the Tourist Facilitation Center, TEPS Thenmala.
10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m One hour Boating on the reservoir.
Entry fee- Indian - Adult (Rs. 50 + Rs. 10) Child (Rs. 30 + Rs. 5)
Foreigner - Rs. 100 + Rs. 100
11.30 a..m. to 1.30 p.m. Visit to the Adventure Zone
(Attractions - Elevated walkway, Nature trail, Lotus Pond, Adventure activities like River Crossing, Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Mountain Biking etc.)
Entry fee-Indian - Adult (Rs. 20) Child (Rs. 10)
Foreigner - Rs. 50
1.30 p.m. to2.30pm Lunch at KTDC restaurant at the Culture Zone.
02.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. At Deer Rehabilitation center
Entry fee - Indian - Adult (Rs. 5) Child (Rs. 3) & lookout
Foreigner - Rs. 20
4.30p.m to 5.30pm. Tea break
5.00 p.m to 6.30 p.m. Visit to the Leisure Zone
(Attractions - Courts, Pathways, Plazas, Sculpture Garden, Board Walk)
Entry fee - Indian - Adult (Rs. 30) Child (Rs. 20)
Foreigner - Rs. 100
7.00 p.m. to 7.30p.m. Musical dancing fountain
Entry fee - Indian - Adult (Rs. 25) Child (Rs. 15)
Foreigner - Rs. 50
7.30pm Departure.
Soft Trekking (07.00am to 4.0p.m. on all days) Duration – 2 hrs, Distance – 4 kms Route: Trekking to a Myristica Swamp Forest Patch Adult (Rs. 50/-) Child (Rs. 30/-) Foreigner - Rs. 100/-) Maximum trekkers 19 Minimum No. 5 in one trip. Minimum charge Rs.250/- per trek
Food and Snacks: The preferred food and snacks can be obtained by placing order at the earliest vide fax to The Restaurant Manager, KTDC, Thenmala in the fax No 0475-2344800.
Guides: Local guides are available and it is recommended to avail the services of the guides so that the visitors can understand the project better. Contact: 0475-2344725.
Alternate tour programmes can be arranged if the tourist decides to stay at Thenmala.
Day 2: At Thenmala
9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon Trekking Programme by National Adventure Foundation
3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Palaruvi and back to Thenmala.
Day 3
9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon Visit to Achancoil Eco-contact Center Khumbhavurutty waterfalls inside forest.
3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Visit to Courtallam waterfalls and back to Thenmala.
Or
Day 3
6.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Eco-pilgrimage tour from Kulathupuzha ending at Achancoil
3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Visit to Courtallam waterfalls and back to Thenmala.
Day 4
7.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. Bird watching trails in Deer Rehabilitation Center
10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Local village visit.
Afternoon Departure
ACCOMMODATION
Dormitory facility (Capacity 25 visitors) Rate Rs.40/- per person. + Rs.250/- service charge. (24 Hrs) (4 carpeted rooms. 2 attached toilet, sleeping bags provided, food extra. Do arrange with KTDC restaurant in the same premises) Taxes extra Contact TEPS
Ph: 0475-2344800,
E-mail: tpo@thenmalaecotourism.com
Lake View Ayurvedic Resort Lake View Ayurvedic Resort Ottakal, Thenmala
(Ph: 0475-2783222,9447247573, 0473-2471126)
E-mail:larc@satyam.net.in
Local & Tented Accommodation At Thenmala by National Adventure Foundation
(Ph: 0471-2400740, 0475-2317629/2317897)
E-mail: skjnaf@yahoo.com
KTDC Motel Aaram Palaruvi
(Ph: 0475-2211600)
E-mail: ktdc@vsnl.com
Apichayans Cliff Resort Arayankavu, Thenmala,
Tele-Fax: 0475-2317612/2317542
E-mail: apichayans@hotmail.com
Hotel Highland
Kottarakara (30 Kms from Thenmala)
(Ph: 0474-2451442)
E-mail: highlandhotel@vsnl.com
CONDUCTED TOURS
From Thiruvananthapuram KTDC (Ph 0471-2330031),
Aries Travel (0471-2331165/2330417),
Remya Travels (0471-2461197)
From Kollam DTPC Kollam (Ph 0474-2745625, 1364)
Travel Express Tours & Travel Division (0474-2765373)
From Pathanamthitta DTPC Pathanamthitta (Ph 0473-2229952/2326409)
From Alapuzha DTPC Alappuzha (Ph: 0477-2251796, 2253308)
From Kottayam DTPC Kottayam (Ph: 0481-2560479)
From Ernakulam DTPC Ernakulam (Ph: 0484-2383988, 2367334)
Local Guides: Ph: 0475 2344725
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
(a) nature based,
(b) ecologically sustainable,
(c) where education and interpretation is a major component and
(d) 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
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.
T.P.Naryanan Kutty IFS
Director (Ecotourism)
Tourism Department
Government of Kerala
India.
"Thenmala Ecotourism" is the first planned ecotourism destination in India. Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains and predominantly a forest area with a lot of human interventions at the periphery.
HOW NATURE BASED?
The nearby Wildlife Sanctuary (Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary) is the most important ecotourism resource. This is considered as a unique destination development initiative with "Thenmala" the village as a focal point with small community led ecotourism developments within a radius of 50km from Thenmala in the foothills of Western Ghat Mountains. Investment is to the tune of 1.6 Million US Dollars. Development period was 3 years. Stakeholders include Government Departments such as Tourism, Forest, Irrigation, local self Government and local communities, scientific institutions etc. The main components of the destination are ecofriendly general tourism products and ecotourism products.
The Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary
The etymological meaning of the name *Shenduruney* has been derived from a tree species locally called, "Shenkuruny" or "Chenkuruny" (Gluta travancorica) an endemic tree mainly confined to this area. The Government declared Shenduruney as a Wildlife Sanctuary on 25th August 1984. The construction of the Parappar Dam across the confluence of the Shenduruney Kazhuthurutty, and Kulathupuzha rivers had resulted in the creation of an artificial lake of about 26 Sq. Km. which spreads along the middle of the sanctuary.
Location - southern part of the Western Ghats (8'50 and 8'55 N; 77'5 and 77' 15 E)
District - Kollam
Taluk - Pathanapuram
Total area of - 100.32 Sq. km.
Rain Forest, Deciduous Forest, Man Made Forest
Myristica Swamps And Shola-Grasslands
1500 flowering plants (3800 in Kerala State)
43 mammal species
200 species of birds (475 species in Kerala State)
Chenkuruny tree (Gluta travancorica)
Map of Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary
HOW ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE?
a. Contribution to the Conservation of Natural Areas
Initially 30 acres of degraded forest areas were taken up and protected from biotic interferences, which now became fully covered by trees and being used by visitors for small wilderness trails, riverine walk, canopy walk etc. This area has been divided into 3 zones and planned as a familiarisation zones so that impact on the larger ecosystem, "the sanctuary" is kept minimum. Another conservation effort is the deer rehabilitation programme where the deer that stray out from nearby forests are taken to this center and being helped to survive.
Nakshathravanam: (Star Forest) - A unique system to popularise tree planting.
The predictions forecasted for a man are based on the Nakshthra or the constellation in which one's Moon was placed at ones birth. The entire Zodiac comprises of 360 degrees. Therefore, there are 27 Nakshthras or constellations in the Zodiac.
Each of these Nakshthra is associated with a tree. These trees are of medicinal, social, aesthetic or economic value. There is a belief that it will bring good fortunes if one plants one's own tree (pertaining to his star) in his home. In this proposed programme a nursery of these 27 trees are established and visitor are encouraged to visit and if interested, they can buy the same. Definitely people will see that these plants survive once they purchase it. Hence ultimately ecotourism contributes to the greening i.e. protecting nature.
b. Environmental Practices in the Development and Operation of Ecotourism Facilities, Establishments and Services
Waste Management: Vermi Composting technique is being practiced. Only local architecture and locally available materials are used in construction. Battery Powered Vehicles are used to transport tourists through forests to Boat landing in order to signify the importance of non-polluting sources of energy. Local cuisines are also promoted. Local accommodations are encouraged in destination. Environment Impact Assessment has been done and parameters of sustainability has been laid down by a leading Research Institute - Kerala Forest Research Institute.
HOW EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION IS A MAJOR COMPONENT?
Society associates with Protected area (Wildlife Sanctuary) authorities in the field of the nature education activities. Special concession rate in ecotourism zones are offered for school children, college students and those who attend Wildlife Sanctuary Nature camps. Special nature education classes (1/2 to 1 hour) is conducted in forest environment by the trained staff for the students on demand. Good signages and tree labeling are provided in all pathways and nature trails. During trekking programmes, trained local guides are utilised for education. Local youth are given training on interpretation and helped to avail self employment opportunities in ecotourism.
HOW LOCAL PEOPLE ARE BENEFITED?
Local youth were trained to use self-employment opportunities i.e. as guides etc. The trekking programme is being managed by the local group of people residing nearby with support of the private sector. Direct employment given to people belonging to the area / district. Apart from that the shops established by the Society for selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and for running the cafeteria etc. are entrusted to local "woman group" i.e. local women self help groups. Employees are also given training frequently. Ecotourism products such as trekking etc are managed by local community with the help of forest department.
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