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Thenmala literally means, 'honey hills'. Honey from these hills was sought after because it was mistakenly believed to have medicinal properties. It is now-a-days India's first planned ecotourism destination. Thenmala is the nerve-centre of 10 satellite ecotourism attractions scattered across the hills of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta.
It is at this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. |
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The temple is renowned for its healing powers. Guruvayur is the site for weddings and Annaprasanam, the first feeding ceremony of a child.
The Palaruvi falls, riverfront leisure zones, rock shelters and a deer rehabilitation centre are some of the attractions in Thenmala. Located 500 m above the sea level, in the foothills of the southern Western Ghats, Thenmala's diverse flora and fauna and vast tracts of forests attract adventure seekers, naturalists and conservationists. |
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| IDUKKI |
The largest district in Kerala, in which nearly 97 percent is covered in rugged mountains and dense forests. Three large rivers, numerous trekking trails, stunning views and a diverse wildlife make it an outdoor enthusiast’s delight. This pristine hideaway has successfully retained its charm. Idukki has predominantly the tribal population with 200 tribal settlements scattered all over the district. Explore the three great dams on the Periyar and other tourist attractions such as Nadukani Viewpoint, the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and the mesmerizing Thommankuthu waterfalls. |
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| SIGHTS |
| IDUKKI ARCH DAM |
The Periyar River flows through a gorge formed by two huge rocks called kuravan and kurathi. The magnificent parabolic structure of Asia's first arch dam spans the gorge. On one side stretches the placid reservoir, whereas on the other, the dam plunges deep into a forested valley. |
| KALVARY MOUNT |
Kalvary Mount offers a stunning view of its scenic surroundings - the vast Idukki reservoir and the forested valleys. A wonderful place for trekking. Visitors may, if they are fortunate, spot a herd of elephants. Pilgrims climb up the hillock in a procession, and on Good Friday, they carry crosses up the hill to the top. |
| THOMMANKUTHU |
Thommankuthu is famous for its waterfall. These falls have been named after Thomba, a tribal leader who was washed away near a waterfall called 'Thombankuthu'. The seven step fall drops down a rock from a height of 1,500 m and is a popular picnic spot. At each step, there is a cascade with a pool below it. The 12-km trek to the top of the hill is a memorable experience. The less adventurous have the option of enjoying the shallow pools below |
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