Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 148

Thenmala India’s first planned eco-tourism project Thenmala: (66 km east of Kollam town) This area is covered by dense forests, rubber and tea plantations. This is also a dam site. Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism project and it includes trekking and one day at Palaruvi. National Adventure Foundation Organizes one day to three days soft trekking programmes at Thenmala. World Tourism Organisation declared Thenmala as one of the world’s best eco-friendly projects and it includes Cultural Zone, Leisure Zone, Adventure Zone, one hour boating in the reservoir of the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary and Deer Rehabilitation Centre. Cultural zone contains an amphitheatre, shop court, musical fountain. Leisure zone gives the expereince of pathways, board walk, sway bridge, sculpture garden, resting points, sculpture lighting etc. Adventure Zone challenges with nature trial, elevated walkway, lotus pond, mountain biking, recreational rock climbing & rappelling, river crosing etc. Conducted Tours to Thenmala: DTPC, Kollam, Ph: 0474 2745625, 2750170, [email protected], www.dtpckollam.com Thagasseri: (5 km from Kollam town) This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The Thenagsseri lighthouse which is 144 feet high and was built by the British in 1519 is open to visitors from 1530 – 1730 hrs. Anchal: The cattle market, twice a month, is very famous. In the Bhagavathi temple here, there is a mudi festival which is used to conduct once every 12 years and it brings I huge gatherings. Ariankavu: (70 km from Kollam town) Yet another famous Sastha temple, situated at Kollam-Chenkotta route. Mandala Pooja and Thrikalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals. 146 KOLLAM|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS