Approx. 9 hours · Private tour
Thenmala & Palaruvi
Into the forest where the Western Ghats begin. A dam, a hanging bridge, a butterfly garden, and — when the rains have come — a waterfall that falls in a sheet of milk down the rock.
The day, hour by hour
Hotel pickup
We collect you from your hotel in Kollam and head east into the hills.
Thenmala dam
The reservoir and the viewpoint above it, where the forest begins.
Leisure Zone
The hanging bridge, the sculpture trail and boating on the reservoir.
Butterfly park
A butterfly safari park and the deer rehabilitation centre.
Lunch
Kerala meals at a local restaurant.
Palaruvi Falls
A seasonal waterfall at its best from June to January. In the dry months we substitute another forest stop rather than take you to a dry rock.
Tea
Then the drive back down through the rubber estates.
Hotel drop
Back at your hotel.
Highlights
- India's first planned ecotourism destination
- Thenmala dam, reservoir and hanging bridge
- Palaruvi Falls, in season
- Butterfly safari park and deer rehabilitation centre
- The forest drive up into the Western Ghats foothills
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking local driver-guide
- Lunch
- Drinking water
- All parking and tolls
Not included
- Thenmala entry and activity tickets
- Boating charges
- Palaruvi entry ticket
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities
Good to know
Palaruvi is a seasonal waterfall, at its best June to January. Thenmala's musical fountain and light show do not run on Mondays.
Book at least 24 hours ahead so we can hold the vehicle and any boats.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour.
Private group — you will not be joined by strangers.
Common questions
Yes. We collect you from your hotel or homestay in Kollam in the morning and bring you back the same evening. There is no meeting point to find.
Yes. The vehicle, the driver-guide and any boats are yours for the day. You will not be grouped with strangers.
Yes, every tour runs in a private air-conditioned vehicle, with drinking water on board.
Yes. Tell us when you book and we will arrange it. A vegetarian Kerala sadya is available on any tour.
Kerala rain usually passes within the hour. We reorder the day to keep you indoors until it clears rather than cancelling. If a boat cannot sail safely we substitute another stop or refund that portion.
At least 24 hours, so we can hold the vehicle and any boats. In peak season, a week ahead is safer.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour date.
Palaruvi is a seasonal waterfall, at its best June to January. Thenmala's musical fountain and light show do not run on Mondays.
At a glance
Approx. 9 hours
Private, 2 to 12 guests
Hotel pickup & drop
08:00 pickup · 17:30 drop
