Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam (celebrated across southern India as a core protected haven of the UNESCO World Heritage Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve and the ecological nucleus of India's first planned eco tourism project at Thenmala, spanning 171 square kilometers of rugged evergreen rainforests along the slopes of the southern Western Ghats, named after the endemic medicinal tree Gluta travancorica / Chenkurunji, world famous for its artificial Parappar Dam reservoir lake safaris, 5,000 year-old Mesolithic rock cave dwellings, wild elephant herds, tigers, leopards, and lion tailed macaques), located at Thenmala in Kollam in Kerala, stands as the cashew capital's premier wilderness sanctuary.

Established in 1984 around the catchment basin of the Kallada River irrigation project (Parappar Dam), this biological reserve encompasses tropical wet evergreen, semi evergreen, and moist deciduous forests rising from 100 meters to 1,550 meters at Rosemala and Ponmudi crests.

It's the home of the Chenkurunji tree (Gluta travancorica) an endangered botanical relic renowned for treating arthritis and cardiovascular ailments, the expansive 26 square-kilometer Parappar reservoir lake where Kerala Forest Department safari boats glide quietly through submerged tree trunks as wild elephants, sambar deer, and gaurs drink along misty shorelines, the prehistoric rock art cave at Vilakkupara containing Mesolithic microlithic tools and cave wall markings dating back to 3000 BC, the Thenmala Eco Tourism zone featuring elevated canopy walkways, mountain biking trails, musical dancing fountains, and butterfly gardens, and an intensely invigorating, clean forest atmosphere where the calls of Malabar giant squirrels and Great Indian Hornbills echo over roaring jungle streams.

It represents a rich Agasthyamala biodiversity hotspot, Western Ghats prehistoric human archaeology, and sustainable community eco tourism where Chenkurunji forests, reservoir safaris, Thenmala adventure zones, and Kollam wilderness unite in Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary.

Located at Thenmala along the Kollam Shenkottai National Highway (NH 744), it sits 66 km east of Kollam city center, 70 km from Kollam Junction Railway Station (QLN), 75 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), and 35 km from Courtallam Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu, easily accessible by KSRTC bus, tourist taxi, or private car via NH 744.

The Endemic Chenkurunji Tree & Agasthyamala Biodiversity

The sanctuary derives its unique name from 'Chenkurunji' (Gluta travancorica), a rare tree species native strictly to the Shenduruny river valley.

Botanists and herbal researchers study these ancient forests which harbor over 951 species of flowering plants, 34 mammal species, and 245 species of rare birds.

Truth is, cruising along the quiet Parappar reservoir waters while a family of wild tuskers emerges from the bamboo thicket is deeply thrilling.

Parappar Reservoir Boating & Thenmala Eco Tourism

Reservoir Safari Boating: Daily 45 minute motorboat safaris operated by Kerala Forest Department handle the deep jungle reservoir for wildlife sightings.

Thenmala Adventure Zone: India's first planned eco tourism project offers rope walking, rock climbing, mountain trekking, and an elevated canopy skywalk.

Kollam Heritage & Forest Circuit

Thenmala Loop: Sits just 4 km from Thenmala Dam, 5 km from Palaruvi Waterfalls, and 12 km from 13 Arch 1904 AD British Railway Bridge at Kazhuthurutty.

District Day Tour: Connects smoothly with Jatayu Earth's Center (50 km), Munroe Island Backwaters (60 km), and Ashtamudi Lake (65 km).

After exploring the wild trails of Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, visit Palaruvi Falls, tour Thenmala Dam, or explore Kollam.