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If you ask someone in Kerala where to go to spot wildlife, the answer is often Thekkady. Thekkady, often used to refer to Periyar Tiger Reserve and the forests around it, is a popular wildlife tourist destination. However, the state promoted as “God’s Own Country” by its tourism department has many other protected areas, many of which are off the beaten track.
The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam district is one such lesser-known wildlife destination, despite being declared a sanctuary in 1984. An hour’s drive from the capital, Thiruvananthapuram, the sanctuary serves as the backdrop and core resource for the Thenmala Ecotourism Project. The project, launched in 1999, is regarded as India’s first planned ecotourism destination, where one can go boating on the Thenmala reservoir and trek through sections of the Western Ghats.
When a naturalist friend told me about a few spots near the sanctuary where one can spot great hornbills, my interest was naturally piqued. The great hornbill, Kerala’s state bird, is known as the “malamuzhakki vezhambal” (the hornbill whose wingbeats and calls reverberate across the mountains) in these parts. I was determined to see this majestic hornbill, which many birders speak of with reverence, on my trip to Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in December 2025.
Explore
Located in the southern Western Ghats, the 173-sq-km Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. The name of the sanctuary derives from the chenkurinji tree (Gluta travancorica), which is endemic to the region.
The sanctuary is divided into three zones: tourism (48.35 sq km), buffer (47.13 sq km) and core (75.5 sq km). The buffer zone is sandwiched between the tourism and core zones, which fall on the western and eastern parts of the sanctuary, respectively. The major attractions of the tourism zone are boating and camping facilities at Kalamkunnu and Idimuzhaganppara on the banks of the Thenmala reservoir. In the buffer zone, one can trek and camp at Rockwood and Pallivasal near Rosemala. Tourism is not permitted within the core zone of the sanctuary.
Nature trails: Well-marked trails allow visitors to trek through the sanctuary. The trek to the Rosemala viewpoint is popular with tourists for its spectacular views of the forested landscape and the Thenmala reservoir. For a tougher challenge, the forest department organises a three-hour trek to Ennippara and a six-hour trek to Idimuzhanganpara. One can also opt for an easier one-hour trek at Kalamkunnu.
Safaris: While official safari rides are not offered within the sanctuary, the forest department arranges jeep and van rides to take tourists to forest campsites. Observant visitors can catch glimpses of the rich birdlife and odonate diversity (dragonflies and damselflies) of the sanctuary on these trips.
Boating: The Thenmala reservoir formed by the Thenmala dam spans an area of almost 14 sq km. Boating facilities and coracle rides on this vast waterbody located within the sanctuary are offered by the forest department. If you’re lucky, you can spot wild animals quenching their thirst along the banks. You may also see a variety of birds, including great hornbills and crested serpent eagles.
Interpretation centre: An interpretation centre near the ticket booking office at Thenmala displays information about the region’s topography, flora, fauna and significance.
Look out for:
Mammals: Shendurney harbours at least 35 mammal species, including tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sambar deer, barking deer, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, and Nilgiri marten.
Birds: Around 267 species of birds are found in this sanctuary. These include the great Indian hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, grey-headed bulbul, white-bellied treepie, wood snipe, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Tickell’s leaf warbler, large-billed leaf warbler, blue-capped rock thrush, and rufous-tailed flycatcher.
Butterflies: There are around 257 species of butterflies in the sanctuary. Notable ones include the Travancore evening brown, golden tree flitter, spotted angle, black prince, and forest hopper.
Flora: The sanctuary’s vegetation primarily comprises tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. The tall trees leave visitors in awe. Notable species include chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica), Cynometra bourdillonii, Palaquium bourdillonii, Gymnacranthera farquhariana (udaipanu, undappayin in Malayalam) and Myristica fatua var. magnifica (kotthapanu in Malayalam).
Getting there
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is around 74 km away.
By rail: Punalur Railway Station (21 km), Kollam Railway Station (67 km).
By bus: Punalur Bus Stand (20 km), Kollam KSRTC Bus Stand (70 km).
By road: Shendurney is 75 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 66 km from Kollam.
Nearest town: Punalur
Nearest city: Thiruvananthapuram
When to visit:
October to March is the ideal time to visit the sanctuary as the weather is cool enough for outdoor activities. Between June and September, expect heavy rainfall, and while the green cover increases, outdoor experiences are limited.
Stay
Chose to stay in immersive, eco-friendly accommodations provided by the forest department within the forest or at private hotels in the surrounding area.
Forest lodges
Campsites and cottages within the sanctuary allow tourists to immerse themselves fully in nature. Accommodations at Idimuzhanganpara, Rockwood, Kurumthotti, and Pallivaasal also offer a chance to experience the sounds of the forest at night.
Idimuzhanganpara camp is located just beside the reservoir. Boat rides, trails, waterfalls, and birdwatching near the camp are some of the highlights.
Rockwood camp is located atop a hill and is accessible by jeep. When trekking through this thick jungle, you have a good chance of catching a glimpse of some of its residents.
Kurumthotti: The key attraction of this stay is the tree-top hut and the views it offers.
Pallivaasal: This camp is located in dense forests and near the Rosemala viewpoint. Nilgiri langurs and Malabar giant squirrels can be seen on trees surrounding this camp.
Private Hotels: Visitors can choose hotels in either Kerala or Tamil Nadu, since the sanctuary lies along the border of the two states.
Hayass Residency: Located in Courtallam (Tamil Nadu), this hotel is about 300 m from the sanctuary.
Five Falls Resort: This resort is another option in Courtallam.
Thenmala Heritage: A hotel in Kollam (Kerala) that is frequently booked for its proximity to the sanctuary.
Srishty Garden Resorts: A budget-friendly option in Tenkāsi (Tamil Nadu).
Important contacts
The Wildlife Warden, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Thenmala Dam P.O., Kollam
Ph: +91 475 2344600
Mob: +91 94479 79081
For booking treks and camp stays, contact: +91 85476 02930, +91 85476 02931
Tips
- Follow the instructions of forest guides
- Stay on marked trails only
- Maintain silence and do not approach wildlife
- Carry water, light snacks, and wear comfortable shoes while trekking
- Use eco-friendly items (no plastic) and do not litter
- Use binoculars for birdwatching
- Respect plants and trees
- Do not smoke or start fires
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