The Shenduruny wild life sanctuary in Kollam district is known for its scintillating beauty, a cooling canopy of trees, rare species of flora, amazing wild life and many more interesting sights. This is the perfect place for those who love spending some time in the serene calmness of nature.
Hillocks shaped like a rose flower
The Rosemala village with its verdant hillocks in the shape of a rose flower is the most visited place in Shenduruny. Hundreds of tourists flock this village to enjoy its spectacular sights. A tower called Parappar View Point offers a panoramic view of the Rosemala village. Moreover, you could enjoy the soothing breeze that embraces the hills that surround the village.
The visitors could enter the tower by paying a small entry fee. You could reach the Rosemala village by travelling off road for 12 kilometres through the Shenduruny wild life sanctuary from Aryankavu. Those who enjoy adventurous trips would surely enjoy this amazing off road experience.
Rocks that amplify noise
The Idimuzhaganpara rock in the Kalam Kunnu section in Shenduruny wild life sanctuary is another prominent tourist destination in the area. There is a giant rock near the camp shed at Idimuzhanganpara. It is said that the place got its name as the thunder showers that strike the rock get amplified into loud noise.
The forest of 'Chenkurinji trees'
Shenduruny is 75 kilometres away from Thiruvananthapuram while it is 65 kilometres away from Kollam railway station. The wild life sanctuary that was established in 1984 sprawls in 171 square kilometres. Meanwhile, the sanctuary got its name as it is home to a rare species of flora called ‘chenkurinji’ or gluta travancorica.
A part of Shenduruny has been declared as a protected forest area to secure the gluta travancorica trees that grows only at a height of 600 – 1200 feet above the sea level. It is estimated that the Shenduruny forest area has around four thousand chenkurinji trees.
The Shenduruny eco tourism department organises Idimuzhangan Nights and jungle camping packages for the tourists. The package includes boating and trekking facilities, camp fire, natural spa treatment in springs, free food, two well furnished rooms for accommodation and the service of a guide.
The visitors can also enjoy coracle boat rides and boating facilities in the Shenduruny reservoir. However, boating is allowed only when the Parappar River is filled with water. From here, one could spot the dam and wild animals like herds of wild elephants and bison. Visit the www.keralaforestecotourism.org for more information.
