THENMALA ECOTOURISM, KERALA.

The project is in the Kollam district of Kerala.

It is 72 kms from Trivandrum, the state capital
of Kerala – Branded as “Gods own Country”
the southernmost State of India. It is a small
village at the foothills of Western Ghats, a part
of famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary,
which is a natural habitat of a number of plant
and animal species. The Wildlife Sanctuary is
about 100 Sq.Km.

Thenmala is derived from amalgamation of

two Malyalam words ‘Then + Mala’ standing,
‘Then’ in Malayalam meaning honey and
‘Mala’ means hillock i.e. it means Honey hills. The honey collected in the Thenmala Forest
region is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of its unique floristic composition
of the forests.

Dam Junction
Thenmala Ecotourism Site is India’s first planned ecotourism destination. The award-winning
project is designed in such a way as not to harm any part of the environment. The region boasts
a mix of lush forests, swamps and grasslands in an area of 60 acres. Trekking, cycling, boating
and shopping in three zones are possible. This destination is 66km east of Kollam, in Thenmala
village, Kollam District on Kollam-Shencottai Road. Palaruvi Waterfalls and Kulathuppuzha
are the nearby attractions. It is also very close to famous Kuttalam in Tmail Nadu.

When the idea of developing Thenmala as a tourism destination was mooted seriously in 1996,
it was decided to develop it as an ecotourism destination by keeping the degraded forest area,
in the outskirts of sanctuary, as familiarization zone. The studies and discussions followed
helped to evolve a strategy to control the mass tourism within the outer limits of the Sancutary.
Hence the ecotourism products, which are developed within sanctuary, are expected to be
supply driven, which eventually takes care of ecological sustainability. It was also planned to
have centres in various places of Western Ghats mountain region within 50kms radius from
Thenmala. The familiarization zone thus created function as area for soft ecotourist.

CLIMATE
The climate here is tropical. There is significant rainfall in most months of the year. The short
dry season has little effect on the overall climate. The average annual temperature is 26.7 °C
in Thenmala. Precipitation here averages 1831 mm.

GETTING THERE
Nearest railway station: Shenkottah, about 29 km and Kollam, about 66 km away Nearest
airport: Trivandrum international airport, about 72 km away

LOCATION
Lattitude: 8.960346N
Longitude: 77.061836N

THENMALA ECOTOURISM PROMOTION SOCIETY

TEPS, is a government organization registered under the Travancore – Cochin Literary,
Scientific & Charitable Societies Act 1955. It is formed to promote ecotourism activities in
Thenmala and its surrounding area with the cooperation of Forest, Irrigation and Tourism
Departments.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the project is:
 To develop Thenmala Dam and its surroundings as amajor tourist destination.
 To promote ecotourism based on sound principles of ecological sustainability in the
surrounding area of Thenmala.
 To have a wall planned ecotourism destination with emphasis on sustainable
development to become a model for other destination development programmes.

STRATEGY
All tourist who visit an ecotourism destination may not be real ecotourists. Therefore, catering
to all the needs of the general tourists also. In this project, Thenmala dam surroundings cater
to the need for the general tourists and satellite spots surrounding will cater to the needs of the
real ecotourists. The crowd is also dispersed according to the carrying capacity of the centres
identified.

The project is implemented in 3 different zones at Thenmala viz.

 Culture Zone
 Leisure Zone
 Adventure Zone
CULTURE ZONE
This is 10 acres of area, 350m from Thenmala dam Junction towards Punalur. This zone
accommodates various activities, which favours general tourism. Restaurant, shop court,
amphitheatre satisfies the requisites of tourists of Kerala cuisine, crafts, Kerala;s natural wealth
and Kerala’s Art Culture through dance performances. Musical Fountain is another major
attraction here.

 Tourism Facilitation Centre

It accommodates the following – an entrance lounge, ticket counters, information desk giving
information to the tourists about various facilities and an administration area, providing an
office space for staff members, toilet facilities, etc.
 Musical Dancing Fountain
A synchronized rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light. It is in the natural setting. Such a
natural ambiance is very rare and provides a unique and authentic experience. The gallery can
accommodate around 800 tourists at a time. The show duration is half an hour, every day.
 Shop Court
This area is in continuous with tourism facilitation centre. The shop courts sell local forest
products, souvenir, local handicrafts, etc.
 Amphitheatre
An amphitheatre located close to parking area. The amphitheatre can accommodate 1250
people.it is used to perform local art forms on various occasions. The light and sound show
also takes place here every day.
 Butterfly Safari
A beautiful, planned butterfly garden is present on the highest point of the site. Various and
unique flowering plants attract various species of butterfly which is a joy for eyes.
 Restaurant
The restaurant is located on an elevated part of cultural zone, in between musical fountain and
tourism facilitation centre. Dining area gives a whole glimpse of natural beauty of the region.
It is a Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) run entity. The restaurant caters to
all kinds of food to all class of people.
 Children Park
A dedicated kid play zone with activity zones and mini elevated bridge and mini train has been
provided.
LEISURE ZONE
This is 12 acres of land on both sides of the canal downstream between Kallada dam and bridge.
This area is 100m from Dam Junction towards the Trivandum side. This zone caters to the
needs of tourists exploring the inherit qualities of the zone – the drastic level changes,
favourable views, etc. The boardwalk and the suspension bridge explore potential viewpoints.
The plazas, the courts and the water feature expose the tourists to a different vocabulary of
landscape. The Sculpture Garden endeavours to depict man and his culture with nature, in
serene backdrop of green forest. The tree lighting and dynamic and static lighting of the area.
The gallery road looked shabby and signs of landslide was evident on most of the sloppy terrain
of the zone.

 Information Centre
This provides details of what is available for tourists in leisure zone and other general details.
 Toilet block
Adequate toilet facilities are provided for the visitors near the boardwalk.
 Pathways
Winding trails take the visiting tourist through various parts of the site, opening out onto plaza
and the other places of interest designed for the visiting tourists.
 Plaza
Plaza functions as relaxing spaces for the visiting tourists, located at specific points along the
trails. These cement-tiled plazas open out onto the spectacular views the zone has to offer.
 Courts
Courts are interspersed among the vegetation in the zone. These covered spaces of solitude on
nature are used as rest areas, as well as provide shelter from sun and rain.
 Suspension Bridge
A suspension Bridge across the dam-face has been constructed, connecting both banks of the
river course down the stream of the dam. One can get a very good view of the dam from the
suspension bridge. The bridge is 66m long.
 Sculpture Garden
The theme of the garden is ‘Man & Nature’. It depicts relationship of Man and his culture with
Nature, in beautiful backdrop of green forest. Interesting circulation pathways along the
sculpture and the integration of the natural features on zone gives Sculpture Garden its own
exclusivity.
 Board Walk
This 250m riverfront has
been designed to
accommodate activities to
develop into a marina.
Comfortable seating
niches and flowing water.
 Tree & Sculpture
Lighting
Static and Dynamic
lighting illuminating the
trees and sculptures in the
area have a unique impact
on the tourist. Even the
play of shadows due to the
trees branches and leaves
makes it interesting.
ADVENTURE ZONE
This zone, 250m from Thenmala Dam Junction beside the Shenkotta road is 8 acres of land.
The activities in the zone favours adventure tourism. The attractions in this area are Elevated
walkway, the mountain biking facility, rock climbing, river crossing, nature trails, resting spots,
ponds, etc. the nature trail winding through various areas of the site attracts a large number of
nature tourists.

 Information Centre
This provides details of what is available for tourist in Adventure zone and other genral details.
Adequate toilet facilities are provided for visitors. A small shop/cafeteria is also attached to
this.
 Bike Shop
The mountain bikes (18 geared cycles) are rented out to the tourists from this shop. This office
of the National Adventure Foundation, which manages the adventure activities of the zone also
function here.
 Plaza (Deck Type)
A plaza around the information centre, functions as spill over space. All rocks and trails
originate at this point to ensure a regulate access into the zone.
 Natural Trail
Winding trails mediating the drastic elevation changes on zone makes up the nature trail. The
trail is made with minimum intervention and is just adequate for nature traveller to trek on.
This provides a general idea about a real forest trek.
 Pond
The low-lying area in the zone has a water body. This water body a also a rainwater harvesting
pond. The rainwater is captured and used for entertainment purposes. Various activities are
integrated with this waterbody.
 Resting area
Resting area are placed around the water body amidst dense vegetation.
 Elevated Walkway
110m long elevated pathway mediating through the drastic level changes on site originates
from the deck plaza and through the canopy of the tress end up on the old Trvandrum Shenkotta
road. The walkway flies over rocky area through the canopy of large trees providing an aerial
view of various features here.
 Mountain Biking
2m wide, 1000m long bike path facilitates mountain biking with different level of difficulties.
The path cuts through rocks and wind through waterbody, completely exploring the zone.
 Rock climbing & Rappelling
A rock-climbing wall, rocks of different heights and sizes with pegs and ropes to facilitate
rock-climbing. National Adventure
Foundation provides professional
support for this programme.
 River Crossing
National Adventure Foundation
conducts river crossing activity.
 Tree Climbing
Ladders with wooden steps are hung
from the tree using iron chains and
ropes. Nylon ropes with knots are
also provided for tree climbing.
ACCOMODATION
There are 5 types of accommodation available for the tourists to enjoy, from dorms to
individual homes. The premise has a capacity of accommodating 83 individuals. The types of
accommodation are
 Cocoon – The Jungle Tented Camp
 Nest – The Water Facing Tented Camp
 Koodu – The Elevated Hut
 Honey-Comb – The A/C & Non-A/C Tourist Homes
 Bee-Hive – The Dormitory Facility (A/C & Non-A/C)

ARCHITECTURE AND CHARACTER

The architect for the construction were COSTFORD and Habitat
Technology Group, both based in Trivandrum and well known for
their Local style of architecture.
The building constructions are the results of scientific and rational
study of the pre-existing techniques and approaches of
constructions. With each technique used, utmost priority is given to
strength and then to its appropriate application based on the
property of the material. The honesty of use of material and not
masking it again with texture or colour of other materials, which
simply does no justice, either to itself or to the material it has
engulfed. This brings out a local character for the whole structure
and blends the building with the surroundings yet making it
standout. The construction techniques used are either indigenous to
the local architecture or a more refined form of it.
The Gandhian principle "materials used for a construction of a house must be available within
5 miles radius of it", is followed by architects (Sustainability and Economy).

Natural factors such as building orientation, wind direction, vegetation, drainage, and contours
of the land along with awareness of locally available materials are factored into the project
programming. The whole approach towards construction was saving energy, materials, and
cost by using less energy-intense materials and more indigenous materials, which, apart from
probably being cheaper, are environmentally more responsible.

Technical innovations used in the projects are mud stabilizers, combination mortars,
interlocking mud bricks, arch designs, and SUBO septic tanks.

LOCAL PARTICIPATION AND REGIONAL BENIFITS

Thenmala Ecotourism venture claims to have involved local community in tourism and related
process. They have tried to involve them by training youths as guides, and staff. As per the
comments from the local community, they have been employed as government servants, even
if it for a job of guide. In response to involving them in committees for benefit sharing, they
feel that there is a lot of politics involved and whenever it comes to benefits, they never reach
to community who are most affected.

A part of huge investment made by TEPS for infrastructure development should have gone
from community development. Although TEPS has provided water supply to nearly colony by
laying pipeline, basic sanitary needs for the local community have also been sorted out by
TEPS. Providing streetlights in the projects and heling local Panchayat setting up and
maintenance of the area and local community.
REVENUE
TEPS has stood on its legs after its initial funding is over. The healthy rate of tourist’s arrival
has helped achieve desired revenue for maintaining the project and salaries for the permanent
and contract staff.

APPROACH OF GOVERNMENT
The project is well marketed by the government. It is directly under the Kerala Tourism
Authority and it is maintained by Kerala Forest Authority. A forest officer is appointed who
governs the working of the whole premises.

CONCLUSION
 TEPS is one of its kind when it comes to various departments involved in developing
Tourism.
 Zoning is a planning tool which has been well utilized for the delineation of areas based
on certain parameters. Parameters likely to have been used area Landscape related
(Vegetation type and density, slope, elevation, topography, soil, wildlife, etc) and
physical characteristics like accessibility, etc. The concept of zoning and design of
facilities within each zone, clearly fits into the design concept of ecotourism as per the
definition.
 The concept of dividing the Thenmala Ecotourism Project into three components and
then zoning the area helps in the process of filtering the distribution of tourist with
different tourist recreational facilities. Therefore, avoiding concentration of tourists at
one location.
 The benefits of projects to local community have been the project has brought a strong
and permanent source of income to the local community. Also developing the basic
infrastructure and utilities. (Maintenance, Roads, Lighting, Waste, Garbage, Sewage
System, etc.)
 Education of locals and combined development with panchayat and TEPS has been
carried out for the betterment of all viz. Environment, Locals & Tourist.
 There is perfect integration of architecture, materials and landscape, creating an
interesting blend of Hardscape and Softscape.
 Use of local materials and simple techniques gives it an ethnic and forms a part of local
environment.
 Movement of Tourist is controlled and easy with all activity zones remain within 300m
from each other. Safe pedestrian movement is ensured within the whole premises.
 Sustainable approach has been achieved by keeping all parameters in check with wise
and good use of quality, quantity and style of architecture.
Friendship Centre, Bangladesh
Selection of Case Study
The case study of Bangldesh was done since it works with the community around the area of
Gaibandha and has set an example for a centre of its kind. The Friendship centre has been
developed by a NGO for the people who have limited access and lack of opportunities. The
centre works towards the overall development of the community, so this case study would help
in solving the issue of poverty and create job opportunities for the people. Thus, helping us
understand the architectural intervention.

 Architect: Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury / URBANA

 Location: Gaibandha, Bangladesh
 Area: 2897.0 sq.m.
 Project Year: 2001

Introduction
The Friendship Center near the
district town of Gaibandha,
Bangladesh, is for an NGO which
works with some of the poorest in
the country and who live mainly in
riverine islands (chars) with very
limited access and opportunities.
Friendship uses the facility for its
own training programs and will
also rent out for meetings,
training, conferences etc. as
income generation.

Friendship Centre has its own programs for the rural and poop population. Secondly, the centre
has sufficient training rooms to conduct training programs. The programs conducted are of
various durations. When trained thoroughly the people themselves who are trained conduct the
programme for other people joining the centre. The admin also rents out the training rooms for
conferences, meetings and training, etc. as a source of income generation. Apart from the
training rooms, the centre also has a pond connected to the site itself wherein the occupation
of fishing is carried out. This also adds to a source of income for the people of Gaibandha
community who are dependednt on primary occupation to earn a living.

The requirements imposed on the training and conference centre of NGO Friendship were high
and the budget was tight. It was important to conceive generous meeting places and to locate
the building complex in the flood-prone area as high up as possible. Since there are hardly any
means available for the day-to-day operation, easy to clean surfaces were chosen. Natural
ventilation and a green roof help to cool the building. The entire structure is made of brick
products and was partly inspired by the ruins of nearby Buddhist monasteries dating from 300
B.C.
 About the Site
The low lying land, which is located in rural
Gaibandha where agriculture is predominant,
is under threat of flooding if the embankment
encircling the town and peripheries break.
Therefore an embankment was built around
the site as well.

Program
A vast design program was to be achieved
with very limited funds. The site allocated
was flood prone, therefore, measures were
needed to be taken in this concern. Raising
the site was not an option due to lack of funds.
The site is located in earthquake prone area
with very low soil bearing capacity added to
the complexity.

The architect came up with a solution to the

above issues by creating embankment for flood protection on the existing soil itself using
loadbearing masonry. An earthen embankment was built around the site, with stairs leading
down into the building from open ends. Adopting the vocabulary of a walled town, the
programme is organised around a series of pavilions that look inwards onto courtyards and
reflecting pools. Because of the embankment wall, there is no horizontal light, so in essence
the centre is top-lit. This connection, between an architecture of the land and the light coming
down from above, makes for a very elemental building.

The plan is cruciform. Circulation runs lengthwise down the centre, connecting the two external
stairs, while the two parts of the programme bisect the site in the other direction – the ‘Ka’
block contains the more public spaces, such as teaching rooms and offices, and the ‘Kha’ block,
the more private accommodation. Between the two blocks are large tanks for collecting
rainwater.
The landscaping is in two planes – at grade, brick paving in all the circulation areas and
courtyards; and above, earthen rooftops with green cover, which act as insulators and absorb
the rain. Traditional brick masonry is used in a modernist idiom. The bricks were sorted for
size, shape and colour by the site engineers, who kept only three out of every ten bricks
produced by the local kiln. Of these, only the most aesthetically pleasing were used to create
the exposed brick finish, while the remainder were incorporated into the foundations and other
unseen parts of the building. In parts, the structure is reinforced with concrete, as this is a
seismic zone. Monolithic, a seamless continuity of material in harmony with its surroundings,
the Friendship Centre embodies what Louis Kahn described as an ‘architecture of the land.’