Thenmala Butterfly Safari Park

Thenmala Butterfly Safari Park is a dedicated butterfly conservation zone nestled within the lush greenery of the Western Ghats in Thenmala. Designed as a serene, open-air enclosure, the park is home to more than 125 species of butterflies, thriving among host plants and nectar sources. Visitors are treated to a vivid natural display of colors, flight patterns, and interactions within a semi-natural setting.

The safari park is part of the Thenmala Eco-tourism Project, India's first planned eco-tourism destination. The butterfly zone is meticulously maintained with native flora, interpretative signage, and quiet paths to ensure minimal disturbance to the ecosystem. The presence of informative stations about the butterfly life cycle, pollination, and habitat protection adds an educational angle to the visit.

Perfect for families, school groups, nature photographers, and eco-tourists, the park encourages sustainable tourism and aims to foster an appreciation for conservation. It offers more than just visuals—it's an immersive learning space connecting humans and nature.

🚗 How to Reach

By Road: About 66 km from Kollam and 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram via NH744

By Train: Nearest major railway station is Kollam Junction (66 km)

By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), approximately 72 km away

🎟️ Entry & Visiting Tips

Timing: Open all days from 9 AM to 5 PM; best visited in the morning

Best Season: September to January when the butterflies are most active

Entry Fee: Reasonably priced; additional fee for camera and group guides

🦋 Highlights & Experiences

→ Butterfly Enclosures: Controlled environment with hundreds of butterflies

→ Interpretation Center: Learn about butterfly biology and conservation

→ Guided Tours: Expert-led tours offering insights into flora and fauna

→ Photo Points: Designed zones for nature and macro photography

→ Nature Trails: Walk through Thenmala forest patches and green corridors

🌿 Nearby Attractions

→ Thenmala Dam: Scenic reservoir with boating and viewpoints

→ Deer Rehabilitation Center: Observe spotted deer in natural surroundings

→ Adventure Zone: Ziplining, rock climbing, and rope activities for thrill seekers

→ Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary: Dense forest, rare species, and trekking trails

🌱 Conservation Initiatives

→ Host Plant Cultivation: Native plant species grown to support butterfly breeding

→ Habitat Restoration: Rewilding efforts in adjoining forest edges

→ Environmental Education: School programs, awareness workshops, and eco-camps

📞 Contact & Visitor Info

Address: Thenmala Butterfly Safari Park, Thenmala Eco-tourism Zone, Kollam District, Kerala – 691308

Phone: +91 475 2344800 (Thenmala Eco-tourism Promotion Society)