Idimuzhanganpara (or Idimuzhangan Para)
Idimuzhanganpara (or Idimuzhangan Para) is an eco-tourism night camping and trekking site located in the western sector of the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary near Thenmala in Kollam district, Kerala. Managed by the Kerala Forest Department, the program—popularly known as Idimuzhanganpara Nights—offers a secluded wilderness experience on the banks of the Thenmala Reservoir.
Key Highlights & Overview
- Location: Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary (Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve), Kollam district, Kerala.
- Accessibility: Accessible via boat across the Thenmala Reservoir followed by a short forest trek.
- Experience: Night stay deep inside the forest in a solar-powered camp, guarded by an electric fence and ditch for safety.
Activities: Lake boating, wildlife tracking (elephants, sambar deer, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques), stream bathing, bird watching, campfire, and eco-trekking.
Support Provided: Includes accommodation, meals (veg/non-veg prepared by camp staff), a local guide, a cook, and forest watchers.
Package & Pricing Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | ₹7,500 for up to 2 persons |
| Extra Person | ₹1,500 per additional head |
| Group Capacity | Up to 10 persons per group |
| Timing | 24-hour cycle: Starts at 2:30 PM (Day 1) and ends at 2:30 PM (Day 2) |
| Inclusions | Boat rides, forest trekking, camp stay, meals, guide service, and campfire |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I book the Idimuzhanganpara Nights package?
Bookings can be made through the official Kerala Forest Ecotourism portal (ecotourism.forest.kerala.gov.in) or directly via the Shendurney Ecotourism Office at Thenmala.
Q: Is mobile network coverage available at the campsite?
No, there is no mobile signal or internet connection at the camp. Bring fully charged gadgets or power banks.
Q: Is it safe for families and groups?
Yes. The campsite is equipped with solar-powered lighting, protected by electric fencing and anti-animal ditches, and accompanied full-time by forest department staff, watchers, and a cook.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit?
The ideal time is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings around the reservoir are frequent.
Q: What should I pack?
- Power banks / extra camera batteries
- Sturdy trekking shoes and comfortable cotton clothing
- Personal toiletries, bug spray, and personal medications
- Rain gear (if traveling near monsoon season)
Q: How do I reach the base point?
- By Road: ~75 km from Thiruvananthapuram and ~66 km from Kollam.
Nearest Railway Station: Shengottai (~15 km) or Kollam Junction (~66 km).
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (~73 km).
Provide direct contact numbers, address, and location details for Shendurney Eco Tourism Thenmala?
Here are the contact details, address, and location information for Shendurney Eco Tourism in Thenmala:
Shendurney Wildlife Division (Sanctuary Ecotourism Office)
For trekking, night camping programs (including Idimuzhanganpara), and forest stays inside Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Address: Office of the Wildlife Warden, Shendurney Wildlife Division, Thenmala Dam P.O., Kollam, Kerala – 691308
- Direct Phone Numbers:
- Mobile: +91 94479 79081 / +91 85476 02931 / +91 85475 67935
- Landline: +91 475 2344600
- Email: ww-shendurney@forest.kerala.gov.in
- Official Booking Portal: ecotourism.forest.kerala.gov.in
Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society (TEPS)
For general ecotourism activities, adventure zones, and boating at Thenmala Dam:
- Address: Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society (TEPS), Thenmala Post, Kollam, Kerala – 691308
- Direct Phone Numbers:
- Mobile: +91 94963 44800 / +91 94953 44800
- Landline: +91 475 2344800 / +91 475 2344855
- Email: info@thenmalaecotourism.com / info@teps.in
Location Details & How to Reach
- Geographic Location: Located near Thenmala Dam on the foothills of the Western Ghats (Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve) in Kollam district, Kerala.
- By Road: Situated along the Trivandrum–Shenkottai and Kollam–Shenkottai routes (~66 km from Kollam town, ~75 km from Thiruvananthapuram, and ~15 km from Shengottai).
- By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: Thenmala Railway Station (~1 km) or Shengottai Railway Station (~15 km).
- Major Railway Station: Kollam Junction (~66 km).
- By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (~73 km).
Compare Idimuzhanganpara with other stays in Shendurney like Woody Rockwood and Kurumthotti Top Hut?
All three options—Idimuzhanganpara Nights, Woody Rockwood, and Kurumthotti Top Hut—are flagship 24-hour eco-tourism night camping packages managed by the Kerala Forest Department inside Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
While all three share the same standardized tariff structure, they offer completely different stay styles, access modes, and natural surroundings.
Detailed Comparison Overview
| Feature / Aspect | Idimuzhanganpara Nights | Woody Rockwood | Kurumthotti Top Hut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay Type | Ground camp / Solar-powered jungle hut near the reservoir | Furnished forest cottage / camp shed deep inside the woods | Wooden Tree-top Hut / Watchtower elevated above ground |
| Primary Vibe | Lakeside & Boating: Waterfront wilderness feel | Deep Forest & Streams: Jungle terrain with natural stream dipping | Canopy Elevation: Elevated 360-degree views and night sounds |
| Access Mode | Boat ride across Thenmala Reservoir + short trek | A/C 4×4 Thar / Jeep Safari deep into the forest trail | Trekking / Forest vehicle transport to the hut site |
| Top Activities | Shendurney Lake boating, water-viewing, birdwatching, campfire | Stream bathing/natural spa, wildlife tracking, hard jungle trek | Tree-top wildlife spotting, canopy birdwatching, night wilderness soundscapes |
| Tariff (Same across all) | ₹7,500 for up to 2 persons (₹1,500 per extra person) | ₹7,500 for up to 2 persons (₹1,500 per extra person) | ₹7,500 for up to 2 persons (₹1,500 per extra person) |
| Inclusions | Boat transit, trekking, stay, all meals, guide, campfire | 4×4 Jeep transit, stay, all meals, guide, campfire | Forest stay, trekking, all meals, guide, campfire |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Idimuzhanganpara if:
- You prefer stays on the banks of the reservoir/lake.
- You want a combination of boating and soft trekking.
- You are looking for a scenic, open waterfront landscape.
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- Choose Woody Rockwood if:
- You want an exciting 4×4 off-road safari deep into the interior forest.
- You want to relax and dip in pinnacle mountain streams (natural forest spa).
- You prefer a solid forest cottage/camp shed over a tent or high structure.
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- Choose Kurumthotti Top Hut if:
- You want the unique experience of sleeping inside a high tree-top hut/watchtower elevated above the forest floor.
- You enjoy nocturnal wildlife viewing from a safe, elevated vantage point.
- You prefer an immersive, high-altitude tree canopy experience.
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