Thenmala Dam

Thenmala Dam, also known as Parappar Dam, is a masonry gravity dam built across the Kallada River at Thenmala in Kollam district, Kerala. Constructed under the Kallada Irrigation Project, it is the second largest irrigation dam in Kerala and forms a large reservoir surrounded by forested hills of the Western Ghats. It is the centrepiece of Thenmala, India's first planned ecotourism destination, noted for reservoir views, boating and proximity to Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.

Visitors can expect a large reservoir set amid forested hills of the Western Ghats with views of the dam structure and calm backwaters. The area includes boating facilities on the reservoir, viewpoints, and access to the Thenmala Ecotourism Zone with nature trails, suspension bridge, and interpretation centres. The surroundings are green and tranquil, with opportunities for sightseeing, photography and short nature walks near the reservoir and adjoining Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary forests.

Thenmala Dam was constructed across the Kallada River as part of the Kallada Irrigation Project (KIP). Construction started in 1961 and was completed in 1986. Built as a masonry gravity dam, it was developed to provide irrigation to Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts and also supports hydroelectric power generation. It is the second largest irrigation dam in Kerala.