The place takes the name from the legendary Pandavas, as described in the great Indian epic ‘Mahabharata’. Pandavan Para or the Rock of the Pandavas, located at Urukunnu, near Thenmala in Kollam District is an ideal picnic spot. At the base of the great hill where one finds this pristine location, lies a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Here one can feast one’s eyes on different angles of Thenmala including the adjoining hills, forests, the Kallada Dam and the lake behind it and the railway line that passes by the mountain bases and over arched stone bridges. At the summit, be prepared for a rocky outcrop, with two pedestal rocks on the northern side and a temple towards the south. Crisp and chilly winds greet you, while our sight is guided to the eastern flank, where our ancient heroes are said to have taken refuge.

Throughoutthe trek, from various vantage points, one can have splendid views of different sections of Thenmala like the adjoining hills, forests, the Kallada Dam and the lake behind it and the railway line that passes by the mountain bases and over arched stone bridges.

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kollam Junction, about 66 km

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 72 km away