Who does not like elephants? What about an elephant safari followed by a coracle boat trip? Isn't that a perfect idea for a nature trip! Pathanamthitta has in store such amazing a spot.
Two major attractions of Pathanamthitta, a place surrounded by forest on most sides, are the Konni elephant training centre and the Adavi ecotourism spot. Konni is situated on the banks of the Achankovilar and is known for its vegetative prosperity. This is one among the first reserve forests in Kerala.
Konni is know to the outside world by the name of its elephant training centre. Hence it is a hotspot for foreign tourists. Konni is place to know and learn everything about elephants.
It is said that The elephant cage and the training centre at Konni have existed right from the pre-historic times. There is still an antique elephant cage preserved here in its memory. The cage is completely built in wood and it is one of the main attractions here.
Elephants from all age groups are protected here. The primary focus of this initiative is to take care of those elephants that are hunted in the forests and those with physical disabilities. A museum exhibiting photographs and various information about elephants is also functional here.
Konni offers activities like elephant safari and elephants feeding for the tourists. The forest department undertake yet another set of activities like trekking, rock climbing, wild life observation, bird watching, and more.
From Konni to Adavi
Adavi, which is a part of the Konni reserve forest, is heavily dense. From Peruvali, on the banks of Kallar river, to Adavi , a stretch of 5 kilometres offers mesmerising sights, more than any other eco tourist spots can ever give.
Here comes the best of all activities in this place, the coracle boat (kutta vanchi) trip through the Kallar river. This is the only place in Kerala that offers the coracle boat trip.
The boat can accommodate four to six people at a time. The fair is Rs 200 per head. Konni elephant training centre and Adavi can be covered in a day.
There are ample bus services to Konni including KSRTC services from Kollam and Kottarakkara. Adavi eco tourist centre closes down during the severe summer days. The working time is from 9 am to 5 pm.
For more information contact:
Konni eco tourism office: 0468 224765, 2342005
Konni divisional forest office: 0468 2242233
