Tourist Places to Visit in Konni, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India
Konni is a small township in Kerala, India. It is very significant for its rubber cultivated areas and elephant cages. Konni houses one of the elephant training centers. Due to wild animals like bears and leopards that resides in the dense forest here, it has turned into eco tourism spot. Kerala’s legendary Achankovil River has instigated from one of the small rivulet in Konni.
History of Konni
The history dates back to early 19th century. The Konni Anakoodu was recognized in the year 1941 AD. During the erstwhile years there was habitual hound of elephants. It is believed that wild elephants were trapped from the woodlands were transported here and placed in wooden cages known as ‘Aanakoodu’ (Elephant Cage) to be disciplined and taught for labor. After the year 1972 the elephant hunting was closed. The Anakoodu is made from “Kambakam Wood”. Each elephant has been provided with 2 mahouts. The elephants are instructed in the Anakoodu.
Tourist Attractions in Konni
Elephant Training Centre
The Elephant Training Centre at Konni is just about 11 km from Pathanamthitta. The centre has plentiful wooden confinements that have been assembled for maintaining the elephants. These impounds that are branded as ‘Aanakoodu’ in the native lingo are well built and can hold up to 4 elephants at time. Infant elephants that are estranged from the group or blocked in the woodlands are also transported to the training centre where they are disciplined and taught.
Achankovil River
Achankovil River is a small rivulet in Konni. On the course to the rivulet one can find many primordial shrines that lay on the luxuriant bank. Initially the people who came here settled here and cultivated crops on this luxurious fertile river bank. Edappon is popular for its lush flora and fauna.
Konni Reserve Forest
The Konni Reserve Forest is positioned on the reservoir of the Achankovil River in the Pathanamthitta District. It houses diverse vegetation which includes medicinal herbs and numerous brooks and creeks. The Konni Elephant Training Centre is a most important magnetism of the reserve forest.
Kattathipara
Kattathipara is located close to Konni and is very well known for its enormous stones and the triple-echo phenomenon.
Kumbhavurutty Waterfall
Kumbhavurutty cascade is positioned within the Konni woodland close to the Achankovil River. The cascade is below the supervision of the Manalar-Kumbhavurutty Vana Samrakshana Samithy and can be arrive at this place by trekking. It is managed by the Kerala Forest Department as an Eco-Contact Centre.
Muringamangalam Sree Mahadevar Temple
Muringamangalam Sree Mahadevar shrine is located close to the Konni railway station and is said to be a decade older. This place of worship was under the ownership of Pandalam regal family. The Achankovil and Aluvamkudi sanctuaries are placed close up to this shrine.
Best season to visit Konni
The best season to visit Konni is during December to March. Due to tropical climate the summers are very hot with humidity. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to this region. The climate in the winter season is favorable since it is moderately hot during the day time and very cold at nights.
Accessibility to Konni
By Road: There are numerous public and private buses from the nearby major cities. Konni is well connected by road to Pathanamthitta which is just at a distance of 10 km from the city.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Chengannur railway station , it is the chief railhead and trains from major cities such as cochin, Trivandrum and Chennai stop at this station.
By Air: The nearest airports are at Trivandrum 99 km and Cochin 122 km away from the Konni city. They connect the city to the northern and southern parts of the country.
Accommodations in Konni
Konni is the best tourist destination in Kerala. One can find ample of notable hotels, resorts, guest houses and lodges. The hotels provide many amenities and the tariffs differ from hotel to hotel. Many hotels undertake advanced booking and reservation for safe and comfortable stay of the visitors. Some of the hotels in Konni are:
- Surya Hotel
- Hotel Mannil Regency
- Hotel Amala
- Arya Bhavan Vegetarian Hotel
- Kizhakkedathu Tourist Home
- Hotel Aalia
- Hotel Lals Residency
- Hotel Pearl Regency
- Nila Palace
- Hotel Hey-Day
- Hotel Malabar
- Aroma Hotel
- Hotel Evergreen Continental
- Hotel Wyte Portico
- Kumar Palace