People are gathered around an Elephant and trying to stand so near to it, some of them are on the top. One young boy is trying to adjust everyone on the mobile camera frame. He asked them to say CHEESS; they had successfully made a selfie with an Elephant. This is not a big deal in Konni Elephant Kraal which is one of the favourite tourist’s destinations in Kerala. Tourism in Konni had leaped from an ordinary tourist spot to a tourist’s paradise from last two years. Elephant cage and Adavi tourism projects are the main attractions of Konni. Eco tourism. Konni is an economical and right destination for travellers who look for peace and wild greenness. last year we had three lakh tourists and this year it will dive to more than five lakh, says Nibu Kiran C.O, Range forest officer Konni reserve forest.The forested village in Pathanamthitta district on the bank of the Achankovil River has along and rich history of man forest interface. Vast expanse of Western Ghats in the background is crisscrossed by numerous streams and rivulets, which add to the exceptional scenic beauty of the landscape.
The forests repository of rich biodiversity were constituted in to Konni Reserve Forest and Achankovil reserve forest by Maharaja of Travancore way back in 1897 and 1901 respectively, which are among the oldest reserve forest in the state. Konni had a long back history of 200 years of elephant capturing. The captured Elephants were brought to the camp at Konni by the help of Kumkies (trainer Elephant). ‘From 1977 Elephant capturing was banned and later Konni elephant kraal had become a rehabilitation centre for Elephants that were found in distress by the forest authorities’ ,says Nibu Kiran . ‘The huge wooden Elephant cage, which is capable of housing 6 Elephants at a time, is a glimpse of the Elephant capturing history of the country .The Elephant camp and the kraal of nine acres at Konni are now the centre of attraction, not only for the local inhabitants but also for visitors from far off place’. he continuous. Krishna a young Elephant and her mother was the last refugees of this kaarl they came through river on October 2014. Mother Elephant had collapsed and Krishna is now a big magnetism of Konni Elephant kraal. Konni eco-tourism division had many other special attractions like Elephant bathing and Elephant ride were tourists can enjoy a lifetime opportunity to join with the mahouts in bathing Elephants and can cherish the rare experience of sitting atop of the largest mammals on earth and lumber your way through the Elephant park.
Elephant Museum that have rare collections of mahout’s tools, relics of Elephant and a photo gallery with varied vision on wild life, film show on wildlife, medical plants demonstration unit, park for kids are the other attractions of Konni Elephant camp. Forests in and around Konni were inhabited by aboriginals belonging to Malapandaram tribe. The tribe maintained unique ethnic culture and jobs. ‘Honey, Sandal oil , Lemongrass- oil and chemical-free ointments made from honey wax etc which are sell in Vanasree eco shop at Elephant camp are generated and collected from forest by these tribal group’ ,says Sree lakshmi manager of Vanasree eco shop Adavi eco-tourism project is the future of tourism in Konni. A project jointly launched by the department of forest and tourism as part of the third phase of Konni Eco tourism project. A picturesque forest patch, 10 km from Konni on the banks of river Kallar, Adavi has nearly 5-km river frontage. Bowl boat riding that originates from the dense forests of Chelikkal and joins Pamba river is an innovative venture of Adavi project which promises a never-before experience to travellers. The river is blessed with rolling stones that make the riding adventurous and thrilling. The river banks are covered with riparian f o r e s t s having rare species of trees and that naturally adds the beauty of the ride. ‘The tourists will also get a chance to see wild animals like Elephant, Indian bison etc. The river Kallar is also a home to many fresh water fishes. The richness of butterflies and moths is also notable’ says Chacko a rider of bowl boats. The climate of Konni is really suitable for Butterflies and bamboos. In kerala after wayanad Konni is the gifted place with butterflies. Butterfly park and Bamboo village which are the new faces of Adavi tourism project which will become a reality from this year. Tree top huts and tenting facilities are now available in Adavi forest range without harming wild life. A 60 km open Jeep off road safari, a night at jungle, Night safari and Trekking are another attractions for youngsters who love adventures. Konni had changed to a tourist hub of south Kerala for people who love a drive through forest and other adventures. As per government records last year Adavi itself had two lakh visitors. In the coming years by a 50 hector of chain free Elephant rehabilitation Sanctuary Konni will be a remarkable tourist point in India.
Arun George Mathew
Journalism Student
Don Bosco Arts and Science College,
Kannur
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