1. Konni
Konni is a popular training centre for elephants in Kerala. Located in the district of Pathanamthitta. It is major centre of tourist attraction in Kerala, and attracts visitors in large numbers throughout the year. Situated about 11 kms from Pathanamthitta, the main attraction at the elephant-training centre at Konni is the huge cages built of wood to house elephants. This massive wooden cage is locally known as Aanakoodu and can accommodate three to four elephants at a time. The passing out parade at this training centre is a BIG affair.
At Konni, visitors can get a close look at these trainee elephants and can observe and understand a lot about their behaviour, especially that of baby elephants, which are often mischievous and are focus of attention of majority of the visitors, especially children.
The chief task of the trainers here at Konni is to train baby elephants, which are brought to the training centre after getting separated from its herd, or found wounded and roaming lonely in the forest. Experienced trainers, who employ some of the time-tested methods to tame the baby elephants, follow systematic training methodologies. Some of the training specialities besides making the elephants to obey commands include, daily exercises in the morning, which also include a walk in the premises, followed by bath and feeding of a special diet.
One can also find bigger elephants at the centre, and a ride on these majestic animals is an exciting one. The bigger elephants are also some times used for works inside the forest land adjoining the training centre. It is obviously a training school with a difference; where size really doesn't matter.
Access through :
Rail: Chengannur, about 28 km from Pathanamthitta.
Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport , about 119 km from Pathanamthitta.
2. Nilackal
The old Siva Temple on the Pamba - Pathanamthitta Road is an important place of worship. The estate of the Farming Corporation and the Ecumenical centre of the Christians are located here. It is 5 km from Plappally.
3. Parumala
The Ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.
4. Charalkunnu
This picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of the nearby valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging.
5. Kakki Reservoir
Tigers, elephants and monkeys can be sighted in the forest surrounding the reservoir.
6. Vasthuvidya Gurukulam
Vasthuvidya is the ancient science of Indian architecture which is a pure and ethnic expression of Indian socio-cultural heritage. The Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, a school constituted by the state Cultural Department is situated at Aranmula, 16 km away from Pathanamthitta town. The main objective of the gurukulam is the preservation and promotion of vasthuvidya and mural paintings. It also aims at the renovation and conservation of traditional buildings and mural paintings. The main attraction here is a unique institution for ancient Indian architecture and mural paintings.
The gurukulam conducts a one year Post Graduate Diploma Programme in vasthuvidya, in addition to a four month training course in the application of the principles and practices of vasthuvidya for the craftsmen engaged in the construction industry. The gurukulam has a consultancy wing for designs and constructions based on the principles of vasthuvidya. It is 16 km from Pathanamthitta.
Access through :
Rail: Chengannur, about 10 km.
Air: Thiruvananthapuram, about 119 km from Pathanamthitta.
