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Konni is a
popular training centre for elephants in Kerala. Located in the district of
Pathanamthitta, it is a major centre of tourist attraction in Kerala, and
attracts visitors in large numbers throughout the year
Situated
about 11 km 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 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 programmes 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.
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
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
Hoe to Reach
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur, about 28
km from Pathanamthitta.
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram
International Airport, about 119 km from Pathanamthitta

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