Coracle rafting to hanging around with elephants, Pathanamthitta is the place to be

Image courtesy: Sanjeev Ramachandran

Kerala’s magical charm has always been a magnet for travelers from around the world.  From the picturesque hills of Munnar to the sun-kissed beaches in Kovalam, the state has truly stood by its God’s Own Country tag.

Not just Munnar and Kovalam, Kerala has succeeded in enchanting tourists with a whole lot of mesmerizing destinations. From Thiruvananthapuram in the south to Kasaragod in the north, beaches, backwaters, hillocks, virgin forests, cascading waterfalls and much more abound in this paradise on earth.

Image source: www.iStock.com
Image source: www.iStock.com

It is a laudable fact that the tourism department in the state has strived all through the years to market the fascinating experience called Kerala to the outside world.  If all these known destinations aren’t enough, here comes a new unexplored spot that is sure to lure travelers from now on!

The tiny yet charming district of Pathanamthitta hitherto had made it to the pilgrimage itinerary of many, owing to the presence of the famed Sabarimala shrine. From now on, leisure travelers from beyond the borders too will be seen flocking to Pathanamthitta, with the Kerala government planning to accord a unique status for the district in the state’s tourism map.

Image courtesy: Kerala Tourism
Image courtesy: Kerala Tourism

This honour comes thanks to the Adavi Boat Festival and Gajavijnanolsavam (Elephant festival) being lined up at Konni, a hilly town in the district. On the banks of the quiet flowing Kallar, this stretch of woods will see tourism activity kicking off soon.

This Onam season will see the Konni Forest Development Agency, joining hands with the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and Pathanamthitta District Administration to kick off tourism-related celebrations that would prove to be a major attraction for tourists who visit Kerala during the period.

The Adavi boat festival will get off to a start on August 21 and that would herald the start of a new tourism culture. Unique about the fete would be the advent of Coracle rafting in Kerala. Another attraction would be the Gaja Vijnanolsavam, which would have tuskers from the Konni elephant camp lining up to welcome travelers.

Image courtesy: Sanjeev Ramachandran
Image courtesy: Sanjeev Ramachandran

If you are planning to travel this Onam season, here’s how to reach. Adavi is just five kilometers from Mundommoozhy on the proposed Achencoil-Chittar hill highway. You can also include Adavi for a day trip if you are planning to visit Munnar or Thekkady. Apart from Coracle rafting and boating, you will also be lucky enough to participate in the ‘Know the Elephant’ programme at the Konni Elephant camp.

Starting this August 20, Patanamthitta’s Adavi and Konni would unfurl the unseen magic of Kerala this year.

Are you booking your tickets?

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