Kottur Ecotourism

If you are an elephant lover and a nature enthusiast, then Kottur Ecotourism is the place for you. Located at Kappukadu about 35 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, this ecotourism destination offers you a chance to interact with elephants and explore the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Kottur Elephant Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre is a place where you can meet elephants and nature in harmony. It offers you an unforgettable experience of wildlife and adventure in Kerala.

The center is spread over 56 kilometers and is surrounded by trenches to prevent surprise intrusions from the wild. Kottur Ecotourism is mainly known for its elephant rehabilitation center, which was established in 1999 to provide shelter and care for orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants. The center has about 15 elephants that are trained by mahouts (elephant handlers). You can watch the elephants taking baths, feeding them, playing with them and even riding them. The center also conducts awareness programs on elephant conservation and welfare.

But Kottur Ecotourism is not just about elephants. It is also a place where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature. The ecotourism site is surrounded by moist deciduous forests and grasslands, which are home to many species of flora and fauna. You can spot birds, butterflies, deer, monkeys, and even leopards if you are lucky. You can also take a boat ride on the Neyyar reservoir, which offers a scenic view of the hills and forests.

At Kottur Ecotourism, the trekking routes leading to Kathirumundi peak, Thottumpara rock, Agasthyakoodam peak, Ponmudi hills, and Pandipathu Ecotourism are a highlight, providing an opportunity to experience the adventure and wilderness of the Western Ghats. The watchtower at Kottur also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

For nature enthusiasts, Kottur Ecotourism is a must-see destination. Visitors can witness both adorable baby elephants and their majestic adult counterparts, as well as enjoy the picturesque view of the lake connected to the Neyyar Dam. Boating options such as pedal boats and Kuttavanchi are also available.

Kottur Ecotourism is open all year round except on Mondays, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit Kottur Ecotourism is from October to February when the weather is pleasant, between 8 AM and 10 AM when the elephants are being bathed and fed. The entry fee for Indian adults is INR 20, and INR 10 for children. The entry fee for foreign adults is INR 50 and for foreign children INR 25. The elephant riding charge for Indian citizens is INR 100 and for foreigners, it’s INR 200.

Kottur Ecotourism is easily accessible by road from Thiruvananthapuram city, which is well connected by rail and air. The Thiruvananthapuram central railway station is located 33 kilometers away and the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is located 37 kilometers away. There are buses available from Thiruvananthapuram to Kottur at regular intervals. There are also taxis and auto rickshaws available from Thiruvananthapuram to Kottur.

[Image Credit: Kunal Kalra]