Kottur Ecotourism — Attraction in Kerala

Kottur Ecotourism: An Enchanting Retreat in Nature's Embrace

Rating: ★★★★☆

Kottur Ecotourism, nestled in the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is a hidden gem that offers a unique and immersive experience in the lap of nature. Having recently visited this tranquil haven, I can confidently say that Kottur Ecotourism is a remarkable destination that combines conservation, education, and recreation.

One of the most striking aspects of Kottur Ecotourism is its pristine natural surroundings. Located near the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the region boasts lush greenery, pristine streams, and diverse flora and fauna. The serene atmosphere and fresh air transport visitors into a world far removed from the chaos of city life. The pristine beauty of Kottur Ecotourism makes it an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those seeking solace in the lap of Mother Nature.

The ecotourism center offers various activities that allow visitors to connect with the environment in a meaningful way. Nature trails and guided treks provide opportunities to explore the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, with knowledgeable guides sharing insights about the flora, fauna, and ecological significance of the region. The birdwatching experience is truly exceptional, with numerous species of birds, including rare and endemic ones, gracing the skies and surrounding trees. The sight of colorful avian creatures in their natural habitat is a delight for both amateur and seasoned birdwatchers.

Kottur Ecotourism also offers unique experiences that foster an understanding of the local culture and sustainable living practices. The traditional knowledge and lifestyle of the indigenous communities in the area are showcased through interactive sessions and cultural performances. Visitors can learn about indigenous crafts, culinary traditions, and eco-friendly practices that have been passed down through generations. These interactions provide a deeper appreciation for the local culture and the importance of preserving traditional wisdom in the face of modern challenges.

The accommodation options at Kottur Ecotourism are simple yet comfortable, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The eco-friendly cottages and tents blend seamlessly with the surroundings, providing a rustic charm while ensuring a comfortable stay. The facilities are basic but adequate, with clean washrooms and hygienic dining areas. The lack of modern amenities is a deliberate choice, as it encourages visitors to disconnect from technology and embrace a more immersive experience in nature.

While Kottur Ecotourism offers an enchanting retreat, there are a few areas that could be improved. The dining options, though serving delicious traditional meals, could be expanded to cater to different dietary preferences. Additionally, enhancing the signage and information boards throughout the ecotourism center would help visitors navigate the trails and understand the significance of the flora and fauna they encounter.

In conclusion, Kottur Ecotourism is a hidden gem that offers an enchanting retreat for nature lovers and those seeking an immersive experience in the lap of nature. The serene surroundings, diverse wildlife, and engaging activities create an ideal environment for relaxation, exploration, and education. With a few enhancements to dining options and signage, Kottur Ecotourism has the potential to further elevate the visitor experience and become a renowned ecotourism destination...

Kottur is around 35 kilometers from Trivandrum. It takes only one hour from Trivandrum to reach the place

Stay for a night or two at Kappukad to see how rapturous an experience is to let yourself get woken up by the birds of a jungle. You have never been pampered by nature before, you’d think. But if you’re of the adventurous kind, the woods don’t stop at the elephant centre, but they grow wilder beyond the river offering long and arduous trekking trails inside where you might get across elephants who are not as friendly with humans like those you watch now.

There are six cottages available here – Barbler, Peacock, Barbet, Robin, Koel and Hornbill. The accommodation doesn’t include food, but the place has a good canteen which offers homely food for the guests.

The Kottur Elephant Sanctuary Rehabilitation Centre, home to 16 elephants, is being upgraded to become the world’s largest elephant rescue and rehabilitation facility once the facility is completed. It is spread across 176 hectares of forest and has the capacity to keep total 50 elephants in the future. Additionally, it was the first rehabilitation facility for elephants in India, built at an estimated cost of ₹105 crores. India’s oldest elephant, Soman, and its youngest elephant, Sreekutty, live here. It is best to visit the center between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., as this is when the elephants are fed and bathed. You can watch mahouts feed the elephants in the center. And, it is permitted for visitors to go near and watch. Visitors can also participate in these activities by helping the mahouts. The centre also offers elephant rides. Researchers and students can study giant mammals’ behavior here in an ideal environment. Kottur is home to one of the world’s biggest elephant parades held weekly. During the parade, the elephants walk in a line holding the tails of one another with their trunks. Forestry Department was planning to build an elephant park in 2006. Later, it was converted into an elephant rehabilitation center in 2007 in the high-water areas of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the beginning, the forest department had a number of objectives including rehabilitating tamed and forest elephants together in suitably protected habitats, conducting research, and ensuring the area was a suitable tourist destination. To become the world’s largest elephant center, the center is being upgraded to include fifty habitats enclosed by steel pillars and nets that allow elephants to be in their natural habitat, an elephant museum, a super specialty veterinary hospital, a research center,mahout training center, facilities for visitors, entrance plaza, administrative office, cottages, a convention center, amphitheater, more reservoirs, training facilities for baby elephants, a kitchen for cooking elephant foods, a feeding area, a post mortem facility for cremating, a paper making unit from elephant dung and quarters, and accommodations for mahouts to stay with...

The elephant rehabilitation centre at Kottur is almost in the finishing stage yet tourists are allowed, the infrastructure development is in progress (almost 70% completed).

We've visited this place in the month of April 2023, we've traveled from Trivandrum via. Nemom, Neyar dam, Nedumangad-Aruvikkara road. We've started around 8 in the morning and it took around 2.5 hrs to reach the destination.

It is ideal to be at this spot around 9 am, so that one can see the elephants taken for bathing around that time while it returns around 10:30. Then you can see elephants having their breakfast - a huge cannon balls. There are around 8 elephants at this site, the youngest is Aamina 2.5 yo and the oldest Soman 82 yo, there are other elephants viz. Raju, Rajkumar, Minna, Harikrishnan, Rahul, was another elephant named 'Podicchi' 7.5 yo that keeps dancing and squirts a trunk full of cool water over their bodies, probably to chill itself. We couldn't see the oldest elephant and we couldn't near yet another elephant that was in musth condition.

The essentials such as canteen, washroom, seating places are available. The canteen is clean and hygienic, the food tastes yummy at a reasonable price. They have very kind and courteous staff, they behave really well elsewhere you can't see such hospitality. The washrooms are well maintained and clean.

The staff at this tourism spot have very good knowledge about the surroundings /history. There's an eco shop where one can buy pepper, cardamom, clove, red sandal powder/wood/beads, wild turmeric powder, henna powder, honey, amla powder etc most of them are produced by the tribes in the surrounding region.

There's boating as well but, the waiting time is more.

For a day trip along with a family this is the best...