Elephant Park

Punnathur Kotta is a popular fort and former palace situated in Kottapadi. It is approximately 2 km away from the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala. Punnathur Kotta was earlier the palace of a local ruler. However, things are no more the same. Now the grounds of the palace have been converted into an Elephant Camp or a sanctuary. It houses elephants that belong to the famous Guruvayoor temple. It has also got a name change. Now it is called as Anakkotta that means elephant fort. According to estimates, 86 elephants were kept here in the beginning. However, the number of elephants now reduced to 60. These elephants are the ceremonial offerings made by the followers of Lord Guruvayurappa.

It is popularly called as the Palace for Elephants. The facility has also been used for training elephants so that they can take part in several festivals that take place throughout the year. The oldest elephant is 82 years old. He is called by the name Ramachandran. Vital rituals such as Gajapooja and Anayoottu are observed here in the form of an offering to Lord Ganesha.

The place is highly popular among tourists and scores of visitors who throng the place every year. The Elephant Camp has already emerged as a unique place all across the globe. According to reports, it has also become one of the largest sanctuaries for elephants. It is a vast 10-acre camp that offers huge space for elephants. In the year 1975, the current property was bought by the temple authorities and soon the elephants were shifted to the location from Sreevaslam in an entirely publicized procession. Elephants also take part in the popular Elephant race also known as Anayottam in the temple. The winning elephant will then carry the idol when the festival takes place. Many people visit the camp specifically to see the training of elephants. Some people make a visit to boost their knowledge about how it feels to be an elephant rider or Mahavata. Instead of using the latest methods to cure the illness of elephants, the elephants are cured by using some unique conventional methods.

Elephants are provided with unique Ayurvedic cures and food especially in the month of July. However, this practice faced severe criticism by the Animal Welfare Board of India in a study carried out on the well-being of elephants. The study noticed several evident issues on the treatment meted out to the voiceless beings. It suggested several remedial measures. A large number of these measures have not been implemented yet. Given below are some crucial details about the park.

Visitor Information: 

It will take you nearly two hours to see the Elephant Park thoroughly. You may also watch bathing sessions and sight of several other animals under the care of the sanctuary’s expert staff. You can visit the park from 8:30 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday. It remains open on public holidays and the timing remains the same. The entry fee is Rs 10. Pets are not allowed to be taken to the park. You may have to pay Rs 25 in case you want to use a camera.

Traveller Tips: 

You may take your entire family to visit the place and create life-long memories that you will always cherish. You must maintain a careful distance from the elephants and pay heed to the instructions of staff at the sanctuary. The weather is hot and humid. It is advised to wear light and cotton clothes. You must never feed the elephants anything.

Things to Do: 

You may observe the elephants and their various activities. You may play for some time with baby elephants. You can visit the Shiva temple to seek his blessings.

History: 

The highly popular and celebrated elephants in the history of Kerala remained Kesavan. He was from Guruvayur Temple. His stunning behavioural qualities earned him a high place and made him one of the most popular elephants. He died in the year 1976 after serving the temple for nearly 54 years. It has emerged as one of the best places for elephant lovers.

Best Time to Visit:

The ideal time to visit the park is between November to March.

How to Reach:

 it is not a big deal to reach Punnathur Kotta. It has good connectivity by rail and road to the prominent cities. You may then take auto-rickshaw or buses to reach the camp.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About: 

Guruvayur has emerged famous for Elephant Sanctuary, Shiva temple, and its lush greenery.

Nearby Attractions:

While you are in Guruvayur, you can visit the nearby attractions and enrich your experience with the place. You may visit popular places like Kollengode Palace, Mural Art Museum, Kerala Lalithakala temple, and Viyyur Jail Park, Thrissur zoo. You may plan a visit to these places.

We may conclude here that Elephant Park – Guruvayur will offer you a unique experience and you must visit the place at least once in your lifetime. The place will leave you enthralled with its beauty and elephants.