Kodanad, the Largest Elephant Care Centre in South India

Elephants play an integral part
in the Indian mythology and culture. In the southern state of Kerala, which is also referred as the ‘God’s Own Country’, elephants are considered as the sons of the ‘Sahya’ (the Western Ghats). In earlier days, elephants played an important part in the daily life of the Kerala people and are also regarded as a sacred animal. Hence, no celebration in the state is complete without the inclusion of elephant procession. Elephants are vibrantly decorated and taken out in procession during the festivals of Kerala.

Kodanad, which is placed on the southern banks of the Periyar River and is abounded by picturesque high ranges close to Perumbavoor. It is the rural riverside village of Ernakulam district, in Kerala, located at a distance of about 42 km east of Kochi. It is one of the largest elephant training centers in the state. Before, the captured elephants were brought from the Malayatoo forests to train at this place. Since the law of the country has termed the captivation of elephants as illegal, Kodanad has been transformed purely into a training centre.

Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary

The Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary is popular for elephant rescue, care center and mini zoo. It is situated at a distance of about 5 km from Perumbavoor. The place is regarded as the largest elephant in the southern part of India. Here elephants are trained by professionals. From 19560 to 60 elephants were captured and brought to this place for training, but after the government prohibited the capturing of elephants from 1970, Kodanad has been transformed into Kodanad Elephant rescue and care centre. Several tourists come to this place to especially the loving activities of baby elephants.

Kodanad Tourism

Other major attraction close to this place is the renowned Malayattor church, situated on the opposite side of the Periyar River. At Kodanad, you can also enjoy boat rides and elephant safari. In the mini zoo of Kodanad animals are kept who fall ill in the forest, some of these animals are rare species. Other elephant care centres that tourists can visit from this place are Kooni of Pathanamthitta district and Muthanga of Wayanad district. One can also opt to get to the Punnathur Kotta, which is situated close to Thrissur district and holds over 40 elephants that are brought from Guruvayoor temple for grooming.

For the bird lovers, the Thattekad bird sanctuary is a good place to visit located at a distance of about 10 km from Kodanad. People can also get to Poru natural waterfall and Kaprikad with their family for picnic. These destinations are located within a distance of 3 km from Kodanad.

Best Time to Visit

The place acts as an ideal gate away during the summer season, especially from August to December.

How to Reach

By Road: The place is easily accessible from the nearest bus station in Perumbavoor, located at a distance of about 12 km. Another major destination close to this place is Ernakulam town, located at a distance of about 44 km.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to this place is Ernakulam, located at a distance of about 45 km.

By Air: The nearest airport to this place is Cochin International Airport, which can be reached through Vallom - Kodanad road and is located at a distance of about 20 km.