Punnathur Kotta
Punnathur Kotta, also famously known as Anakkotta, is a unique elephant sanctuary that serves as the official stable for the elephants of the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. Spanning over 11.5 acres of lush greenery, it is home to more than 50 elephants, making it one of the largest captive elephant facilities in the world. These elephants are donated by devotees to Lord Guruvayurappan as a mark of their faith. The sanctuary was originally a palace belonging to the Punnathur Raja, and the old traditional mansion, known as a Nalukettu, still stands within the premises. The elephants here are not just animals but are considered sacred participants in temple rituals. Visitors can witness the daily life of these majestic creatures, from their morning baths in large stone tanks to their feeding sessions where they consume vast quantities of palm leaves, bananas, and jaggery. The sanctuary also serves as a training ground for "mahouts" (elephant trainers) who learn the ancient art of managing these giants. Among the residents are some legendary elephants like Guruvayur Keshavan, whose life is celebrated with a statue at the entrance. During the month of July (Karkidakam), the elephants undergo an Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatment known as Sukha Chikitsa, where they are given special tonics and massages. The atmosphere in the fort is tranquil, filled with the sounds of trumpeting and the rhythmic scrubbing of elephants by their mahouts. It offers a rare opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and children to observe elephants from a very close distance in a traditional temple setting. The site is a perfect blend of Kerala's rich cultural heritage and its deep-rooted love for elephants.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Wildlife & HeritageEntry Fees:
Adult Entry Fee: The entry ticket for adults is 20 INR, making it one of the most affordable and high-value tourist attractions in the Guruvayur area.
Camera Charges: A separate fee of 25 INR is charged for still cameras, and video recording...Adult Entry Fee: The entry ticket for adults is 20 INR, making it one of the most affordable and high-value tourist attractions in the Guruvayur area.
Camera Charges: A separate fee of 25 INR is charged for still cameras, and video recording may have higher rates or restricted access depending on the day.Timing:
Regular Visiting Hours: The sanctuary is open to the public daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it may close briefly during the elephants' afternoon rest time.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is early morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) wh...Regular Visiting Hours: The sanctuary is open to the public daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it may close briefly during the elephants' afternoon rest time.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is early morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) when the bathing and feeding activities are in full swing for the visitors.Special Events:
Anayoottu Festival: A grand elephant feeding ceremony held during the month of Karkidakam (July), where the public can witness the special dietary treatments.
Gajapooja: A ritual of worshipping the elephants as a form of Lord Ganesha, usuall...Anayoottu Festival: A grand elephant feeding ceremony held during the month of Karkidakam (July), where the public can witness the special dietary treatments.
Gajapooja: A ritual of worshipping the elephants as a form of Lord Ganesha, usually conducted on special auspicious days of the temple calendar.Best Photo Spots:
Bathing Pond Area: The stone steps leading to the bathing tanks offer the best angle for capturing elephants playing with water and interacting with their mahouts.
Under the Banyan Tree: The large elephants standing under the ancient banyan ...Bathing Pond Area: The stone steps leading to the bathing tanks offer the best angle for capturing elephants playing with water and interacting with their mahouts.
Under the Banyan Tree: The large elephants standing under the ancient banyan trees create a classic, timeless image of the "Land of Elephants" that Kerala is known for.
Nalukettu Courtyard: The traditional architecture of the old palace provides a stunning cultural backdrop for family photos and architectural study.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Watching Elephant Bathing: Arrive by 9:00 AM to see the mahouts scrubbing the elephants with coir in the large ponds; it is a delightful and educational sight.
Observing the Feeding Ritual: Watch the sheer volume of food being prepared and fed to the elephants, including the specially prepared "Anayoottu" balls of rice and jaggery.
Exploring the Old Palace: Take a walk through the Nalukettu mansion to appreciate the historical architecture and see where the Punnathur Rajas once lived.
Photography of the Giants: Capture majestic shots of the elephants as they relax under the shade of massive trees; it is a photographer's paradise for wildlife portraits.
Learning about Mahout Culture: Observe the unique bond between the trainers ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Largest Elephant Camp: It is world-famous for housing the highest number of captive elephants in a single location, all dedicated to a single temple.
Sukha Chikitsa Treatment: The sanctuary is renowned for its annual Ayurvedic treatment prog...Largest Elephant Camp: It is world-famous for housing the highest number of captive elephants in a single location, all dedicated to a single temple.
Sukha Chikitsa Treatment: The sanctuary is renowned for its annual Ayurvedic treatment program for elephants, which is a unique cultural and veterinary spectacle. -
Architecture:
Nalukettu Palace Style: The central building is a classic 500-year-old Nalukettu, featuring a rectangular layout with a central open courtyard and wooden carvings that exemplify Kerala's royal architecture.
Elephant Enclosures: The vast grou...Nalukettu Palace Style: The central building is a classic 500-year-old Nalukettu, featuring a rectangular layout with a central open courtyard and wooden carvings that exemplify Kerala's royal architecture.
Elephant Enclosures: The vast grounds are organized into open courtyards with massive stone posts for tethering, designed to allow maximum airflow and natural shade for the animals. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly into Cochin International Airport and take a 2-hour taxi ride directly to the Kottappadi area where the elephant fort is located.
By Train: The Guruvayur Railway Station is just 3 KMS away; from there, plenty of auto-rickshaws a... -
Near Tourist Places:
Guruvayur Temple (3 KMS), Mammiyoor Temple (2 KMS), Palayur Church (4 KMS), Chavakkad Beach (6 KMS), Marine World (7 KMS), Institute of Mural Painting (2. 5 KMS), Chettuva Backwaters (10 KMS), Devaswom Museum (3 KMS), Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple (4 KMS), Parthasarathy Temple (3 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Safety Near Elephants: Always maintain a safe distance from the elephants as instructed by the mahouts; never try to feed or touch them without permission.
Packing for the Camp: Carry an umbrella or a hat, as much of the sanctuary is outdoo...
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