Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and Sanctuary

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and Sanctuary

Although bigger in size but kind and humble in nature, elephants are wonderful herbivorous animals. They could be tamed with love and care and are useful in many ways. But to say it is not right to take much advantage of animals and we do not have the right to make them do anything forcibly. All is necessary is love that we must give them to get the best out of them. Kerala is a well-known place famous for elephants and no festival is complete without them. In Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, elephants are taken care of and groomed with respect and love. This training center is moved near Kaprikkad in Abhayaranyam and is regarded as the largest sanctuary for elephants in Kerala.

About Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

Located on the banks of Periyar River, this place serves as a comfortable place for elephants with natural surroundings all around. It is situated in Ernakulam district which is also known as Kochi and is a very peaceful place. The center is almost 42 kilometers towards the eastern region of Kochi. Previously Kodanad was a center where elephants were captured from the nearby localities. But after capturing elephants were banned in Kerala from the year 1970, the ground is being used for rescuing elephants and training them. Adult elephants and baby elephants as well are rescued from surrounding forests and are taken care of.

Activities are done there

Tourists can get a wonderful chance to touch the elephants under the guidance of the mahouts. There is the main park where elephants are kept in wooden structures known as kraals. Elephant safaris are done where visitors are taken inside the park within the natural environment. Feeding of elephants is done in Kodanad sanctuary in the natural environment with trees all around. Tourists can also get in touch with them when they are taken bathing in the river. Messages and bathing of the elephants are done with the help of coconut husks. It is a nice to experience to watch them bathing.

Baby elephants are trained from the early stages of their life on how to survive and become useful elephants. There is also a mini zoo where unfit wild animals are kept and taken care of. It is a great thing for tourists to see so many elephants doing their activities and learning how to earn a livelihood. After the baby elephants become adults they are sold in the auction and are used for different activities such as lifting timbers or becoming a member of elephant possessions on festivals celebrated in temples and religious places.

Reaching Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

Elephant lovers could reach there from the nearest railway station Ernakulam at a distance of 45 km from the training center. The closest airport is Cochin International Airport which could be accessed via the road that connects Vallom and Kodanad and is at a distance of 20 km. September to May is the best time to visit there. The centre is open on all days of the week except Monday.

Staying there

There are many places to stay near the spot and here some of the hotels are being mentioned that stand very close to it.  Such as Rosevilla homestay, the Villa Romantica, and Anjali Homestay. Two hotels that are situated near the Cochin Airport are Diana Heights and Hotel Air link Castle. All these exquisite rejuvenating hotels provide great comfort to spend your holiday.

The forest department of Kerala looks after the elephants of the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre. Tourists like to visit the region due to the innate atmosphere where they can feel and see nature from very close. The place is away from urban city life and the environment is unspoiled and pristine. There are walking passages for the visitors to stroll beside the river bank. Kodanad and Malayatoor churches are located on opposite banks with River Periyar in between. There are facilities of river boats to make you cross the river and reach your destination. This place attracts national as well as international tourists due to its natural surroundings. Film-makers and elephant lovers find this place paradise of Kerala and often visit there to get the touch of nature.

Things to do

If you’re visiting the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and Sanctuary, here are some activities that you can participate in:

  1. Elephant feeding: You can feed the elephants and learn about their dietary needs and habits.
  2. Elephant rides: You can take a ride on an elephant and get a unique perspective of the center and its surroundings.
  3. Elephant care: You can assist with the care and rehabilitation of the elephants, such as bathing and scrubbing them, and helping with their daily routines.
  4. Wildlife watching: The sanctuary is surrounded by lush greenery and a variety of wildlife, providing opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.
  5. Nature walks: You can take a walk through the center’s surroundings and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
  6. Conservation education: The center provides educational programs and talks about elephant conservation and the importance of protecting and preserving their natural habitats.
  7. Volunteer work: If you’re interested in volunteering, you can participate in various activities such as cleaning the elephants’ enclosures, preparing food for them, and helping with their daily routines.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and Sanctuary:

Q: What is the purpose of Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and Sanctuary?

A: The purpose of Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and Sanctuary is to rescue and provide care to captive elephants, particularly those that have been abandoned, mistreated, or injured. The center aims to provide a safe and natural environment for the elephants, as well as train mahouts in ethical and humane techniques of elephant care and management.

Q: Can visitors observe the elephants at Kodanad?

A: Yes, visitors can observe the elephants at Kodanad and learn about their care and management.

Q: Can visitors participate in elephant rides at Kodanad?

A: Yes, visitors can take elephant rides at Kodanad.

Q: Is it possible to volunteer at Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and Sanctuary?

A: Yes, it is possible to volunteer at Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and Sanctuary. Visitors can assist with the care and rehabilitation of the elephants and participate in various activities such as cleaning the elephants’ enclosures and preparing food for them.

Q: Are there any educational programs or talks about elephant conservation at Kodanad?

A: Yes, the center provides educational programs and talks about elephant conservation and the importance of protecting and preserving their natural habitats.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and Sanctuary is from October to May, during the winter and spring months. During this time, the weather is pleasant and conducive for outdoor activities such as observing the elephants and participating in nature walks. The monsoon season, from June to September, can be quite wet and damp, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the center is open every day, and that the best time to visit may vary depending on your personal preferences and interests. For example, if you’re interested in observing the elephants during their bath time, you may want to visit in the morning. On the other hand, if you’re interested in observing them during feeding time, you may want to visit in the afternoon.

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