Tusker school at Kodanad
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Naughty baby elephants, thriving bamboo stalks and freezing cold river makes Kodanad, situated in the southern bank of river Periyar, a perfect get-away during the scorching summer season. Children are sure to enjoy visiting the adjoining park and 'mini zoo.
Kodanad is an idyllic family spot in the suburbs of Kochi, away from the city hassles. Its access to Malayattor, the seasonal pilgrimage center, is yet another highlighted feature of this elephant kraal.
Tourists frequent Kodanad since it is the lone elephant rescue and training center in Kerala. Earlier, both adult and baby elephants obtained from various forest regions across the state were brought to the kraal for grooming purposes. However, the legal stoppage of the practice of trapping wild elephants, emptied the training unit.
The baby elephants now seen at Kodanad are those which have accidentally roamed out of the forest. Wounded adult elephants are also brought to the kraal for treatment. Baby elephants who have been washed down to the valley during mountain floods or whose mothers might have died are also taken to the Kodanad training camp.
Tourists, especially foreigners, love to watch the restless baby elephants in their growing stages of development.
A refreshing bath in the river Periyar and exciting ride on the top of the tamed elephants through the village pathways makes the trip to Kodanad worth remembering. No wonder, the elephant kraal at Kodanad is listed among the eco-tourism destinations of the state.
For the initial three months, the estranged elephants are put in a cage barred with teak wood (locally known as Aanakkottil). The cage is spacious enough for six baby elephants to be kept within at a time.
Foreigners love the sight of elephants being taken to the river for bathing in a line.
The little wildlife park annexed to the camp houses monkeys, peacocks, deers, snakes,wild cats and different types of birds.
Another larger zoo is being built at the Kaprikad village, adjacent to Kodanad camp, in accordance with the Center government regulations in this regard.
Apart from the teashop at the entrance of the Kodanad camp, kiosks that sell snacks and soft drinks are also found.
Minimal entrance fee ( Rs. 2 for adults and Rs. 1 for kids) is also collected at the kraal. For using camera within its premises, extra amount should be paid. Visitors are not allowed into the camp on Mondays.
If not reserved earlier by officials, visitors can stay at the forest department inspection bungalows at Kodanad. Rate per double room is Rs 400. For booking rooms at the bungalow, tourists should contact the authorities at 0484-2649250.
Apart from the bungalow, accommodation at Kodanad can also be arranged at the three private rest houses. The powerful undercurrent makes bathing at Periyar unsafe.
How to reach there
Kodanad elephant training camp is situated at a distance of eleven kilometers from Perumbavoor. In turn, Perumbavoor is about thirty-five kilometers from Ernakulam.
Both private and KSRTC buses provide service in Ernakulam-Perumbavoor route. Direct buses are available to Kodanad from Perumbavoor.
Tourists coming from Angamaly side through the MC road, should alight at Vallam junction which is about eleven kilometers from Kodanad.
Those from Kothamangalam should take deviation at Kuruppampady junction and should travel about eight kilometers in the Akanaad route to reach Kodanad.
The elephant camp is also accessible from Perumbavoor through the Pooppani route by bus. The nearest railway station is Ernakulam.
Kodanad is an idyllic family spot in the suburbs of Kochi, away from the city hassles. Its access to Malayattor, the seasonal pilgrimage center, is yet another highlighted feature of this elephant kraal.
Tourists frequent Kodanad since it is the lone elephant rescue and training center in Kerala. Earlier, both adult and baby elephants obtained from various forest regions across the state were brought to the kraal for grooming purposes. However, the legal stoppage of the practice of trapping wild elephants, emptied the training unit.
The baby elephants now seen at Kodanad are those which have accidentally roamed out of the forest. Wounded adult elephants are also brought to the kraal for treatment. Baby elephants who have been washed down to the valley during mountain floods or whose mothers might have died are also taken to the Kodanad training camp.
Tourists, especially foreigners, love to watch the restless baby elephants in their growing stages of development.
A refreshing bath in the river Periyar and exciting ride on the top of the tamed elephants through the village pathways makes the trip to Kodanad worth remembering. No wonder, the elephant kraal at Kodanad is listed among the eco-tourism destinations of the state.
For the initial three months, the estranged elephants are put in a cage barred with teak wood (locally known as Aanakkottil). The cage is spacious enough for six baby elephants to be kept within at a time.
Foreigners love the sight of elephants being taken to the river for bathing in a line.
The little wildlife park annexed to the camp houses monkeys, peacocks, deers, snakes,wild cats and different types of birds.
Another larger zoo is being built at the Kaprikad village, adjacent to Kodanad camp, in accordance with the Center government regulations in this regard.
Apart from the teashop at the entrance of the Kodanad camp, kiosks that sell snacks and soft drinks are also found.
Minimal entrance fee ( Rs. 2 for adults and Rs. 1 for kids) is also collected at the kraal. For using camera within its premises, extra amount should be paid. Visitors are not allowed into the camp on Mondays.
If not reserved earlier by officials, visitors can stay at the forest department inspection bungalows at Kodanad. Rate per double room is Rs 400. For booking rooms at the bungalow, tourists should contact the authorities at 0484-2649250.
Apart from the bungalow, accommodation at Kodanad can also be arranged at the three private rest houses. The powerful undercurrent makes bathing at Periyar unsafe.
How to reach there
Kodanad elephant training camp is situated at a distance of eleven kilometers from Perumbavoor. In turn, Perumbavoor is about thirty-five kilometers from Ernakulam.
Both private and KSRTC buses provide service in Ernakulam-Perumbavoor route. Direct buses are available to Kodanad from Perumbavoor.
Tourists coming from Angamaly side through the MC road, should alight at Vallam junction which is about eleven kilometers from Kodanad.
Those from Kothamangalam should take deviation at Kuruppampady junction and should travel about eight kilometers in the Akanaad route to reach Kodanad.
The elephant camp is also accessible from Perumbavoor through the Pooppani route by bus. The nearest railway station is Ernakulam.
