Punnathur Aanakotta, Elephant sanctuary in Chavakkad, India
Punnathur Aanakotta is an elephant sanctuary set within coconut groves that houses about 60 temple elephants. The grounds include shelters, training areas, and care facilities designed specifically for the needs of these large animals.
The site began as a palace belonging to a local ruler and was later converted to serve as a care facility for temple elephants. This transformation allowed the animals to be housed and cared for in one dedicated location.
The elephants maintain deep connections to local temples and participate in religious ceremonies throughout the year. Visitors can observe this relationship between the animals and spirituality through the daily care routines and ritual preparations that happen here.
Bring comfortable shoes and sun protection, as the site is mostly open areas with scattered trees. Early hours are best when the elephants are more active and the heat is less intense.
The site includes a traditional mahout training school that teaches historical methods of animal care and horsemanship. This school preserves knowledge passed down through generations, which remains essential for respectful handling of the animals.
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