Kodanad elephant training center is one of the oldest and largest training centers in South India. This place is a must visit for tourists arriving at Kochi. Travelling 45 kilometers by road, one can reach Kodanad Elephant training center from Kochi. It is a training center for Elephants and home for many wild species like spotted deer. A new zoo by name Abhayaranyam, has been built at Kaprikad, near Kodanad and the entire operations have been shifted to the new location. Kaprikad is just around 3 kilometers from kodanad.
Wild elephants once brought here are trained and domesticated by Mahouts. Kodanad also houses an Elephant rescue center. Malayattoor church is a seasonal pilgrimage center near Kodanad and this famous destination can be accessed via boats starting from Kodanad. Kodanad enjoys a very high position in the eco-tourism map of Government of India. Uniqueness of Kodanad lies in the fact that, it is the only center in India which gives importance to rescue as much as training of Elephants.
The visitors at the main park at Kodanad are offered Elephant Safari. Elephant Safari is under taken by the State Forest Department. If planning to do Elephant Safari, viositors are advised to call the office and confirm because some days it is not there due to shifting to new zoo premises.Visitors also get a chance to feed the elephants abiding the rules and regulations of the park. Kodanad is the famouis among wildlife enthusiasts from all around the world. Kodanad’s beauty made it a favorite spot for movie shoots.
It is always best to reach the park by around 08:00 AM, when the elephants are brought outside from their shelters for bathing in the river. It is definitely a sight for the visitors, the merry and fun these large creatures have in the vastness of the river and relaxing their senses. It definitely leaves one under the impression that inside this large and fearsome body, there is a very light mind. Elephants are really gentle giants.
Rarely, one can also witness how the elephants are trained in order to domesticate them so as to take part in temple processions and do labor. Systematic means of teaching these giants employed by mahouts are fascinating. This is an age-old profession and Mahouts are have great demand all over Kerala.
Apart from all these attractions that visitors will definitely enjoy, spending some time one the banks of Periyar refreshes mind and makes one feel the comfort of solitude.
Know more: Kochi: The Queen of Arabian Sea!
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