Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

Some fifty kilometres east of Kochi, on the banks of the Periyar River, the Kodanad Elephant Centre is one of the few places in Kerala where you can observe these magnificent animals up close in a semi-natural setting. Once an official state training camp, the site now houses domesticated elephants cared for by mahouts (elephant handlers). The morning visit, during the elephants' bathing ritual in the river, remains the centrepiece of any visit.

Practical Information at a Glance

• Access: from Kochi/Ernakulam, approximately 50 km by road towards Perumbavoor then Kodanad — a hired car or taxi is recommended, as public transport makes for an inconvenient journey.
• Best time to visit: early morning (around 8 am–9 am) to witness the elephants bathing in the Periyar.
• Recommended duration: 1 to 2 hours is sufficient.
• Dress code: no particular dress requirements; wear clothes you don't mind getting wet if you choose to participate in the bathing.

What You'll See

The site is home to several Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), some of which are used during Kerala's major temple festivals. Each morning, the mahouts lead the animals to the Periyar for their daily bath. You'll observe the scrubbing, the spraying, and the interactions between handlers and elephants — a care routine passed down through generations.

Dense vegetation along the riverbank and the forested hills of the Western Ghats create a remarkable visual backdrop, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Kochi's urban landscape.

History and Context

Kodanad was historically a centre for the capture and training of wild elephants on behalf of the Kerala government. This practice, now abandoned, has given way to a care centre for domesticated elephants. The animals present often belong to temples or private owners; they stay here to be trained or treated.

The elephant holds a central place in Kerala's culture: it is inseparable from temple processions (pooram) and features on the state emblem.

Highlights of Your Visit

The Morning Bath in the Periyar

This is the main event. The elephants wade into the shallow river; the mahouts scrub them with stones and brushes. The atmosphere is calm, almost ritualistic. Arriving before 9 am maximizes your chances of witnessing the complete scene.

Interactions with the Mahouts

The handlers, often members of families who have practised this craft for generations, are generally happy to share insights into their daily lives. It's a rare window into a traditional skill that is increasingly rare.

Photography Tips

The early morning light raking across the river is ideal — make the most of the first 30 minutes after your arrival. Position yourself at a slight low angle from the bank to capture the water's reflection. Avoid using flash, as it disturbs the animals. A moderate telephoto lens (70-200 mm) allows you to frame your shots without getting too close.

Location and Access

Kodanad is located in Ernakulam district, approximately 50 km from Fort Kochi and about forty kilometres from Perumbavoor. The road partly runs alongside the Periyar and passes through rubber and coconut plantations. A taxi from Ernakulam or Kochi is the most convenient option; expect around one hour of travel depending on traffic. The site is not accessible for people with reduced mobility due to the terrain along the riverbank.

In the Vicinity

• Fort Kochi — Portuguese and Dutch colonial quarter, approximately 50 km away, famous for its Chinese fishing nets.
• Kerala Backwaters — a network of navigable lagoons and canals, accessible from Alleppey or Kumarakom.
• Munnar — a hill station in the Western Ghats, about 100 km away, renowned for its tea plantations.