Elephant camp, Thekkady — Attraction in Kerala

🐘 Incredible Elephant Safari Experience in Thekkady My visit to the Elephant Camp near Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, was truly unforgettable! As an elephant lover, spending a day here was both heartwarming and exciting.

🌿 Safari & Camp Experience : The elephant safari through a beautifully designed jungle trail was a magical experience. The elephants were well-trained and gentle, making the ride safe and enjoyable.

The elephant bathing session was a highlight! Getting to interact with and bathe these majestic animals was both fun and intimate. Shower and changing rooms are available for convenience.

🎭 Cultural Shows : The Kalaripayattu (₹300) and Kathakali (₹300) performances were mesmerizing. I highly recommend pre-booking to get the best seats—1st row for Kalari, 2nd row for Kathakali.

💡 Tips & Practical Info : Ride Cost: ₹500 per person (short ride, 2 adults + 1 child per elephant; solo visitors may be paired).

Bathing Experience: ₹700 for 10 splashes. Booking: Tickets must be booked in person at the counter near the main gate. Avoid going with locals, as prices may be hiked. Payments: Cash only—no UPI or digital payments accepted. Best Time to Visit: Before 11:00 AM to avoid long queues.

🧼 Facilities : Adequate parking, toilets, and a few eateries nearby. The camp is generally clean and well-maintained.

⚠️ Things to Note While the overall experience was amazing, I did notice occasional rough handling of elephants, which was a bit uncomfortable to witness.

I would’ve appreciated more time to simply observe the elephants in a relaxed setting.

⭐ Final Verdict : If you're planning a trip to Thekkady and love elephants or cultural experiences, this is a must-visit destination. The combination of nature, wildlife, and Kerala’s rich traditions makes it a truly...

We went in around 9am, it was very crowded and there was a 2 hour wait for the ride. We stood there for 10 min and observed the activity. The elephants were old and has wounds in their back legs. They continue to keep doing this throughout the day. The elephants are crying as someone else mentioned in the review and I can vouch for that, they are pretty sad. We decided to skip the ride. Just for reference it was 500Rs per person. We went back and saw the bathing activity. I talked to someone who works there and they told me the activity where you brush and clean the animal and bathe them is closed as of now. The forest officials and doctors come in to check on the elephant health and the elephants were irritated and had wounds because they were scrubbed all day long in that activity. For 750Rs. now, the only thing you do is sit on the elephant and he will splash you with water multiple times (like 6-7times) and that gets over in 3 minutes. When I asked if the same elephant is doing this the whole day, he said they change the elephant in the afternoon, so one elephant is standing in water and half of the day he keeps splashing people multiple times.

This whole place/activities upset me a lot. I do not want to support animal abuse and cruelty. It makes me very sad that places like this exist and animals are beaten with a stick if they don't earn money for you and do as...

I recently visited the Elephant Camp in Thekkady and it was an absolute delight! Ticket price is Rs 500 per person, we enjoyed a peaceful 15-minute elephant ride through the scenic campgrounds. The rides are very comfortable and can accommodate a minimum of two and a maximum of four people per elephant, making it perfect for families or small groups.

It's important to note that the camp accepts only cash payments. However, if you find yourself without cash, there's a helpful workaround: you can arrange a UPI transfer with local taxi drivers who are often willing to provide cash in exchange.

The camp offers ample parking space, which is a huge convenience. While waiting for our turn, we were quite comfortable thanks to the thoughtfully provided shaded seating areas. The overall organization and flow of visitors were smooth, ensuring everyone had a pleasant experience without feeling rushed.

Beyond the elephant rides, there are other activities to enjoy like elephant bathing, which is a fun and interactive experience. The camp also hosts martial arts and classical dance performances, adding a cultural touch to the visit.

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a charming little chocolate shop on site. Not only can you buy delicious chocolates, but you can also watch them being made, which adds an educational twist...