Punnathur Kotta — Attraction in Kerala

Punnathur Kotta isn’t just an elephant camp—it's a living tapestry of Kerala’s royal history, wildlife heritage, and spiritual practices. Ideal for families, culture lovers, and nature enthusiasts, this serene sanctuary offers an exquisite slice of devotion, tradition, and majestic beauty just steps from Guruvayur Temple.

Former palace turned elephant sanctuary – Originally the royal palace (kotta) of the Punnathur raja in Kottapadi, it was taken over by the Guruvayur Devaswom Board in June 1975 and converted into an elephant camp .

It houses a naalu kettu (traditional Kerala-style building) once used by royalty and now serves as a training center for mahouts .

🐘 Elephant Population & Care

One of the largest captive Asian‑elephant camps globally, home to around 50–60 elephants (historically between 37–86, current figures vary) .

Elephants here are devotee‑donated to Guruvayurappan and trained for temple duties and major festivals like Thrissur Pooram .

Legendary elephants including Guruvayur Kesavan and Ramachandran lived here; Kesavan’s statue still adorns Guruvayur temple .

🎨 Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Elephants play a deep religious role, participating in daily rituals and processions .

Sanctified ceremonies like Gaja Pooja (elephant worship) and Anayoottu (feeding) are held regularly .

The setting is used for film shoots, notably Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha starring Mammootty .

ℹ️ Visiting Info

Feature Details

Distance ~2–3 km from Guruvayur Temple, in Kottapadi village Timings Around 9 AM–5 PM (some sources mention 8–6 PM); best seen in the morning Entry Fee ₹10–20 for adults; ₹25 for camera (policy varies; cameras may be restricted now) Area Covered ~9–11 acres with shaded palms and open spaces

🌟 Visitor Highlights

Elephant bathing & feeding time – Enthralling sight of mahouts at work .

Observe elephant training for temple rituals – Learn about their care and routines .

Walk scenic grounds with traditional architecture, lush trees, and shaded aisles .

Photography – Picturesque backdrop of heritage buildings and majestic elephants (camera policies vary) .

✅ Tips for Visitors

Go early (8–9 AM) to catch bathing and feeding rituals.

Check camera rules on-site—sometimes restricted.

Wear comfortable shoes—grounds are natural and shaded.

Allow 1–2 hours for a full relaxed visit.

Combine with a visit to Guruvayur Temple—easy walk or short auto/jeep ride...

Punnathur Kotta, located in Guruvayoor, Kerala, is a remarkable and unique destination that holds the distinction of being one of the largest Elephant treatment centers in the state. This facility is a sanctuary for these majestic creatures and offers a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages.

The most striking feature of Punnathur Kotta is its resident elephants. The center is home to a substantial number of elephants, and they are not just any elephants; they are magnificent and beautifully cared for. These gentle giants are a source of wonder and awe, especially for children, who often have a deep fascination for these incredible animals.

Visiting Punnathur Kotta is a rare opportunity to experience elephants up close. Visitors can observe and even interact with these pachyderms in a safe and controlled environment. This unique experience allows for a deeper understanding of these animals, their behavior, and their role in Kerala's culture.

Beyond the sheer awe of the elephants, the surroundings of Punnathur Kotta are picturesque, with lush greenery and well-maintained grounds, creating a serene and enjoyable atmosphere for families and tourists alike. The entire complex is beautifully designed and maintained, making it a pleasant place to spend time.

The love for elephants and the dedication to their well-being is evident at this center. The staff at Punnathur Kotta are knowledgeable and passionate about the animals, and they often share insights about the elephants, their care, and their role in the local culture.

In conclusion, Punnathur Kotta in Guruvayoor is not only one of the largest Elephant treatment centers in Kerala but also a place that offers a unique and enriching experience. It is a destination where the beauty and majesty of elephants come together with education and a deep appreciation for these incredible animals. This center is a perfect place for families and animal enthusiasts to get up close and personal with elephants in a setting that promotes their well-being and...

Famous For: Elephant sanctuary, Shiva temple, vibrant greeneryEntrance Fee: The charges are very nominal for visiting the elephant camp. Entry charges per adult are only Rs. 10. It costs Rs. 25 for using a camera.Visiting Time: The time for visiting the camp is fixed at 0830 – 1800 hours.Visiting Duration: The entire trip dos not take longer than 3-4 hours.

Punnathur Kotta, is a fine example why Kerala is called the “Land of Elephants”. Sprawling over 11.5 acres and surrounded by green foliage, it is a very beautiful place. Its prime attractions are the jumbo elephants; around 60 of them are kept and taken care of here. The playing elephant along with the scenic surrounding paints a very awe-inspiring and magical picture. Seeing the cute little elephants running around and splashing water at each other is a sight you definitely don’t want to miss. The male elephants are trained here for various religious processions that take place throughout the year. You might even get a chance to watch the ginormous bull elephants being trained for their duties.

The weather here is usually hot and humid. It is suggested you wear light cotton clothes.There is a lot of walking around here, so come equipped with comfortable shoes.People have religious sentiments attached to the elephants, so it is not a good idea to disrespect them in any way.The weather here is usually hot and humid. It is suggested you wear light cotton clothes.There is a lot of walking around here, so come equipped with comfortable shoes.People have religious sentiments attached to the elephants, so it is not a good idea to disrespect...