Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary
Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary – Where Majestic Giants Are Worshipped
Step into the land of gentle giants at the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, located in Guruvayur, near Thrissur, Kerala. Once the palace grounds of a local ruler, this sprawling 10-acre property is now home to over 50 temple elephants, cared for and trained under the blessings of Lord Guruvayurappan.
Known locally as Anakkotta (“Elephant Fort”), this sanctuary is one of the largest elephant training centers in Kerala and offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe, interact with, and learn about these magnificent animals up close — not in the wild, but as revered members of Kerala’s temple traditions.
A Sacred Home for Kerala’s Temple Elephants
The Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary belongs to the Guruvayur Devaswom, which owns and cares for elephants offered by devotees to the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. Here, elephants are trained for temple rituals, processions, and festivals such as the world-famous Thrissur Pooram.
Walking through this peaceful sanctuary, you can watch elephants being bathed, fed, or playfully interacting with their mahouts. Each elephant has a name, a story, and a deep spiritual connection — making this experience both educational and soulful.
Top Things to Do at Punnathur Kotta
Watch Elephant Rituals: Observe daily care routines — elephants being bathed, fed, and trained for temple ceremonies.
Learn About Elephant Traditions: Understand Kerala’s centuries-old bond between elephants and temple culture.
Photography: Capture stunning shots of elephants up close, surrounded by the lush greenery of the old palace grounds.
Educational Tours: Ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts to learn about elephant conservation, training, and welfare practices.
Witness Blessing Ceremonies: Lucky visitors might see elephants offering blessings to devotees during special rituals.
A Glimpse into Kerala’s Heritage
Once the royal courtyard of the Punnathur Raja, the sanctuary still retains traces of its regal past — with ancient laterite walls, traditional architecture, and temple shrines within the compound. Today, it stands as a symbol of Kerala’s cultural harmony between humans, nature, and divinity.
Unlike commercial zoos, Punnathur Kotta provides a spiritual and cultural experience, where elephants are revered, not displayed. It’s a place where compassion meets culture — and every visit helps support their care.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Punnathur Kotta is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for watching the elephants in their natural routines.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMEntry Fee: ₹10 (approx.); additional charges for photography and video cameras.
How to Reach
Location: Kottapadi, 3 km from Guruvayur Temple, Thrissur District, Kerala
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (80 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Guruvayur Railway Station (3 km)
By Road: Easily accessible via Guruvayur town by car, taxi, or local transport.
Why Visit Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary?
Witness Kerala’s largest elephant sanctuary up close
Learn about temple elephants and traditional rituals
Experience Kerala’s deep cultural and spiritual bond with elephants
Perfect for families, photographers, and cultural travelers