Kodanad Elephant Training Centre is one of the oldest training centres located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It can be found in the riverside village of Kaprikad. Since 1895, the centre has been capturing and training elephants from the Malayatoor forest. However, due to stricter regulations regarding elephant capture, they stopped capturing elephants and continued solely as a training centre for these majestic animals.
In 2011, the training centre was relocated to a newly constructed Abhayaranyam zoo because the previous location had limited space for the animals. This new location is situated 3 kilometers away. It is Kerala’s largest and most popular elephant training centre, attracting a larger number of visitors every day.
Elephants are a vital part of Kerala’s culture, holding a special place in the hearts of the people. When you visit this place, you can observe elephants being bathed and fed, witness their various activities and daily routines. Additionally, you can see experienced mahouts, known as “pappan’s,” tending to the elephants and watch how these majestic creatures obediently respond to their commands.
This place isn’t just a sanctuary for elephants; it also features a deer park where you can observe many deer. As you enter, there’s a beautifully maintained butterfly garden teeming with a variety of butterflies. The abundant trees and colorful flowers create a friendly and welcoming environment.
Timings
You can visit the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre during the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, from Sunday to Saturday. Please keep in mind that the centre is closed on Mondays.
By Air
The nearest airport to visit the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre is Cochin International Airport, located 20 kilometers away.
By Train
Angamaly railway station is the closest railway station to the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, located 20.5 kilometers away. Another nearby option is Aluva railway station, situated 25 kilometers away.
By Bus
Angamaly is the closest major town to the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre. To get there, you can catch a bus from Ernakulam to Angamaly. Once you’re in Angamaly, you can easily find local buses that will take you to the training centre.
