Kodanad is a small and tranquil village in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, situated on the banks of the Periyar River.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala, especially for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. Kodanad is home to the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, a unique and fascinating place where you can witness the training and care of elephants, as well as enjoy elephant rides, safaris, and bathing. Kodanad is also a rescue centre for orphaned and injured wild animals, such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
Kodanad offers a peaceful and pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of nature and wildlife.
Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
The Kodanad Elephant Training Centre is the main attraction of Kodanad tourism, and the reason why many visitors flock to this village. The centre was established in 1950 as one of the largest elephant training centres in India, where elephants were captured from the nearby forests and trained for various purposes, such as logging, transportation, and temple festivals. The centre also served as a nursery for baby elephants, who were separated from their mothers during the capture process.
However, since 1977, the capture of wild elephants has been banned in India, and the centre has shifted its focus to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured elephants, as well as the conservation and education of the public about these majestic creatures. The centre currently houses around 15 elephants, who are well cared for by the mahouts (elephant trainers) and veterinarians. The centre also allows visitors to interact with the elephants, and offers various activities, such as:
Elephant rides: You can enjoy a thrilling and memorable ride on the back of an elephant, and explore the surrounding forest and river. The rides are available from 8 am to 5 pm, and cost Rs. 350 per person for 10 minutes.
Elephant safaris: You can also opt for a longer and more adventurous safari on an elephant, and witness the rich flora and fauna of the region. The safaris are available from 8 am to 5 pm, and cost Rs. 1500 per person for 30 minutes.
Elephant bathing: You can also participate in the bathing and grooming of the elephants, and help the mahouts wash and scrub them in the river. This is a fun and rewarding experience, where you can bond with the elephants and learn more about their habits and personalities. The bathing sessions are available from 8 am to 10 am, and cost Rs. 150 per person for 10 minutes.
Elephant feeding: You can also feed the elephants with fruits, vegetables, and other treats, and watch them munch and enjoy their food. This is a great way to show your appreciation and affection for the elephants, and make them happy and healthy. The feeding sessions are available from 8 am to 10 am, and cost Rs. 20 per person for 10 minutes.
The Kodanad Elephant Training Centre also has a museum and an information centre, where you can learn more about the history, culture, and ecology of elephants, as well as see various artefacts and exhibits related to them. The centre is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 20 per person.
Kodanad Travel Essentials
Before you plan your trip to Kodanad, here are some of the travel essentials that you need to know:
Weather:
Kodanad has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers, and mild and pleasant winters. The average temperature ranges from 23°C to 32°C throughout the year. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, and brings heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The best time to visit Kodanad is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Ideal duration:
Kodanad can be explored in a day, as it is a small and compact village, with the elephant training centre being the main attraction. However, if you want to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the place, you can also spend a night or two in one of the nearby hotels or resorts, and relax and rejuvenate yourself.
How to reach:
Kodanad is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 20 km away from Kodanad. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach Kodanad. The nearest railway station is the Aluva Railway Station, which is about 25 km away from Kodanad. You can take a taxi or a bus from the station to reach Kodanad. Kodanad is also easily accessible by road from Kochi, which is about 45 km away from Kodanad. You can take a taxi or a bus from Kochi to reach Kodanad.
Kodanad Travel Guide
Apart from the elephant training centre, Kodanad also has some other places to visit and things to do, such as:
Kodanad View Point:
Kodanad View Point is a scenic spot, located on a hilltop, overlooking the Periyar River and the surrounding forest. It offers a panoramic and breathtaking view of the landscape, and is a great place to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. You can also spot some wildlife, such as deer, monkeys, and birds, from the view point. Kodanad View Point is about 3 km away from the elephant training centre, and can be reached by a short trek or a drive.
History:
Kodanad has a rich and interesting history, dating back to the ancient times. It was once a part of the Travancore kingdom, and was a prominent trade centre and port, connecting Kerala with the rest of the world. It was also a religious and cultural hub, hosting many temples and festivals. Some of the historical monuments and sites that you can visit in Kodanad are:
St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church: This is one of the oldest churches in Kerala, built in the 9th century by the Syrian Christians, who migrated to Kodanad from Persia. The church has a beautiful architecture, with a blend of Syrian and Kerala styles, and a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The church also has a museum, where you can see various relics and artefacts related to the history and culture of the Syrian Christians.
Malayattoor Church: This is another ancient church in Kodanad, built in the 10th century by the Apostle St. Thomas, who is believed to have visited Kodanad and converted many people to Christianity. The church is located on a hilltop, and is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians. The church has a stunning architecture, with a mix of Roman and Kerala styles, and a sacred and holy ambience. The church also has a shrine, where you can see the footprints of St. Thomas, and a cave, where he is said to have prayed and meditated.
Kodanad Palace: This is a former palace of the Travancore kings, built in the 18th century, and converted into a heritage hotel and resort. The palace has a grand and elegant architecture, with a blend of colonial and Kerala styles, and a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere. The palace also has a garden, a pool, a spa, and a restaurant, where you can enjoy the royal and lavish lifestyle of the Travancore kings.
Itinerary:
Kodanad can be visited as a day trip from Kochi, or as a weekend getaway from other nearby cities. Here is a sample itinerary for a day trip to Kodanad from Kochi:
- Start your day early, and drive to Kodanad, which will take about an hour. Alternatively, you can also take a bus or a train to Aluva, and then take a taxi or a bus to Kodanad.
- Reach Kodanad by 8 am, and head to the elephant training centre, where you can enjoy the various activities, such as elephant rides, safaris, bathing, and feeding. You can also visit the museum and the information centre, and learn more about the elephants and their conservation.
- Spend about 3 to 4 hours at the elephant training centre, and then head to the Kodanad View Point, where you can enjoy the scenic and spectacular view of the river and the forest. You can also spot some wildlife, such as deer, monkeys, and birds, from the view point.
- Spend about an hour at the view point, and then head to a nearby restaurant, where you can have a delicious and authentic Kerala lunch, with dishes such as appam, stew, fish curry, and payasam.
- After lunch, you can visit some of the historical monuments and sites in Kodanad, such as the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, the Malayattoor Church, and the Kodanad Palace. You can also explore the local culture and lifestyle of the village, and interact with the friendly and hospitable people.
- Head back to Kochi by 5 pm, and end your day trip to Kodanad with a lot of memories and experiences. Alternatively, you can also spend a night or two in one of the nearby hotels or resorts, and relax and rejuvenate yourself in the serene and scenic environment of Kodanad.
Kodanad FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about Kodanad, that can help you plan your trip better:
What is Kodanad famous for?
Kodanad is famous for its elephant training centre and rescue sanctuary, where you can witness the training and care of elephants, as well as enjoy elephant rides, safaris, bathing, and feeding. Kodanad is also famous for its natural beauty and tranquility, as it is located on the banks of the Periyar River and surrounded by lush green forest.
What is not so good about Kodanad?
Kodanad is not so good for those who are looking for a lot of entertainment and nightlife options, as it is a small and quiet village, with limited facilities and amenities. Kodanad is also not so good for those who are allergic or sensitive to animals, as there may be some risk of infection or injury from the wildlife.
Who should visit Kodanad?
Kodanad is suitable for anyone who loves nature and wildlife, and wants to have a unique and fascinating experience with elephants. Kodanad is also suitable for anyone who wants to have a peaceful and pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of nature. Kodanad is ideal for families, solo travellers, couples, and groups, as it offers something for everyone.
What is the best time to visit Kodanad?
The best time to visit Kodanad is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season from June to September is also a good time to visit Kodanad, if you don’t mind the rain and the humidity, as the landscape becomes more green and vibrant, and the river becomes more lively and refreshing.
What is the best way to reach Kodanad?
The best way to reach Kodanad is by road, as it is well connected by road from Kochi, which is about 45 km away from Kodanad. You can take a taxi or a bus from Kochi to reach Kodanad. You can also reach Kodanad by air or rail, as the nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 20 km away from Kodanad, and the nearest railway station is the Aluva Railway Station, which is about 25 km away from Kodanad. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport or the station to reach Kodanad.
What are the places near Kodanad?
Some of the places near Kodanad that you can visit are:
Kochi: Kochi is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, and the commercial and cultural capital of Kerala. It is known for its colonial heritage, spice trade, art and culture, and cuisine. Some of the attractions in Kochi are the Fort Kochi, the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Chinese Fishing Nets, the Marine Drive, and the Bolgatty Palace.
Athirapally: Athirapally is a picturesque and pristine destination, known for its majestic waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. It is also known as the Niagara of India, as it boasts of the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Kerala, the Athirapally Waterfall, which cascades from a height of 80 feet into a pool of water. Some of the attractions in Athirapally are the Vazhachal Waterfall, the Thumboormuzhi Dam, the Charpa Waterfall, and the Sholayar Dam.
Munnar: Munnar is a hill station and a tea plantation paradise, known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and aromatic flora and fauna. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala, and a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Some of the attractions in Munnar are the Eravikulam National Park, the Mattupetty Dam, the Anamudi Peak, the Tea Museum, and the Echo Point.
Kodanad is a serene and scenic destination in Kerala, famous for its elephant training centre and rescue sanctuary. It is a perfect place for nature and wildlife lovers, who want to have a unique and fascinating experience with elephants. Kodanad also offers a peaceful and pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of nature. Kodanad has something for everyone, whether you are looking for adventure, culture, history, or relaxation.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Kodanad today, and enjoy the elephant sanctuary in Kerala.
