Kodanad is a beautiful rural riverside village and a popular day picnic spot in Ernakulam district with a major elephant rescue and care centre. Kodanad is situated on the south bank of river Periyar, about 42 kilometers east of Kochi in the Kerala state.Kodanad is known for its 'Elephant Kraal', elephant rescue centre, mini zoo and its access via river boats to the seasonal pilgrimage centre of Malayattoor church, both placed opposite on banks of the Periyar river with stunning unspoilt and rustic views. Kodanad's various riverside locality attracts visitors, film crews, foreign tourists all around the year. There are many walkways alongside the river and they offer a unique experience to the visitors.
Kodanad is one of the largest elephant training centres in Kerala specialised for rescuing and training stranded baby elephants from the forest regions across Kerala. Muthanga in Wayanad district and Konni in Pathanamthitta district are two other centres. Kodanad also offers elephant safari to visitors. Another spot for elephant lovers is Punnathur kotta, of neighbouring Thrissur district, where 64 elephants of the Guruvayoor temple are groomed.( we will post an article on Punnathur kotta later)
A decent number of people turn up at the center simply to watch the baby elephants in their infancy. Kodanad is one of the important places in the tourist map of Kerala and is included in the list of Ecotourism destinations.Visit this camp in off season early morning before 8am is the best timing.By the river watching the big elephant getting a bath is beautyful. When the baby elephants playing with their care takers till those washing them, and how they enjoying being in the water is amazing. After their bath you can take pictures with them and can touch them.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam, 30 kms and Aluva about 25km away from Kodanad.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport,18 km from Kodanad.
