Punnathurkotta elephant camp

Punnathurkotta is located at 3km distance from the famous Guruvayoor temple. Now it is known as ‘Anakotta’ (elephant fort). The visiting time is from 8am to 6pm and a nominal entry fee is applicable. The fort spread across 11.5 acres and belonged to the local ruler ‘Punnathur Raja’. It is now used to house the 51 elephants of Guruvayoor temple which were offered to Lord Guruvayurappan by devotees. These jumbos are trained and used in rituals in the temples in the vicinity. ‘Anayoottu’ (feeding elephants) and ‘Gajapooja’ (worshipping elephants) are conducted here once in a year as an offering to Lord Ganesha. Different variety of food is prepared on the Anayootu day and most special is Jaggery and fruits for the elephants. Large crowd forms here in festive season to watch the black beauties. A concrete road is made inside the fort so that visitors can roam around easily. The history of this sanctuary is rich in stories and incidents related to many elephants. Guruvayoor Kesavan (Gajarajan) was renowned as the king of inhabitant elephants of this fort and he is still alive in the memories of elephant lovers. His mammoth size, intelligence and devotion to Lord were the reasons of declaring him as the Gajarajan. 82 years aged ‘Ramachandran’ is the oldest elephant present in the Anakotta. The compound has a ‘Nalukettu’ (rectangular home with central courtyard) and it is now used as a training centre for mahouts. An old temple is located inside which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagavathy. Many parts of the fort are pictured in the famous Malayalam movie called ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’. The whole sanctuary is an amazing place for visitors as they get a chance to understand and closely watch the giants on earth.

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