It was a Sunday, holiday for all. But being part of an organisation that is considered as essential service (power) makes it a working day for me. Need to take charge at 05 pm. The time constrain makes me think of a destination close to my work place so that I can come back on time. Thought for a moment and decided to visit Punnathur Kotta or commonly called as Anakotta. Anakotta is a 10 acre land maintained by Guruvayoor Devaswam, the managers of the famous Guruvayoor SreeKrishna temple. The kotta has around 60 elephants. Most of them are donated to the temple by the devotees. These elephants are being taken care in this kotta.
A nominal fee is collected from the visitors and this amount is used for the developmental purpose of the area. One can see elephants of all age groups here. Photography is permitted but visitors are instructed not to make any disturbance to the elephants. A large number of foreigners visit this place. They can see the feeding, bathing and various treatment techniques of the elephants here.
Inside the building one could see the various tools and tackles used.
The feeding of the elephants is quite an interesting thing to watch. There is a small feeding ground by the side of the building. Each elephant is called by their name and they along with their care taker comes and collect the same. The discipline which they are maintaining is something amazing.
This building is the place where training is given to the new elephants. The trainers had to do hard work to make the creature understand the instructions.
Separate bathing tanks are provided for the elephants.
Here’s a snap of the big bath.
Regular exercise is a must for the elephants. See this snap, the big old mammal is carrying a log for his daily exercise.
The trip was quite informative and adventurous. Next time when you see an elephant, the visuals from the Anakotta will surely come to your mind.