Nestled just 3 kilometers away from the famous Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur district lies Punnathur Kotta, also known as Anakkotta, which literally means “Elephant Fort.” This unique destination beautifully combines Kerala’s royal history with its enduring love for elephants and temple traditions.
Once the palace of the Punnathur Raja, this 11.5-acre fort has now been transformed into an elephant sanctuary that houses temple elephants belonging to the Guruvayur Devaswom. At its peak, Punnathur Kotta cared for over 80 elephants; today, you can still find around 37 majestic elephants here, each donated by devotees as an offering to Lord Guruvayurappa.
What makes Punnathur Kotta special is that it’s not just a sanctuary but a living example of Kerala’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. Here, the elephants are trained for temple rituals and grand festivals like Thrissur Pooram. Visitors can witness daily routines such as bathing and feeding, along with unique rituals like Gajapooja (elephant worship) and Aanayoottu (elephant feeding ceremony).
The property still retains its royal charm with the original naalukettu (traditional quadrangular palace structure) and small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagavathy. Punnathur Kotta is also a training center for mahouts, ensuring that these gentle giants receive proper care from skilled handlers.
July is an especially interesting time to visit, as the elephants are given Ayurvedic treatments to help them stay healthy and fit for the festivals ahead. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for a visit, as the elephants are more active and the weather is pleasant.
Visitor Information
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Location: 3 km from Guruvayur Temple, Kottapadi, Thrissur, Kerala
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Entry Fee: ₹20 per adult
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Mobile Camera Fee: ₹30
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Best Time to Visit: October to March; July for Ayurvedic treatment season
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Timings: Generally open from morning till evening
A trip to Guruvayur is incomplete without witnessing the grandeur of Punnathur Kotta. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, history buff, or someone seeking a glimpse into Kerala’s spiritual side, this Elephant Fort is sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
