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Punnathur Kotta in Kottapadi is famous for the herd of elephants that live here in service of the Guruvayoor Temple in Thrissur district of Kerala, South India. This Anakotta or elephant pound is very popular with tourists who come here to spend a day with these gentle tuskers. All these elephants belong to the Guruvayoor temple and are trained for temple-related dutues.
The Punnathur Kotta pound currently has around 64 elephants in over 10 acres of land. Many of the elephants here are ritual offerings by devotees of Lord Guruvayurappa. Devotees practice Gajapooja (Worshipping Elephants) and Anayoottu (Feeding Elephants) as an offering to Lord Ganesha. The elephant pound is managed by the Guruvayoor Devaswom and there is a small entrance fee to the pound. Here, you can watch elephants play gleefully in the water, eat the traditional food offered and get trained to perform various duties at the temple. You can also observe sick elephants being treated with traditional herbs and balms. It’s indeed a sight to relish. Children will especially enjoy spending a day in the company of these friendly animals.
The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple in Guruvayoor (just 3 Km away) also attracts thousands of pilgrims, each year. This temple was built prior to the 16th century and is said to be created by Guru-the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu-the Lord of the Winds. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is renowned for its healing powers. Weddings and 'Annaprasanam' (the first feeding ceremony of child) are commonly held at this temple. Non-hindus are not allowed entry into the Guruvayoor Temple.
History of Punnathur Kota:
According to hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is a divine elephant. Hence, elephants are considered sacred among hindus. Traditionally, it was considered a status symbol to raise elephants at home. But as families became smaller and less wealthy, it became very difficult to maintain elephants at home. So, these elephants were offered to the temple at Guruvayoor. This tradition soon evolved into the current trend where devotees give elephants as offerings to the Guruvayoor Temple.
Special attractions in and around Punnathur Kota:
- Punnathur Kotta has a naalu kettu, a traditional rectangular home with a central courtyard, which belonged to the Punnathur Raja
- Guruvayoor Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna
Best Time to Visit Punnathur Kota:
September to April
Location of Punnathur Kota:
State: Kerala
District: Thrissur
Distance from Guruvayoor – 3 Kms; Guruvayoor is 32 kms away from Thrissur
How to reach Punnathur Kota:
Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport (109 km)
Nearest railway stations: Thrissur Railway Station (32 Km)
Directions by road from nearby cities: Well-connected by buses from Thrissur
Contact:
Kerala Tourism Information Office
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram,
Tel: +91-471-2321132
Climatic Conditions:
Tropical, humid climate. The place experiences heavy monsoon rains from June to August.
Clothing:
Cottons around the year
Tourist places near Punnathur Kota:
Guruvayoor Temple, Thrissur
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