Elephant Camp

About this place

The Elephant Camp is placed at a distance of 3 kms from the Guruvayurappan Temple at a place called Punnathur Kotta. This elephant camp is the largest of its kind in India. It used to belong to the kings of Punnathur. The sanctuary covers an area of 10 acre and gives shelter to around 60 elephants. The elephants of this camp are in fact offerings made by pilgrims to the Guruvayurappan Temple. The famous tuskers Guruvayur Padmanabhan and Guruvayur Kesavan are products of this elephant sanctuary. These famous elephants attract a huge crowd. They serve during festivals and processions of the temples carrying deities. Moreover, the elephants in the camp also take part in elephant race conducted by the temple authorities. These races, called Anayottam, are held to select the tuskers that will be privileged to carry the Guruvayurappan Idol.