Destination guide
Discover Punnathur Kotta Elephant Camp
At a glance
Why this place stands out
Punnathur Kotta, or Anakkotta, is a former palace estate at Kottapadi near Guruvayur, Thrissur, now used in connection with elephants belonging to Guruvayur Temple. It combines heritage architecture, temple culture and elephant-care traditions.
Punnathur Kotta Elephant Camp is located at Kottapadi near Guruvayur in Thrissur district, Keralam. Also known as Anakkotta, or ‘Elephant Fort’, the site occupies the grounds of a former palace connected with the Punnathur rulers. Keralam Tourism and the Thrissur District Administration note that the property later came under the Guruvayur temple authorities and became associated with housing and caring for elephants belonging to the temple.
The setting combines living temple tradition with traces of an older estate. A traditional nalukettu building survives within the compound, and the broader complex reflects the important ceremonial role elephants have long played in Keralam temple festivals. Visitors generally come to observe the animals and understand this aspect of Guruvayur’s cultural landscape rather than for a conventional wildlife-safari experience.
Punnathur Kotta is only a short journey from Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, so both are easily combined. Because it is a captive-elephant care facility and operating temple property, visitor access, viewing arrangements and opening conditions may change. Travellers should follow current Devaswom rules and avoid disturbing the animals.
Nammude Keralam