Kodanad lies on the southern bank of Periyar cradled
amidst the scenic beauty of the high ranges. 45 km to the north east of
the city of Cochin and 12 km to the east of Perumbavoor town, it was
once one of the largest elephant-capturing centres of South India. In
1977 the elephant capturing was illegalized and hence came to an end,
but the elephant kraal and training centre are still there intact. Now
there are six elephants in the Kodanad elephant camp out of which three
are available for riding by tourists.
These three elephants have been specially trained for safari and are
provided with saddles that have been carefully designed to make the
riding comfortable. Elders as well as kids can enjoy riding them without
any discomfort. The regal experience is certainly one, which nobody
would like to miss. A five-minute country boat ride across the Periyar
can take one to the famous Malayattoor Church. There is also a mini zoo
at Kodanad sheltering wild animals which have become unfit for survival
in the forest.
