Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Abhayaranyam, Ernakulam

Do you love watching jumbos playing in a patch of wilderness on the banks of a river? Then head to Abhayaranyam, a home sheltering orphaned wild animals, at Kaprikad in Ernakulam district.

The wild beauties enjoying their bath and mahouts scrubbing their grey creasy skin will surely lighten our day. Lost, hurt and abandoned baby elephants from the forest are given a home and trained for survival. Some of the jumbos are trained for safari and fitted with saddles that facilitate riding.

Viewing beauties doesn’t end at this sprawling campus of around 2.5 acres. We can also unwind at the mini park while gazing at the sambar and spotted deer amid the variety of birds.

The region is also home to a multitude of adventurous trekking trails. The place offers trekking options to Panamkuzhi Ecotourism located near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam, a mahogany plantation, bathing ghat in Periyar, tree houses, bamboo hut and many more choices.  

Earlier, the animals used to be rehabilitated at the centre at Kodanad, which is around 2 km away. When the number of animals at Kodanad swelled, it was shifted to Abhayaranyam.

An ecotourism shop functions near the entry gate of the mini zoo, from where we can buy items like sandalwood oil, lemon grass oil, etc.

To have a glimpse of the elephant training centre, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ubm1Yz-teE

Contact
DTPC Ernakulam
Ph: 91 484 2367334

Getting There
Nearest Railway Station: Angamaly, about 20 km
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 20 km