Elephant Rehabilitation park - a travel diary

From ancient days elephants have been an important part of the history and tradition of Kerala. 

It’s not a fairy tale but I want you to take through the visuals that I come across at Elephant Rehabilitation Centre located at Kottur.

The morning sun in its childish drive lures myriad figures in the water reservoir with the black majesties having their grand bath – Both big and the small.

My son Abhinav standing behind the mammal with a prehensile trunk. 

It's always fun to visit multiple locations on one trip, but I think it also actually depends on the ages of those on holiday. As a child, I loved spending time in one vacation spot, getting attached to the location, becoming comfortable, and feeling as though I were at home. 

This is something I would like for my children to experience.

Have you ever seen an elephant bathing in a lush forest? 

Some of them joyfully get into the water reservoir for getting their tough skin scrubbed. Peace loving mammals!

Me with my wife Aswathy on the jungle paradise!

My kids Abhinav & Akshitha near the little ones. 

Teaching children about the natural world and loving animals should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.

The place felt very diplomatic and quiet and we can roam around the area. 

Edged by the water of Neyyar reservoir and humid forest and lot of green lands this Centre spread over 56 hectares to keep the wild animals. 

The rehabilitation centre is like an orphanage home for elephants and the unique highlight is the freedom to roam in protected areas. 

The ideal time to visit is between 9:30 am and 11:30 am when the mammals are bathed and fed. Watching the gentle giants is spectacular and one can give a helping hand in rubbing the tough skin with a green coconut shell.

Its quite amazing to see the mahouts feeding the elephants in the share of balls. It’s an ideal place to observe the behavior of the giants especially for students and researchers. 

The journey through bamboo rafts through the reservoir was awesome!

A snap of my kids from the park. We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth and animals. 

These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children’s memories, the adventures we’ve had together in nature will always exist. 

How to reach ?

Trivandrum central railway station is about 35 kms and International Airport is about 40 kms from the rehabilitation centre.

The jungle is absolutely a paradise for children!