Punnathur Kotta

Punnathur Kotta is a fort and former palace situated in Kottapadi, around 2 kilometers from the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, in the Thrissur District of Kerala State. Punnathurkotta was once a local ruler’s palace, but now the palace grounds are used to house the elephants belonging to the temple of Guruvayoor and are called Anakkotta (meaning ‘Elephant Fort’).

From Palace Grounds to Elephant Sanctuary

The palace complex, which includes a traditional naalu kettu (Kerala-style mansion), is now used as a training school for mahouts and also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagavathy. The main attraction here, however, is the elephants—around 50–60 of them—donated by devotees to serve Lord Guruvayurappan. These elephants are trained for temple rituals, processions, and grand festivals such as Thrissur Pooram, where they form an integral part of Kerala’s cultural spectacle.

Over the years, the sanctuary has also gained fame as the home of legendary temple elephants like Guruvayur Kesavan and Ramachandran, whose legacy continues to draw visitors. The grounds have even featured in popular Malayalam films, including the classic Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha.

Visitor Information

Visitors to Punnathur Kotta can watch elephants being bathed, fed, or trained, and stroll through the lush greenery surrounding the heritage structures. The sanctuary is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an entry fee of around INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children. Camera usage is restricted, so it is advisable to confirm the rules on-site. The best time to visit is in the morning, when elephants are most active, and the cooler weather adds to the experience.