Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary

Punnathur Kotta is a unique 11.5-acre elephant sanctuary situated 3 km from the Guruvayur Temple, within the grounds of the ancient Punnathur Raja's palace purchased by the Guruvayur Devaswom Board in 1975. All elephants here are offerings made by devotees to Lord Guruvayurappan and are trained to participate in temple rituals and festivals including Thrissur Pooram. Visitors can watch the elephants graze, bathe, and interact with mahouts. An annual race, Anayottam, determines which tusker earns the honour of carrying the Guruvayurappan idol in procession.