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Kodanad
History and Overview of Kodanad
Kodanad, situated in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, is one of the most scenic places of the district. This is a typical village that thrives on Periyar River. One of the most interesting facts about Kodanad is that there is a huge training centre here for elephants, which makes it one of the most visited tourist spots of Kerala. In earlier days, that is, more than half a century back, the local people used to catch elephants from the forests located in the neighbouring areas. These elephants were then given special training by Paappans or the mahouts to certain activities. However, during 1970s, certain laws were formed by the Indian Government, according to which capturing elephants from forests was considered to be an illegal activity. Ever since, Kodanad Centre has only been providing training to elephants that were rescued from various situations.
As part of the eco-tourism project undertaken by the Government, Kodanad was one of the areas identified to promote the same. In 2006, a quiet, little village named Kaprikkad, quite close to Kodanad (at a distance of just 3km), was established to introduce the tourists to the most ecological ways of tourism, thereby protecting the environment in a big way.
Geographical location
Kodanad is located at about 42km from Kochi in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. This is located at 10.10 degrees towards the North and 76.31 degrees towards the East.
How to reach and local transport
Air – Cochin Airport, at a distance of 20km, is the nearest airport to Kodanad.
Rail – Aluva Railway station, at a distance of 28km, is the nearest railway station to Kodanad.
Road – There are lots of cars and taxis that ply between Aluva and Cochin to Kodanad. Government and private sector buses connect Kodanad with all the important cities within Kerala and other neighbouring states.
Local transport – Jeeps and locals buses are few of the local modes of transport available for commuting within Kodanad.
Tourist attractions and things to do
Zoo – Kodanad is famous for its small zoo that houses many elephants from all over the country. This place is also the abode of many rare wild animals.
Malayattur Church – This is a famous pilgrimage destination and the annual festival here draws lots of international and domestic tourists.
Terrific Terrain of the hills – Tourists who come to Kodanad cannot help but wonder about the mystic beauty of the hills of this place as they go trekking along this path.
Elephant Training centre – Since it is one of its kind in Kerala, the Elephant Training Centre at Kodanad is a huge crowd-puller. Kodanad Park, which is where these elephants are trained, is overcrowded by tourists at all times. Elephant safaris are offered here and international tourists seem to enjoy this experience very much. Training is given to these mammals right from the time they are infants. The places where these elephants are accommodated resemble ancient wooden homes of Kraal style. Every wooden partition contains about 4 elephants.
Things to do
Elephant Safari, trekking, wildlife-viewing and nature-walks are some of the activities that tourists can do here.
Places to eat, stay and local cuisine
There are no specific places for having food in Kodanad. The only eating joints that are available here are ice-cream parlours. It makes sense for tourists to carry some biscuits, fruits and water while they come to Kodanad as the nearest restaurant is at Ernakulam district only.
Heritage Homestay in Kodanad is one of best star accommodations here. Guests are treated like royalty and the entre experience becomes unforgettable in this resort. Riverfront Resort is another great place that is set in a remarkable ambience and offers great services to its guests. Kerala cuisine is the speciality of these resorts. Non-vegetarian foods like fish curry, mutton gravy and beef cooked in authentic Kerala spices and vegetarian food like aviyal, puttu, appam and vegetable stew are some of the must-try dishes in Kodanad.
STD, PIN and Emergency Contact Numbers of Kodanad
The STD and PIN codes of Kodanad are 0484 and 683544 respectively. Police, Fire, Ambulance and Disaster Management Services can be reached at 100, 101, 103 and 1077 respectively.
Banks, Hospitals and Tourist Office
Banks
Kodanad Service Cooperative Bank Limited,
No. 1565, Kodanad Post office, Kurichilakode,
Koovappady, Ernakulam district – 683544
Ph: 0484 2649051
Hospitals
Ayurvedic Centre, Dr. K. Ravichandran,
Mundakka Parambil, Perumbavoor, Ernakulam district – 683544
Ph: 0484 2646419
Tourist office
District Tourism Promotion Council’s Approved Tour Operator (both inbound and outbound)
DTPC Visitor Facilitation Centre, Park Avenue Road, Opposite to Rajendra Maidan,
Ernakulam district, Ph: 09048755331, 09048716716 (Mr. Faisal, Asia Tours and Travels’ Director)