HOME DESTINATIONS Thekkady
Elephant Junction: Play Time with the Gentle Giants
Make a memory of a lifetime by interacting with elephants that live in The Elephant Junction. The mahouts supervise the interactions to make sure that there is nothing to be afraid of these friendly giants.
The first human settlers in forests followed elephants to find the watering holes. Even today, travellers can see these majestic animals up close here at Thekkady. One can trek through the nearby woods to see them in their natural environment, or take a boat ride to watch them drink water from the lakes. But the Elephant Junction is a must visit for those who want to interact with these friendly giants.
Located in Attappallam, Elephant Junction is a place to visit with your family. Get a chance to bathe the elephants, and in return, get sprayed with water from their trunks! Pet them, play with the more playful ones and even feed them. For those who want to see what the world looks like for an elephant from that height, take a ride on its back to the spice plantation. Other activities within this elephant reserve include plantation visits, jungle jeep safaris, tiger trails, trekking, bamboo rafting and skywalk.
You can also learn about elephants from the mahouts. According to the mahouts, an elephant can be trained to follow 20 commands. It can raise its trunk to pose for a photograph or it can be trained to do a variety of activities. It is fascinating to watch the elephants in action at Elephant Junction.
The packages at Elephant Junction are available for varied durations. They range from 1 hour to a full day tour. Whether you're travelling with kids or with a group of friends, it's easy to find a package that will suit your needs.
Good to Know :
Location: 6 km from the Sterling resort
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: As applicable
Other Attractions
Periyar Lake: Where Elephants Come to Drink
3hrsPeriyar Lake was the preferred holiday destination of the Indian Royals for its scenic beauty. Today, it is a picturesque place for a boat ride and getting a glimpse of wildlife.
Ottakathalamedu: Cliff of the Camel 's Back
3hrsOttakathalamedu translates to ‘the cliff of the camel’s back.’ A short 4 km drive from Thekkady, the grassy cliff serves as a great viewpoint.
Bamboo Rafting: River Rafting in the Wilderness
3hrsBamboo rafting is organized by the Forest Department of Thekkady. This day-long programme begins with a hike and is a memorable adventure.
Bullock Cart: Riding a Maatu Vandi
3hrsThe gentle sway of the bullock cart, the pleasing smell of hay, the chatty driver – all come together in Thekaddy to transport you back in time.
Thekkady: Spice Garden and Ayurvedic Plantations
3hrsThekkady provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the world of plants and how they are used in medicine. If you are interested, make some time for a tour of the spice plantations.
Kalaripayattu: India's Oldest Martial Art Form
3hrsThe Kedathanadan Kalari Centre has regular shows in the ancient martial art-form of Kalaripayattu for its visitors, who come from all over the world.