Saturday morning, we set out to see kodanad, the elephant training centre. I had heard a lot about this place, so decided to drive down myself to see it. I started from kochi at 9.30 in the morning after my breakfast, which i realised should have been atleast 45 mts earlier to beat the morning traffic. I took the Alwaye-Perumbavoor route and a turn at the Kaladi Junction towards Kodanad. Though I had a hand drawn map to help me, had to stop to ask the way a couple of times, as i was not able to distinguish between the main road and the side ones. ( They all are equally narrow).
Reached Kodanad by 11. Could have done this route in an hour. And i must admit that Kodanad was a disappointment atleast to me. I had expected a whole bunch of elephants and a demonstration of the various techniques in their capture and training. Unfortunately the only person available there for interaction was the guard at the gate, who was more interested in collecting money and issuing the tickets rather than parting with any elephantine info. (Tickets Rs.2 and parking charges Rs.10)
So, had to walk around without any guide, saw four elephants in all , two baby elephants chained and engrossed in munching on palm leaves. (have seen more elephants on the roads in Kerala) . A board advertised an elephant ride for Rs.200/- for four persons, but the elephant was missing. The Kraal, or the elephant cage is on display at the entrance, but nothing exciting about it.
Reached Kodanad by 11. Could have done this route in an hour. And i must admit that Kodanad was a disappointment atleast to me. I had expected a whole bunch of elephants and a demonstration of the various techniques in their capture and training. Unfortunately the only person available there for interaction was the guard at the gate, who was more interested in collecting money and issuing the tickets rather than parting with any elephantine info. (Tickets Rs.2 and parking charges Rs.10)
So, had to walk around without any guide, saw four elephants in all , two baby elephants chained and engrossed in munching on palm leaves. (have seen more elephants on the roads in Kerala) . A board advertised an elephant ride for Rs.200/- for four persons, but the elephant was missing. The Kraal, or the elephant cage is on display at the entrance, but nothing exciting about it.
There is a mini zoo, and since they couldnt find any animals for it, filled most of the cages with monkeys. We went from one cage to another, saw monkeys, then a snake, then monkeys, then deer, then monkeys, then a cat, then monkeys, then more deer, and then more monkeys.......... (monkey business???)
Did I go there on the wrong day????
Did I go there on the wrong day????
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