Elephant Junction, located in Thekkady, offers a heartwarming experience with elephants in Kerala's lush settings. This unique place lets you ride, bathe, and learn about elephants in a way that respects their natural behaviour. It is situated near Kumily, making it a perfect addition to your Thekkady visit. The activities are designed for all, whether you are a family with kids or a group of friends looking for adventure.
Here, you will get to feed these gentle giants, understand their daily routines, and even capture these moments with them. The guides are knowledgeable, sharing insights into elephant conservation and the importance of ethical interactions. Elephant Junction also offers an educational journey into the lives of elephants, promoting wildlife conservation. With various packages, from short visits to full-day adventures, it is a place where memories are made and awareness is raised.
Highlights
• Visit Elephant Junction in Thekkady and enjoy a ride atop these gentle giants through lush forests, seeing the region’s natural beauty from a unique vantage point.
• Enjoy a unique chance to bathe these majestic creatures, creating a memorable bonding experience.
• Talk to the mahouts and learn about the habits of elephants here, including how they communicate, enhancing your understanding.
• Participate in feeding sessions, offering a direct way to connect and care for the elephants.
• Discover the importance of conservation through interactive tours, highlighting the need to protect these animals.
How To Reach
By Road:
Elephant Junction is located in Kumily, around 3.9 kilometres from Thekkady city centre. To get to this destination, you can enjoy a local bus or taxi ride and get to Kumily, which will take around 10 to 15 minutes. Upon reaching Kumily, you can either continue the taxi ride or avail an auto-rickshaw or tuk-tuk ride to the Elephant Junction. This journey will take you around 5 to 7 minutes. Alternatively, you can also choose to walk or rent a bicycle or scooter to get to the destination for a more unique experience.
Best Time To Visit
Elephant Junction in Thekkady is open to visitors throughout the year, offering a unique experience in any season.
Best Season:
The cooler months from September to March are ideal, as the cool and pleasant weather enhances the outdoor activities with the elephants, making interactions more enjoyable.
Best Day in the Week:
Weekdays provide a quieter setting, allowing for more personal interactions and less waiting time, making your visit more intimate and rewarding.
Best Time of the Day:
Early mornings are recommended, as the cooler temperatures make the activities more comfortable for both visitors and elephants, ensuring a serene start to the day.
Other Essential Information
- Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet or dirty during elephant bathing sessions.
- Secure your spot by booking activities ahead, especially during the peak season, to avoid disappointment.
- Pay close attention to the mahouts' instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience with the elephants.
- Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects by applying repellent.
- Carry water bottles to stay hydrated during your adventure in the outdoors.
- Maintain a respectful distance and treat the elephants with the kindness they deserve.
- Bring your camera for unforgettable photos, however, always ask where it is appropriate to use it.
- Opt for sturdy shoes for walking around the sanctuary and participating in activities.
Go on Elephant Rides Through the Jungle
Embark on an elephant ride that takes you through the dense and untouched paths of Thekkady’s jungles at Elephant Junction. Feel the gentle rhythm as these majestic creatures navigate the landscapes with ease. This ride offers a unique vantage point to observe wildlife. It also allows you to experience the forest's tranquillity, disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the world. It is a journey back in time, reminding us of ancient travel modes, where the bond between humans and elephants was essential for exploration.
Enjoy Interactive Bathing Sessions
Participate in a bathing ritual that is as enriching for the elephants as it is for you. Under the guidance of the mahouts, you are invited into the river to wash and scrub these magnificent giants. This interaction is a unique moment of trust and playfulness. Witnessing their enjoyment as water flows over their massive bodies, you realise the significance of care and respect in the human-animal bond.
Indulge in a Feeding and Bonding Tim
Feeding time at Elephant Junction is a heartwarming opportunity to connect with elephants. By offering them their favourite snacks like bananas and sugarcane, you contribute to their daily routine and learn about their dietary habits. This hands-on experience provides insight into their gentle nature as they carefully pick up food with their trunks. This activity highlights the importance of conservation and the ethical treatment of these incredible animals.
Experience the Elephant Shower
Prepare for a memorable moment as you stand before these giants and receive a gentle, trunk-delivered shower. This unique 'shower' cools you down and also demonstrates the playful side of these giants. It is a moment of pure joy, a break from the ordinary that brings smiles and laughter. This interaction emphasises the intelligence and friendly nature of elephants, leaving a lasting impression of your time spent at Elephant Junction.
