Punnathurkotta Guruvayoor - Anakotta (Elephant Fort)

Once the property of Punnathur Rajas, Punnathurkotta is now allocated for elephants. This 11 acres of land is now home to more than 60 elephants. Punnathur fort was purchased by the Guruvayur Devaswom Board in 1975 to house all the elephants of the temple in a comfortable surrounding. Here, one can see majestic tuskers of different ages and sizes grazing in a lushly green garden. All the jumbos seen here are the offerings made by devotees to lord Krishna. This fort complex consists of a 500 year old palace constructed by the erstwhile local rulers. The palace was constructed according to the traditional Kerala style architecture known as ‘Nalukettu’, a style shaped by the climatic and geographical factors of the state. Nalukettu is a traditional rectangular style building with sloping roof, wooden carvings and a central courtyard opened to the sky. Those who visit Punnathur Kotta can also witness mahouts bathing and massaging the elephants with small stones and coconut husks. It is a pleasure to watch these elephants enjoying their elaborate bath.