Kodanad Elephant Reserve Abhayaranyam
A serene forest reserve focused on rescuing elephants and spotted deer, offering a natural escape with beautiful riverside views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, serene atmosphere
Kodanad Elephant Reserve Abhayaranyam
Best Time
Animals are active, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene forest reserve focused on rescuing elephants and spotted deer, offering a natural escape with beautiful riverside views.
"A wonderful experience getting up close with well-cared elephants in a beautifully maintained habitat."
🎯 Arrive Early for Serenity
Beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience by visiting early in the morning. :sunrise:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on forest trails, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Elephants
Elephant Training Area
Witness elephants being cared for in a well-maintained habitat, a truly breathtaking and heartwarming experience.
Spotted Deer Enclosure
Deer Enclosure
Observe spotted deer in a naturalistic setting, offering a glimpse into their behavior and habitat.
Riverside Views
Periyar River Bank
Enjoy mesmerizing views from the children's park overlooking the river area, a perfect spot for relaxation.
Forest Trails and Bird Watching
Forest Pathways
Stroll through lush green forest pathways, ideal for a refreshing walk and bird watching.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit for a Peaceful Experience
Accessibility and Safety Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Serenity
Beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience by visiting early in the morning.
:sunrise:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on forest trails, so comfortable footwear is a must.
:athletic_shoe:👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
A children's park and open spaces make it great for families, though some safety concerns exist.
:child:💰 Affordable Entry
Entry fees are reasonable, making it an accessible nature escape.
:moneywithwings:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Serenity
Beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience by visiting early in the morning.
:sunrise:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on forest trails, so comfortable footwear is a must.
:athletic_shoe:👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
A children's park and open spaces make it great for families, though some safety concerns exist.
:child:💰 Affordable Entry
Entry fees are reasonable, making it an accessible nature escape.
:moneywithwings:📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the animals and the lush surroundings.
:camerawithflash:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kodanad Elephant Reserve Abhayaranyam is praised for its serene natural beauty, well-cared-for elephants, and refreshing forest ambiance, making it a delightful escape for nature lovers and families. While generally well-maintained and affordable, some visitors note areas for improvement in safety and accessibility for certain demographics.
"Abhayaranyam is a wonderful place to visit if you love wildlife and nature. The park is well-maintained, clean, and offers a calm atmosphere away from the city. You can see elephants, deer, and other animals living in a more natural environment compared to typical zoos. Walking through the forest pathways surrounded by greenery feels refreshing.
It’s also family-friendly, with plenty of space to walk around and learn about wildlife. Entry is affordable, and parking is available. Early mornings or evenings are the best time to visit for a pleasant experience.
Highly recommended for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing outing. 🌿🐘🦌"
AÑJitHá SurèSh
"This is a nice and beautiful place to visit and explore the beauty of nature and some animals . I enjoyed the bird watch and the voice within the area. The view from the Children park towards the river area is mesmerising. I have plenty of suggestions to improve this amazing place to bring into a popular and safer tourist spot. Need to improve the safety measures within the areas. The visitors with toddlers , pregnant women,elderly people and the disabled people will not able to enjoy this place. The authorities do not consider such people when they created this . I would say this is a place where only healthy adults can visit. Visitors need to walk long way to cover and enjoy this destination. The elephant training area is not safe for toddlers because if the parents can’t manage there can be accidents in some point. Kids can easily enter into the area and reach the elephant. Additionally the sideways at the riverside is not safe people may accidentally fall into the river because of improper safety walls. There’s no proper walkways through out the area . People who like adventure trucking can easily visit this place others are not welcome. If you look into the children’s park , there is no safety at all. The slides are not safe for kids, if they use it they hurt their bottom when reach into the ground. I would suggest to install rubber mat or some safer mat at the bottom of slides will help kids to use it safely. One slide is placed underneath the superficial soil and I believe kids may badly damage their leg bones if they use it. I did see directly that kids are afraid to use that one. There is rust on some chains and rods. I have attached some photos and videos for the reference. My only request is that consider safety of people when the authorities make something. Also consider disabled , elderly people,kids and pregnant women. Additionally, use English language into the information and sign boards everywhere for the foreigners. Can also give a leaflet at the entrance providing entire history and information for the visitors. Thank you"
Thomaskutty M A
"What a wonderful experience! Getting up close and personal with elephants was breathtaking - and a huge relief to see they were well cared for in a beautifully maintained habitat. The caregivers' passion and dedication really shone through, making the whole experience even more special. Plus, the surrounding lush green forest is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and with a small zoo and kids' park on site, it's a great spot for families - everyone will have a blast!"
Sonali Ummer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kodanad Elephant Reserve Abhayaranyam is located near Kodanad village in Ernakulam, Kerala. It's accessible by road and is relatively close to the airport.
Many visitors arrive by car or taxi.Yes, parking is available at the reserve. The parking fee for four-wheelers is around 60 INR.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a relaxing day trip to connect with nature and wildlife.
The reserve is conveniently located near the airport, making it easily accessible for travelers flying in.
While specific details on public transport are scarce, local buses might be available to Kodanad village, from where you can arrange local transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for adults is approximately 70 INR, and for children, it's around 25 INR. There might be additional charges for cameras.
Yes, it appears there are extra charges for entering with a camera. It's advisable to check the latest rates upon arrival.
Information on online ticket booking is not readily available. It's best to purchase tickets at the entrance.
The reserve is generally best visited in the early mornings or late afternoons for a pleasant experience. Specific hours are not detailed but aim for these times.
Some visitors feel the entry and parking fees are a bit high compared to similar attractions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see elephants and spotted deer in captivity, along with opportunities for bird watching.
Yes, there's a children's park and open spaces, making it family-friendly. However, some safety aspects of the park and elephant areas have been noted.
Some visitors have raised concerns about safety, particularly near the riverbanks and elephant training areas, suggesting improvements are needed.
Visitors need to walk a significant distance to explore the destination. Some areas lack proper walkways, making it more suited for adventure trekking.
The reserve offers a calm and refreshing atmosphere amidst lush greenery, providing a natural escape from the city.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering decent food and snacks for visitors.
The cafe typically offers snacks and light meals suitable for a day visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring your own food to picnic areas in such reserves.
Information on specific dietary options is not provided, but cafes in such locations usually offer vegetarian choices.
The cafe is described as having 'decent foods/snacks,' suggesting it's a convenient option for a quick bite.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors share photos and videos online.
However, there might be extra charges for cameras.The elephant enclosures, deer habitats, and the scenic riverside views offer excellent photographic opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be respectful of the animals and avoid intrusive photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife reserves and national parks. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless otherwise stated.
If you're passionate about wildlife photography, a good camera is recommended, but be aware of potential extra charges.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Lovers
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Elephants of Abhayaranyam
It's important to note that the 'father' mentioned in one TikTok video refers to a complex emotional narrative and not a literal description of the elephants' social structure within the reserve. The focus here is on providing a safe and nurturing environment for elephants, allowing them to live out their lives with dignity.
Navigating the Reserve: Trails and Accessibility
While the reserve aims to be a natural habitat, improvements in safety measures along the riverside and within the elephant training areas have been suggested. Visitors looking for an adventure might find the trekking aspects appealing, but those seeking easy accessibility might find certain parts of the reserve less accommodating. It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of walking.
Family Fun and Safety at the Children's Park
Despite these concerns, the overall atmosphere is described as family-friendly, with ample space for children to move around. The combination of wildlife viewing and recreational facilities makes it a viable option for a family outing, provided parents remain vigilant about safety.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit