Three kilometres from the temple, the Devaswom keeps its elephants — 40–60 of them by reported counts — at Punnathur Kotta (Anakotta), a former palace compound that is part sanctuary, part working camp (these are the temple’s festival elephants).
Fees and hours conflict across sources (₹10–20 entry class; 8:30 AM–6 PM window band) — the honest answer is verify at the gate. Checked 02 October 2026.
The facts (as conflicting as the sources)
| Item | Reported range | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Elephant count | 40–60 | Unconfirmed |
| Distance | ~3 km from the temple | Reported |
| Entry fee | ₹10–20 class (+camera fees) | Unconfirmed |
| Hours | 8:30 AM–6 PM band | Unconfirmed |
Visiting notes
- Morning hours show feeding and bathing activity.
- No rides — the sanctuary’s elephants are temple elephants, not tourist stock.
- Pair it with the temple’s morning darshan; the sanctuary fills afternoons with tour groups.
Frequently asked questions
How many elephants?
Reported 40–60 — counts shift with festivals and health moves.
Can tourists ride the elephants?
No rides in the reporting — the sanctuary keeps working temple elephants.