Aanakkoodu (Elephant Cages), Konni

On our way to Gavi, we learned from a local that only 30 vehicles per day were allowed to pass through the jungle. For that too, one must reach the check post early in the morning. He suggested (rather insisted) that we visit Aanakkoodu (Elephant cages) at Konni instead, which was not far from there. It did not disappoint us. The visit was a memorable one. Sprawled over a huge landscape were beautiful buildings in typical Kerala traditional architectural style, well-laid-out pathways and gardens. The majestic elephant cages and shelters stood among these, bearing a history of over 100 years. One wonders how many elephants of generations manifold were trained and nurtured here. where all they went, what festivals, carnivals and processions they took part! How many of them died in harness, killed their mahouts or were mistreated and neglected to death.

When we visited the place, the mahouts and elephants were busy doing their chores. A cute little infant elephant who got stranded in the woods the previous day was the main attraction. The mahouts and veterinarians were giving special care to it. We could only glance it through the bars. It was scared, restless and the presence of visitors did not help any better.

We went to see the other elephants. They were of different ages. Some photos.

Visitors at the infant elephant's cage

 Indrajith (17). He was swaying all the time. 

 Surendran (17). They got him from Rajanpara, Konni. He was brought here in 1999 when his mother died.

Krishna(4) taking bath.He was so obedient that the mahouts had only to say where he should spray the water and what to do.

Krishna returns to his shelter after the bath

This shelter was empty. Soman (73), a retired pensioner elephant was supposed to be occupying it.  

One can learn more about Konni Aanakkood from this Wikipedia link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konni,_India.