Kodanad, is a beautiful riverside village situated on the southern bank of Periyar river, surrounded by the beautiful high ranges near Perumbavoor, in the Ernakulam district, State of Kerala, India. It is about 49 km away from the east of Kochi. Lush green hills and scenic locations adds to the beauty and popularity of this place. Kodanad is also regarded as one of the largest elephant training centres in Kerala. Elephant Kraal, a famous little zoo, is the prime attraction to this region and it also provides an easy access to the annually conducted festival at the Malayttoor Church. Prior to the introduction of a ban on elephant capture in Kodanad. The elephants captured from the Malayattoor forests (the forests in the North and East of Kodanad) were trained here, but now the place has been transformed to a training centre. The Church and the Zoo are situated on the banks of Periyar River, right opposite to each other.
Kodanad, is a plain rural riverside sight which attracts descent numbers of tourists and pilgrims all throughout the year. It is also popular among the documentary and film makers. Being one of the largest elephant training centres in the State, it specializes in training the aground infant elephants from the forests. Annually, around four to six baby elephants are introduced in and trained in Kodanad Park, also provides elephant safari to the tourists. The park facilitates, the old ‘Kraal’ style to house elephants, which can accommodate around four elephants, it is made of wood compartments. Recently, Kodanad has been included in the list of Ecotourism destinations by the Government of India, in order to preserve the natural beauty of the place. As a result of this step, the Kaprikkad village, was built to provide entertainment and accommodation facilities to the visitors in the most natural and environmental friendly way, it is located around 3 km away from Kodanad.
Punnathur Kotta, is another destination for elephant lovers, it is located in the neighbouring Thrissur district, which accommodates around 40 elephants of the Guruvayoor Temple.
Nearest railway station: Aluva (AWY) Railway Station around 25 km to the West of Kodanad, Ernakulam (EKM), about 45 km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 20 km away.