The Bliss of Spotting an Elephant While Going to Munnar

Who doesn’t love elephants? The mighty creatures with their giant tusks and flapping huge ears are indeed a sight. They play a great role in preserving the ecological balance and have been seen as the greatest symbol of power, memory, and intelligence. From religion to tourism, elephants are an important part of the human race. One of the best parts of driving through the curvy roads of Munnar is elephant sightings.

A Glimpse into Munnar’s Elephant History and Forest Decline

The dense, deep jungles of Munnar had a huge population of elephants. We were all amused with how the elephants started strolling through the roads all over Munnar during the absence of humans in the lockdown. As a consequence of British rule, large parts of the forests were cut down for timber, and elephants were hunted for ivory and skin. The remaining creatures, deprived of their habitat, started to wander onto newly built roads and into human settlements. Though the government brought in initiatives to curb the destruction of forests and the slaughter of these innocent beings, severe damage was already done.

Revival Through Conservation Efforts in Munnar

Now, with environmental conservation activities by the government, NGOs, and local people, the elephant population is stabilizing. There are numerous spots in and near Munnar where you can enjoy the grandeur of these marvelous creatures. Mankulam, Mattupetty, and Chinnar are well-known routes for elephant sightings. If you are lucky enough, you may witness a herd of elephants grazing through the meadows in the lower plains.

Best Time for Wild Elephant Sightings in Munnar

Elephants usually barge out of the woods during summer. From March to May, when the scorching heat may have dried out jungle streams, they come out in search of water. Anakulam, a pond near Munnar, is a known spot where elephants come to drink water. You can see water bubbling up from the bottom amidst clear pebbles. The mystery behind this phenomenon is yet to be fully understood, though it's guessed that some sort of underground stream feeds it.

Popular Places to Spot Elephants in Munnar

You can also spot elephants while traveling to Suryanelli from Munnar. For more elephant interaction, you can visit Carmelagiri Elephant Park in Munnar, where you can enjoy elephant back rides. There's an “elephant arrival spot” located 18 kilometers from Munnar on the way to Top Station. As you travel from Marayur to Udumalpettu, there's a high chance of spotting elephants and other wild animals.

Meet Padayappa: Munnar’s Most Famous Wild Elephant

The most famous elephant in Munnar is referred to by locals as ‘Padayappa’, named after the superstar Rajnikanth. With mammoth tusks and a giant body, Padayappa is often seen roaming the streets of Munnar. Despite his size, he is known for his gentle nature. There are only a few instances where he has damaged human property. Padayappa, fond of fruits and cooked food, is now cared for and often fed by the locals.

Note: One thing to note is that elephants never attack humans without provocation. So, even if you spot an elephant near your vehicle, never chase it, flash lights in its eyes, or make loud noises.