A prominent riverside sanctuary in Kerala dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of elephants Originally established in 1895 to train captured wild elephants for timber work it has transitioned into a major ecotourism destination under the Kerala forest department. Main attractions are Elephant Bathing & Feeding: Visitors can witness the morning ritual where mahouts (trainers) bathe elephants in the Periyar River. Reaching the center by morning often allows for better viewing of these sessions. The center features a traditional wooden enclosure used for housing and training elephants, which serves as a significant cultural landmark of the region’s history.