Anakulam: The Secret River Where Kerala’s Wild Elephants Come to Drink

There are places in this world that feel like they're whispered about rather than marked on a map. Anakulam, a serene hamlet nestled deep within the Mankulam forest division of Kerala’s Idukki district, is one such place. Its name, in Malayalam, translates to "The Elephant Pond," a title it earns with breathtaking sincerity almost every single day. This isn't a safari park or a zoo; this is a wild, untamed corner of the Sahyadri mountains where humans and elephants have shared a space in peaceful coexistence for generations.

I recently had the privilege of visiting this magical place for the fifth time, and what I witnessed was so special that I had to capture it on film. The journey itself is part of the adventure. A four-and-a-half-hour, 136-kilometer drive from Kochi transports you from the bustling city into the lush, green heart of Kerala. Alternatively, if you're coming from the popular hill station of Munnar, it's a stunning 42-kilometer drive away. As you get closer, the air changes, the forest thickens, and you can feel the anticipation building. Will they be there?

The first sight that greeted us – a full herd of elephants quenching their thirst in the cool waters of the Anakulam river.

On this particular day, we were in for a surprise. Normally, the herds descend from the forest in the evening. But as we arrived around noon, the river was already bustling with life. A large family, complete with matriarchs, young tuskers, and even tiny, newborn calves, was enjoying the stream. The reason they travel so far to this specific spot is believed to be the unique mineral and salt content in the water, which they can't find elsewhere. They come here only to drink, never to bathe, making it a truly unique natural phenomenon.

Just when we thought the scene couldn't get any more captivating, something truly rare happened. A magnificent lone tusker emerged from the dense forest and calmly walked towards the river to join the herd.

A rare and majestic sight: the lone wild tusker joins the herd, standing tall in the mineral-rich waters.

His presence was grand and majestic, yet he moved with a calm confidence that put everyone at ease. The herd accepted him without any fuss, a silent, beautiful understanding passing between these gentle giants. Watching the "King of the Forest" in his natural element, so close yet so wild, was a moment that will be etched in my memory forever.

See the Magic Unfold

Words and pictures can only convey so much. To truly share the soul-stirring experience of being there, I have created a video of our day at Anakulam. I’ve posted it in both English and Malayalam versions so everyone can enjoy this incredible story.

Where Wild Elephants Gather: A Natural Miracle in Anakulam, Kerala

ആനക്കുളം: കാടിറങ്ങി വന്ന ആനക്കൂട്ടവും ഒറ്റയാൻ കൊമ്പനും!

A Family Gathering

As you see in the videos, this is more than just a watering hole; it's a community center. We watched for hours as the calves, protected by a circle of mothers and aunts, played joyfully in the water. They’d spray each other with their trunks, chase one another, and stumble around with an innocence that was incredibly heartwarming. The strong family bonds and the gentle way they care for each other is a powerful lesson from the natural world.

A wider view of the family gathering, showing just how many elephants had come down to the river that day.

As the afternoon sun began to soften, the herd slowly moved from the river to an adjacent grassy meadow. Bathed in the golden light of the evening, the scene transformed into a living painting. The deep greens of the forest, the vibrant green of the meadow, and the magnificent silhouettes of the elephants created a breathtaking panorama.

The herd grazing peacefully on the meadow in the golden evening light before their return to the forest.

A Note on Responsible Tourism

For nearly three hours, they graced us with their presence before melting back into the forest one by one, with the great tusker being the last to leave, as if ensuring his family was safely on their way. An experience like this comes with a responsibility. We are visitors in their home. It is crucial to maintain a safe distance, to remain quiet, and to never do anything to disturb them. Let's ensure that Anakulam remains a sanctuary where these animals feel safe for generations to come.

Anakulam gifted us a day of pure magic. If you are a lover of wildlife and raw, untouched nature, I cannot recommend this journey enough.

How to Get to Anakulam

Planning your own trip? I've created a custom Google Maps link for the best route from Kochi.

Directions to Anakulam from Kochi:

This is the shortest and most car-friendly route from Kochi to Anakulam in Mangulam Taluk. While Google Maps suggests other longer or off-road routes, this one is easily accessible even by regular cars.