Carmelagiri Elephant Park, located just 5 km from Munnar in Kerala, is a popular destination for elephant rides and interactions in the picturesque Western Ghats. Surrounded by tea plantations and lush green hills, the park offers short elephant safaris, feeding sessions, and photo opportunities, making it a unique stop for families and wildlife lovers alike.
Why Visit Carmelagiri?
- Enjoy short elephant rides (10–20 minutes) through hilly trails.
- Get up close with elephants—participate in feeding and supervised bathing.
- Learn about elephant care from trained mahouts.
- Safe, well-maintained environment suitable for all ages.
Location & How to Reach
Address: Mattupetty Road, 5 km from Munnar Town, Idukki District, Kerala.
- By Road: Easily accessible via local taxis or private vehicles from Munnar.
- Public Transport: Regular buses from Munnar to Mattupetty or Top Station. Get off near the park entrance.
- Nearest Railway Station: Aluva (approx. 110 km)
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (approx. 110 km)
Entry, Timings & Fare Details
- Open: Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ticket Pricing:
- Adults and Children (above 5 years): ₹700 per person
- Photography Fee: ₹300 (selfies not allowed)
- Pineapple Feeding (per basket): Additional fee (inquire on site)
- Elephant Rides: Included with token system, wait times apply
Visitor Tip: A family of four may spend approximately ₹3000 in total, including all activities and photo options. While considered slightly costly, the experience is memorable, especially for children.
Entrance and Parking
- Ample parking is available for around 50 vehicles
- Parking spaces are available both at the top and bottom zones near the entrance
What to Expect
- Elephant Rides: Ride on trained elephants with a mahout guide through scenic trails.
- Feeding Sessions: Feed elephants with fruit baskets (available for purchase).
- Photo Opportunities: Professional photography services available; no selfies permitted.
- Safe Environment: Clean and organized space with clear safety guidelines.
- Token System: Visitors are issued tokens; be prepared for some waiting time during peak hours.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Season: October to March (cool and dry)
- Avoid Monsoons: June to September may have muddy trails and limited activity.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mattupetty Dam | 3 km | Boating and dam views |
| Eravikulam National Park | 10 km | Wildlife spotting (Nilgiri Tahr) |
| Tea Museum, Munnar | 5 km | Tea plantation history and tasting |
| Top Station | 12 km | Panoramic views of the Western Ghats |
Visitor Guidelines
- Follow instructions provided by staff and mahouts.
- Do not tease or disturb the animals.
- Avoid loud noises and flash photography.
- Stay within designated visitor areas.
- Carry drinking water; the area can get warm during midday.
Is It Ethical?
While Carmelagiri Elephant Park is a tourist facility, it maintains cleanliness and ensures the elephants are treated well. Still, it is not a wildlife sanctuary. Visitors who are ethically conscious should inquire about the park’s training practices and health care standards before participating.
Conclusion
Carmelagiri Elephant Park is a top-rated tourist experience in Munnar, especially for families and first-time visitors who want to interact with elephants in a safe, scenic environment. From short safaris to feeding and photography, the park delivers a curated, memorable wildlife encounter in Kerala’s highlands.
