Deep within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) near Topslip, Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp serves as a vital hub for trained kumki elephants, tribal mahouts, and forest wildlife operations. Managed by local Malasar tribes under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the camp blends wildlife conservation, tribal heritage, and responsible tourism.
Why Visit Kozhikamuthi Camp?
- Meet trained kumki elephants used in rescue, conflict mitigation, and forest patrols.
- Experience authentic tribal elephant knowledge handed down through generations of Malasar mahouts.
- Witness elephant routines like bathing, feeding, and daily interaction according to seasonal schedules.
- Recognized for its standards: the camp received ISO 9001:2015 certification for safety and hygiene in 2023.
Location & Setting
- Located in the Ulanthy Range, within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu.
- Approximately 30 km from Pollachi and 45 minutes’ drive from Topslip eco-tourism lodge.
- Surrounded by dense Western Ghats forest, tribal settlements, and wildlife corridors.
Getting There
By Own Vehicle
- From Pollachi, drive to Topslip via Aliyar Check Post.
- Continue on the forest drive for ~30 minutes; road is narrow—use eco-tour vehicles or jeep.
- Kozhikamuthi Camp is ~6–8 km from Topslip internal road.
By Public Transport
- Public buses connect Pollachi with Topslip/Sethumadai.
- Near Topslip, hire an auto or shared jeep operated as part of forest tourist packages.
Entry & Booking Requirements
- Kozhikamuthi Camp is located within the core zone of ATR, hence entry is restricted and regulated.
- Visitors must go through Topslip eco-tour or forest department booking for permits.
- Booking includes:
- Forest entry pass
- Jeep safari
- Mahout-led elephant interaction
- Guides and ranger fees
Contact Anamalai Tiger Reserve—Pollachi Division for permits. Tourism offices at Topslip also facilitate bookings.
Elephant Camp Experience
- Visitors can observe morning routines: bathing, feeding with ragi-based dough, supervised by mahouts.
- Camp houses about 26 trained elephants, including celebrated kumkis such as Kaleem.
- Guests can take photos with elephants, learn about their diets, training, and the camp's role in rescue and forest work.
- Elephants roam forest areas during day and return in evening for fodder feeding.
Wildlife & Forest Drives
- The approach route and surrounding forests are rich in wildlife:
- Peacocks, wild boar, deer, Nilgiri langur, and lion-tailed macaques are commonly seen.
- Forest drives through ATR’s Ulanthy range often yield bird sightings like hornbills, Malabar barbets, and kingfishers.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Best weather for elephants and wildlife viewing.
- April–May: Some elephants are shifted to wetter zones like Varagaliyar or Chinnar due to water scarcity.
- June–September: Monsoon; access may be restricted, roads slippery, caution advised.
Facilities & Visitor Guidelines
- Facilities are basic: information board, safety instructions signages, toilets being added as proposed in 2023.
- Visitors can interact or photograph elephants, but must:
- Follow guide and mahout instructions
- Avoid feeding or touching animals without supervision
- Stay in designated zones only
Where to Stay
- Topslip Forest Lodge or Eco-Cottages: Basic forest accommodation managed by Tamil Nadu Tourism and Forest Department.
- Private Homestays in Sethumadai: Riverside resorts and cottages offer more comfort and local experiences.
- In Pollachi, hotels like Sakthi, Ambrra, or Coconut County provide upgraded stays with easy access.
Wildlife Notes & Recent Events
- A one-month-old orphaned wild elephant calf was relocated to Kozhikamuthi camp in May 2025 after rescue attempts failed.
- Due to drought in April 2024, many captive elephants were relocated temporarily to Varagaliyar, Chinnar, and Manambolly ranges for better water and fodder access.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance from Camp | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Topslip Tourist Complex | ~0–6 km | Inclusive eco-tour stay, forest drives |
| Varagaliyar Camp | ~15 km | Elephant camp and conservation area |
| **Chinnar Forest Range | ~10–15 km | Wildlife spotting and summer relocations |
| Aliyar Dam & Park | ~25 km | Boating, gardens, family picnic |
| Monkey Falls | ~30 km | Roadside waterfall on Pollachi route |
Responsible Tourism Tips
- Respect tribal culture—mahouts are from the Malasar community; observe and appreciate sensitively.
- Maintain cleanliness—no plastic, use biodegradable means.
- Avoid loud noises or rapid movements around elephants.
- Follow all safety briefings and exit instructions in case of emergencies.
- Keep your visit short and avoid crowding the camp area.
Summary
Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp is not a zoo-style attraction; it is a real-world forest elephant workshop, steeped in tribal tradition, forest safety, and conservation. A visit here means witnessing kumki elephants in their daily routines, learning mahout culture, exploring rugged forest drives, and participating in a sensitive eco-tourism model rooted in ATR’s conservation goals.
If you’re planning a trip through Pollachi–Topslip–Anamalai, carve out a morning for Kozhikamuthi—it’s not just a stop, but a silent, soulful lesson on tamed giants and their forest legacy.
