The Great Elephant March Festival in Kerala

About The Great Elephant March

This is a four day tourism fair with a colourful march of 101 elephants. During January 17 to 20, the elephants decorated with bright colours and jewels, march from Thrissur to Thiruvananthapuram via Kochi and Alappuzha. The Great Elephant March is the greatest feat- a big time gathering of Indian tuskers set about a trip around Kerala- all decked up and ready to be worshipped and pampered by devotees and onlookers who choose to keep the elephants satiated since that according to their popular belief, keeps the Lord of wealth and wish fulfillment- Lord Ganesha satisfied. Incidentally, the Lord Ganesha has the head of an elephant. However, the Great Elephant March has little or no religious significance behind it. It is by and large an attempt to boost tourism and to attract foreign tourists who have quite a fad for Indian festivals and rituals. A hundred and one tuskers, gloriously bedecked with glittering gold nettipattams or frontlets, stand proud and stately in the Tekkinkadu maidan. Their mahouts are atop, rising brilliantly coloured parasols in a mock staging of the great Pooram festival. The changing of parasols is a ritual known as kudamattom performed to the hypnotic rhythm of the pancharimelam, a traditional form of musical accompaniment.

The march begins in Trichur Thekkinkadu grounds and ends in Thiruvananthapuram. The march begins with a magnificent array of elegantly caparisoned Tuskers standing tall with their mahouts. You can feed the elephants while the traditional ‘Melam’ (Kerala orchestra) plays on traditional pieces. After the ritual feeding and folk dance performance, it is time for you to enjoy a sumptuous traditional Keralian lunch. After lunch you can enjoy an exciting ride atop the elephants at the Thekkinkadu grounds. The inaugural day usually comes to end with splendid safaris.

On the second day of the march the caravan reaches Cochin. Visit the old city or take a cruise on the emerald backwaters. Or take a walk down the Cochin Marine Drive.The next stop on the great march is Alleppey a major backwater destination in Kerala. Take a trip down the narrow manmade canals on local country boats or rice boats. Visit the coir industry and see how rope is churned out or coir. You can also purchase show pieces made of coir for home.On the fourth day, the Elephant pageantry is held at Trivandrum. Here tourists will have an occasion to witness Kerala’s folk art forms and its ancient martial art display, Kalaripayattu. The grand finale is at Kovalam Beach. It concludes with the seaside barbecue.

The grand finale of the march is to be at Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, the state capital. Spend the day as you wish- visit the Kovalam Beach or the Ranganathaswamy Temple. In the evening experience the Great Elephant Show arranged in a typical rural ambience. The show recreates the fabled Thrissur Pooram festival, which celebrates the friendly rivalry between two temple factions. A cultural program follows featuring martial arts, dances with the mesmerising crescendo of Panchavadyam. It is at Trivandrum that your elephant pals bid you adieu with a salute leaving you to indulge in a seaside barbecue and fireworks display.

Interesting things to Visit

The Shakthan Thampuran Palace
The Shakthan Thampuran Palace, also known as Vadakkekara Palace was constructed by the great ruler of Cochin, Shakthan Thampuran and rebuilt in 1795 by Sri. Ramavarma Thampuran. The style of architecture bears considerable Dutch influences.

Anakkayam
Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake.

Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam)
North of Thrissur, 29km away near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form.

Vadakkumnathan Temple
This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. ’ Thrissur Pooram ’ the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April -May every year.

Art Museum
Within the zoo compound is the small Art Museum which has a good collection of wood carvings metal sculptures, Kathakali figures, and ancient jewellery. There is also a wonderful collection of traditional Kerala lamps.

The Church of Our Lady of Dolors
The Church of Our Lady of Dolors, Thrissur is also known as the New Church and is the biggest church in South Asia.

Sri. Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple
The ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.

Veli lagoon
Veli lagoon The boat club attracts tourists by providing facilities for pedal boating , row boating , swimming on the placid waters of the veli lake.

Aruvikkara
Aruvikkara 16 km. It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot. On the banks of the Karamana river, this spot houses a Bhagavathy temple with a water fall nearby. A Stream with fishes which come up to be fed by visitors is another attraction.

Ponmudi
61 km. A beautiful hill station away from the city. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience.

Kovalam
Kovalam beach is only 16 km away from the city. This unique wonderful beach will get pride of place amongst the loveliest beaches in the world. It is a sheltered bay and is endowed with unusual natural beauty.

Sankumukham Beach
The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water here, however, is not suitable for bathing.

Veli Tourist Village
A large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and watersports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel.

Public Park
Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions, like Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The Zoo is open from 09.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. The observatory on the Observatory Hill is also located in the Public Park.

Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, the land’s end of India is only 87kms from Trivandrum. Also known as Cape Comorin, this beautiful spot is in the neighbouring Tamilnadu state.

Varkala
Varkala is a pilgrim centre for the devotees of Sree Narayana Guru, one of the patron saints of Kerala, whose motto was “One God, One Religion, One Caste”. It is only 51kms from Trivandrum by road and also boasts of one of the best beaches in the State.

Vizhinjam
Vizhinjam About 2kms south of Kovalam, it is believed to be an ancient port. The Dutch and Portugese had commercial establishments here. It is being developed as a modern fishing harbour.

Peechi Dam
Peechi Dam, 23km fromThrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Archeological & Art Museum at Thrissur
The Archeological & Art Museum at Thrissur is a depository of graceful stone sculptures, antique jewelry and intricately carved wooden handicrafts.

Thrissur Zoo
Thrissur Zoo houses a number of wildlife animals and attracts locals and tourists alike.

Punnathur Kotta
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is ‘Punnathur Kotta’, the place where the temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else can so many elephants be seen at any one time.

Kerala Sahitya Academy
Kerala Sahitya Academy in collaboration with the Kendriya Sahitya Academy in New Delhi aims at encouraging Malayalam language and promoting its literature especially to the younger generations.

Guruvayur (Pilgrim Centre)
Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrim tripto Guruvayur, 32km away. It is among India’smost important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th centrury. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru - the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu - the lord of the Winds.

Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy
Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy (1962) was established in an attempt to promote the performing and fine arts of the state which had fallen into a decline.

Vilangan Kunnu
Vilangan Kunnu in Thrissur is a recreational center and a picnic spot where various amusement devices for children have been constructed.

Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy
Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy in Thrissur was established to promote dance, theater and music in Kerala. Thanks to its efforts Thrissur can now boast of a theatre with all modern amenities.

Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls
East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 km apart. These waterfalls are a place of scenic beauty , and is of 80 feet high.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Viyyoor Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala, India

Ayyanthole Police Station
Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala, India 0487 2363608

Peramangalam Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala, India

Anthikkad Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala, India

wadakanchery police station
Wadackanchery, Thrissur, Kerala, India 04884 233100

Police Station
Guruvayoor, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Police station
Kattoor Town, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Police Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Puvathur Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala, India

Police Station
Kodakara, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Nearest Hospital:

Modern Hospital Kodungallur
P.O. Box No:22, Kodungallur Post, Thrissur, Kerala 680664, India 0480 2802022

Nilayoram Resorts & Ayurvedic Centre
Painkulam Post, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, Kerala 679531, India 09847044244

Sree Chithra Ayur Home
Manathala, Chavakkad, Thrissur, Kerala 680506, India 09895091639
Category: Ayurveda Hospitals

Danya Hospitals
Thrissur, Kerala, India

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass, Ernakulam, Kerala 682304, India 0484 2302666

Samaritan Hospital
Pazhanganad, Kizhakkambalam, Ernakulam, Kerala 680562, India 0484 2680511

Electronics Diagnostics
Changampuzha Nagar, Opposite Federal Bank Atm, Kalamassery, Ernakulam, Kerala 680104, India 0484 2541951

Specialist Hospital
K C M Mather Road, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India 0484 2395952

Janatha Hospital
Market Road, Alwaye Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala 680101, India 0484 2624931

Ranjini Eye Hospital
Near Powerhouse, Vyttila, Kochi, Cochin, Kerala 682019, India 0484 2301922

Location info

Address:Thrissur, Kerala, India, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia
District: Thrissur
Nearest City:
Best time to visit: 17-20 January of every year.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit The Great Elephant March

The Great Elephant March takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach The Great Elephant March

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at The Great Elephant March — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

History of The Great Elephant March

The Great Elephant March is one of Kerala’s vibrant festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Kerala’s festivals are renowned for their spectacular processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam), colourful umbrellas, and fireworks. Many festivals are temple-related and follow the Malayalam calendar, creating a year-round cycle of celebrations that are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural identity. The festival reflects the unique syncretic traditions of Kerala where communities of all faiths participate in each other’s celebrations.

Things to do at The Great Elephant March

Witness the grand procession of caparisoned elephants, listen to traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam, chenda melam), watch traditional performing arts (Kathakali, Theyyam, folk dances), enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays, taste festival-special food, shop at temporary festival markets, interact with local communities participating in the festivities, photograph the colourful events, and experience the unique cultural atmosphere of a Kerala festival.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.