Situated 2 km from Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, Punnathoor Kotta in Thrissur district is the largest centre for captive elephants in the world. Around 40 elephants housed at the palace grounds of the erstwhile Rajas of Punnathoor are “offerings” from devotees to Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. As we celebrate World Elephant Day on August 12, Punnathoor Kotta is a fine example of the importance of pachyderms to Kerala culture.