Coimbatore, July 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is preparing a proposal to open the newly upgraded Chadivayal Elephant Camp near the Siruvani foothills to visitors, offering tourists an opportunity to watch captive elephants being fed and bathed in a regulated environment.
If approved, the facility is expected to emerge as a major eco-tourism attraction in Coimbatore district while also promoting awareness about elephant conservation and conflict management. Situated on the route to the popular Kovai Kutralam waterfalls, the camp is strategically located to attract a large number of tourists visiting the scenic destination.
Forest officials estimate that nearly 2,000 people visit Kovai Kutralam on weekends, while weekday footfall averages around 500. Authorities believe opening the elephant camp to the public will significantly enhance the area’s tourism appeal.
Developed at a cost of Rs 8 crore and inaugurated by former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Chadivayal facility has been transformed into a modern captive elephant rehabilitation and conflict-management centre.
The camp can accommodate up to 18 elephants and is equipped with elephant shelters, mahout quarters, bathing areas, a natural pond, a kraal for training, and dedicated kitchens for preparing specialised diets. Forest officials are currently working out a visitor schedule that will allow tourists to observe the elephants without disrupting their daily routine or compromising their welfare.
While Kovai Kutralam remains open between 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., the elephants are generally fed at around 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Officials are exploring ways to adjust viewing hours so visitors can witness feeding and bathing sessions safely.
Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve D. Venkatesan said officials and veterinarians are discussing the modalities for regulated public access. The proposed model is expected to follow the pattern adopted at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai and the Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, where tourists are allowed to observe elephants during designated hours.
The Chadivayal camp currently houses four elephants.
Muthu, a 24-year-old male elephant shifted from the Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp, is among the camp’s key residents. The elephant had earlier gained attention after repeatedly venturing into human settlements near Pollachi in search of food, earning the nickname 'Arisi Raja'.
Following its capture and rehabilitation, 'Muthu' is now being trained as a kumki elephant and is expected to play an important role in driving wild elephants away from farmlands and residential areas in Coimbatore district.
'Kaveri', a 17-year-old female elephant also brought from Kozhikamuthi, will remain at the camp for care and management and will not be deployed for conflict-mitigation operations.
The other residents include 'John', a 35-year-old male elephant transferred from Theppakadu, who has previously assisted in managing human-elephant conflict in the Coimbatore forest fringes, and 'Sumangala', an adult female rescued as an orphaned calf in 1988, who was shifted from Mudumalai after recovering from a leg injury.
The Forest Department plans to bring more elephants to Chadivayal in the coming months.
Officials believe that opening the camp to visitors will not only provide a unique wildlife experience but also educate the public about elephant conservation, rehabilitation and the challenges of managing human-elephant conflict in Tamil Nadu.
Source: IANS
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