The lush and picturesque state of Kerala is the perfect getaway for relaxing your nerves and getting an Ayurvedic massage or treatment for your long-standing health anomalies. Promoted as ‘God’s Own Country’, the state shares a deep passion with big-eared elephant. The annual Elephant race is a major fest that attracts tourists from India and abroad; it is held in January every year.
Traditions
The Great Elephant Race is held in Trivandrum every year, and it serves as the most popular festival in the state that witnesses a huge turnout of spectators both local and foreigners. Besides Trivandrum, this exquisite event also takes places in other cities such as Thrissur and Alappuzha. Witness the parade of over 101 tuskers all decked in their fineries; the parade begins from Thrissur and ends in Trivandrum.
The festival is held over a time period of 3 to 4 days, starting from Thrissur and culminating in the village of Vilangankunnu at Trivandrum. The Kerala State Tourism Department is the main organizer for this event that attracts a horde of tourists who line along the side of the streets as they watch the elephants parade through the streets.
Tourist Essential
Tourists can relive what it feels like being a king as they can get a good opportunity to ride the elephant and even feed them personally. Feeding the elephant is considered to be very auspicious, and special ceremonies are held for the visitors to participate in. The elephants take you around scenic locations in Thrissur as the race begins on the first day.You can then explore scenic locations of Cochin on the second day, and on the third day, you can rest and relax on the famous houseboats that cruise along the backwaters of Kerala.
One can also explore the village fairs, witness the snake boat races and see several folk performances that give you a glimpse of the state of Kerala. The God’s Own Country promises to uplift your spirits with their mighty tuskers and make your feel like a king.
