Introduction to Great Elephant March

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.

Time of Great Elephant March

The Great Elephant March takes place every year from 17th to 20th January.

Description of Great Elephant March

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.

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.