Elephant Herd Tracking

About this place

Elephant Herd Tracking is best presented as a general wildlife-observation experience associated with Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam district, where Asian elephants are among the notable mammals recorded in the protected forest. Situated in the southern Western Ghats and forming part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Shendurney encompasses extensive tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests that provide habitat for elephants, gaur, sambar, wild boar, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs and other wildlife. The sanctuary’s forest ecosystems and the Kallada reservoir create a varied landscape in which visitors can learn about animal behaviour, habitat use and the importance of conserving large, connected forest habitats. Elephant observation requires patience and responsible conduct because Asian elephants are wild animals whose movements and behaviour cannot be predicted or guaranteed. Rather than promising close encounters or a particular herd sighting, a tracking-oriented experience can focus on recognising signs of elephant activity, observing the forest from authorised trails and understanding how elephants use different habitats. Kerala Tourism’s Shendurney trekking information notes that elephants are among the wildlife that may be encountered along designated forest trails, while the sanctuary’s management plan records healthy populations of elephants and gaur. The protected landscape also supports a remarkable diversity of birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and plants, allowing an elephant-focused walk to become a broader introduction to the ecology of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary contains distinctive ecosystems including Myristica swamps, while the Kallada reservoir and surrounding forests contribute to the area’s ecological richness. Authorised ecotourism programmes at Shendurney include soft and hard trekking, with certain routes accompanied by guides and forest personnel. One of the longer programmes, the Wet ‘N’ Wild trail, covers approximately 18 kilometres and specifically notes that elephants, gaur and sambar are often sighted along the route. Wildlife observation should always be conducted without approaching, feeding, calling or otherwise disturbing animals. Visitors should remain with authorised groups, stay on permitted trails and follow instructions from forest officials and guides, particularly when signs of elephants are encountered.

🚆 Railway Thenmala Railway Station (nearest halt) / Punalur Railway Station (~21 km)

✈️ Airport Trivandrum International Airport (~74 km)

🚌 Bus Thenmala bus stop on the Kollam–Shencottah route; Punalur Bus Stand (~20 km)

🏨 Stay Thenmala Ecoresort / Thenmala Heritage / Shendurney forest camps (Rockwood, Idimuzhanganpara)

✅ Notes Elephant Herd Tracking is inside Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary near Thenmala, where elephant herds move through the forest and along the reservoir. Sightings are most likely in the early morning. Entry is through the forest department.