Located on the western coast of India, Kayamkulam is a small village in the state of Kerala. This wonderful place was an ancient maritime trading center. Surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Sea, Kayamkulam lies almost at the equal distance from Alleppey and Quilon, both of which connecting the emerald backwaters of Kerala. This place is also famous for the largest thermal power plant, The Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant run by NTPC, which is situated here. Besides this, one can find many old cashew factories in the locality. The rich culture and tradition of Kayamkulam make it a must-visit place for everyone. This small hamlet is also popular as it is linked with the myth of Kayamkulam Kochunni, who was a known highwayman in Central Thiruvithamkoor (Central Travancore) during the 19th century. History Of Kayamkulam: A medieval feudal kingdom known as Odanadu, Kayamkulam was ruled by the Kayamkulam Rajas, having their royal palaces at Eruva and Krishnapuram. It is said that this kingdom was conquered by Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1706-58), who defeated Kayamkulam Rajas and took over the kingdom’s territories to Travancore. It is also said that the kingdom of Kayamkulam had a large army led by Yeruvayil Achutha warrior-a valiant commander and thus the army of Travancore attempted three times to succeed in conquering Kayamkulam. The present-day palace in Kayamkulam was built in its place by Marthanda Varma after he annexed Kayamkulam to Travancore. It is also believed that Kayamkulam had slave markets in the 17 century. What To See In Kayamkulam: Krishnapuram Palace- This palace was built in the 18th century and is one of the major attractions in Kayamkulam. Functions as a museum in the present day, the palace was constructed in typical Kerala-style architecture. Krishnapuram Palace is one of the perfect examples of architectural excellence and features the largest mural paintings in Kerala. This palace museum at Krishnapuram has the famous Kayamkulam double-edged sword. Cartoonist Sankar Memorial National Cartoon Museum and Art Gallery- This is the first of its kind in the state and would be elevated to the ‘top cartoon study center’ in India. Kayamkulam Lake- This Lake is a part of the Kerala backwaters tourist map. Here the Kayamkulam Boat Race is held on the fourth Saturday of August every year. One can find the famous Chinese fishing nets on the banks of this lagoon. Besides all the above, there are some other attractions like Ananthapuram Palace, Sri Subrahmany Swamy Temple, Karthikapally Pithampi Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, St Mary's Malankara Catholic Church, The St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral or the Kottakakatthu Suriyani Palli, Kovalam Beach, Azhikkal Beach, and Valiaya Azhikkal beach, which have gained popularity as tourist locations in Kayamkulam. Weather And Climate In Kayamkulam: The climate remains pleasant throughout the year in Kayamkulam. The rainy season begins in the month of June and continues till October/November. The suitable time to visit this place is from August to March. How To Reach Kayamkulam: This place is well-connected by road and rail networks. Apart from this, Alappuzha-Kollam boat service runs via Kayamkulam. By Air- One can get a flight to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is 85 km away from Kayamkulam. Travelers can also get a flight to Kochi Airport, Ernakulam Kerala, which is 95 km away from Kayamkulam. Travelers can hire a private taxi from the airport to reach Kayamkulam. By Bus- Kayamkulam is well connected to major cities in Kerala by regular buses. NH66 passes through Kayamkulam, which conveniently connects it to the major cities like Alappuzha, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kollam, and Coimbatore. KSRTC Bus Station located near to the national highway and all the KSRTC buses halt at Kayamkulam Bus station. There is also a new Railway Terminal Bus Stand near Kayamkulam Railway Station, which connects railway and road transport. By Train- There are regular trains available from other major cities of the country to Kayamkulam. Kayamkulam Junction is the major railway junction in Kayamkulam.
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ElephantsWorld in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, is a unique and heartwarming sanctuary dedicated to the care and protection of rescued elephants. Located in the picturesque countryside near the famous River Kwai, ElephantsWorld provides visitors with an opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures while learning about their history, rehabilitation, and conservation. The sanctuary offers a hands-on experience that allows people to interact with elephants in a safe and ethical environment, helping to promote the welfare of these gentle giants. How to Reach ElephantsWorld, Kanchanaburi ElephantsWorld is located approximately 15 kilometers from Kanchanaburi town center, making it easily accessible for visitors staying in the area. There are several ways to reach the sanctuary: By Car: Driving to ElephantsWorld is straightforward. From Kanchanaburi, head southwest on Route 323 and follow signs to the sanctuary. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and the route is scenic, passing through beautiful countryside and rural landscapes. By Taxi: If you're not driving, taking a taxi from Kanchanaburi is an easy and convenient option. The cost of a taxi ride typically ranges from 300 to 500 THB (9-15 USD) one way. It’s best to agree on the fare in advance. By Shuttle Service: ElephantsWorld offers shuttle services from Kanchanaburi city center to the sanctuary, which can be booked in advance. This option is a great choice for tourists who prefer a hassle-free ride. By Public Transport: There are buses and songthaews (shared taxis) that run from Kanchanaburi to nearby areas, but this option is less direct and may require further transportation to reach ElephantsWorld. A taxi or private vehicle is typically more convenient for reaching the sanctuary. Weather in Kanchanaburi Kanchanaburi experiences a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The weather can affect your visit to ElephantsWorld, so it’s important to plan accordingly: Cool Season (November to February): This is the best time to visit ElephantsWorld. The temperatures are more comfortable, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). The cool season brings clear skies and dry weather, making outdoor activities with the elephants enjoyable. Hot Season (March to May): During the hot season, temperatures can soar above 35°C (95°F). If visiting during this time, it's best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s cooler. Be sure to bring sun protection and stay hydrated. Rainy Season (June to October): The rainy season brings heavy rainfall and high humidity. Although the sanctuary remains open, it’s best to be prepared for showers. The rain can make outdoor activities muddy and less enjoyable, so packing waterproof gear is advisable if you visit during these months. Timing of ElephantsWorld ElephantsWorld operates every day, offering several daily programs that allow visitors to interact with the elephants. The sanctuary typically runs two main sessions each day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The timings are as follows: Morning Session: The morning program usually starts around 8:30 AM and lasts until 12:00 PM. During this time, visitors can feed, bathe, and interact with the elephants in various activities. Afternoon Session: The afternoon program begins around 1:00 PM and ends at 4:00 PM. Similar activities take place in the afternoon, offering guests another opportunity to get involved with the elephants. It’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the session starts to complete registration and get ready for the program. Make sure to check ElephantsWorld’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date timing and availability of programs. Why Famous for ElephantsWorld, Kanchanaburi? ElephantsWorld is famous for its ethical approach to elephant conservation and its focus on the welfare of the elephants. Unlike many traditional elephant camps in Thailand that offer elephant rides and performances, ElephantsWorld is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that have been used in the tourism and logging industries. Here are the key reasons why ElephantsWorld stands out: Rescue and Rehabilitation: ElephantsWorld is home to elephants that have been rescued from harsh conditions. Many of the elephants were previously used for logging or forced to perform in circus-like shows. The sanctuary provides a peaceful environment where the elephants can heal and live in comfort. Ethical Interaction: Visitors to ElephantsWorld are encouraged to interact with the elephants in a way that respects their natural behavior and needs. Activities include feeding, bathing, and walking with the elephants, but there are no rides or performances. This ethical approach to elephant tourism has made ElephantsWorld a popular choice for conscientious travelers. Conservation Education: ElephantsWorld is also dedicated to educating the public about elephant conservation. Visitors learn about the elephants’ lives, the challenges they face, and the importance of protecting these magnificent animals from exploitation. Entry and Visit Details About ElephantsWorld To visit ElephantsWorld, guests must book their tickets in advance, as the sanctuary operates on a reservation-only basis to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. The entry fee includes all activities during the visit, such as feeding, bathing, and walking with the elephants, as well as lunch. Here are the details about the entry process: Entry Fee: The entry fee varies depending on the program and session selected. Prices generally range from 2,500 to 3,000 THB (75-90 USD) per person, which includes transportation from Kanchanaburi, a guided tour, and all elephant-related activities. Booking in Advance: It is essential to book your visit in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can book directly through ElephantsWorld’s official website or through reputable travel agencies that offer tours to the sanctuary. What’s Included: The price of the entry fee typically covers transportation, a full-day experience with the elephants, lunch, and drinks. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs, such as elephant-themed merchandise, to support the sanctuary’s ongoing efforts. History and Architecture of ElephantsWorld ElephantsWorld was founded in 2008 by a group of passionate animal lovers and conservationists who were determined to provide a safe haven for elephants that had suffered in captivity. The sanctuary started with a few elephants and has since grown to accommodate more, thanks to the support of visitors, donors, and conservation efforts. The sanctuary is designed to resemble the elephants’ natural habitat as much as possible. It features spacious grounds with plenty of greenery, open fields, and access to the River Kwai, where elephants can enjoy mud baths and swim. The architecture of ElephantsWorld includes simple but comfortable facilities for both the elephants and the staff, as well as areas for visitors to observe and interact with the animals safely. Things to Do at ElephantsWorld Visiting ElephantsWorld is an interactive and educational experience. Here are some of the things you can do during your visit: Feed the Elephants: One of the highlights of visiting ElephantsWorld is the chance to feed the elephants. Visitors are given the opportunity to prepare food for the elephants and feed them by hand. It’s a heartwarming experience to see the elephants enjoy their meals. Bathtime with the Elephants: You can participate in the fun and unique experience of bathing the elephants in the river. This activity allows you to get up close with the elephants while helping to clean them in a natural and enjoyable way. Walk with the Elephants: Visitors can walk alongside the elephants as they roam the sanctuary grounds. This gives you a rare opportunity to observe the elephants in their natural environment, and it’s a great way to bond with these majestic animals. Learn About Elephant Conservation: Throughout your visit, you’ll have the chance to learn from the sanctuary’s knowledgeable guides about the elephants’ stories, their rehabilitation process, and the importance of elephant conservation in Thailand. Facts and Tips About ElephantsWorld ElephantsWorld operates with a focus on ethical tourism, where elephants are treated with respect and dignity. The sanctuary does not offer elephant rides, performances, or other exploitative activities that are commonly associated with traditional elephant camps in Thailand. Booking in advance is crucial, as ElephantsWorld operates on a reservation-only basis to maintain a personalized experience for visitors. Be prepared to spend the whole day at ElephantsWorld. The programs are typically 4-5 hours long, including time for lunch and interactions with the elephants. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as you’ll be interacting with the elephants in an outdoor setting, including mud baths and river activities. Consider bringing sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent, especially if you are visiting during the hot or rainy seasons.
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