Iconic tusker Padayappa tests nerves in Munnar

Whether roaming through tea plantations or stopping by roadside shops, the wild tusker Padayappa has become a familiar presence in Munnar. However, the popular hill station icon is currently on the rampage, damaging vehicles and raising concerns among travellers.

The tusker recently attacked vehicles along the Munnar–Marayur interstate route and several narrow side roads. According to Forest Department sources, the animal has damaged four vehicles this month alone. While some residents argue that Padayappa has become a “conflict animal,” plantation workers and many local people continue to express deep affection for the elephant.

R. Mohan, president, Munnar Environment and Wildlife Society (MEWS), said the organisation has monitored Padayappa’s movements for years. “In recent years, the tusker has displayed aggressive behaviour during its musth period in January and February,” Mr. Mohan said.

“Once the musth subsides, he returns to his normal routine, roaming peacefully in and around Munnar. Because of this seasonal aggression, certain groups are portraying Padayappa as a conflict animal and demanding his relocation. With another Assembly election approaching, we fear the government may yield to such pressure.”

Mr. Mohan added that Padayappa is a symbol of the region. “Most tourists who arrive at the hill station hope to see him. He has truly become a tourism icon. Local residents and plantation workers care deeply for the animal and want him to remain in his natural habitat.”

Jayan J., head of the Forest Department’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) for the Munnar division, said Padayappa currently roams between the Munnar and Devikulam forest ranges.

Roaming in forest ranges

“He may be in the Devikulam range in the morning and move to the Munnar range by evening,” Mr. Jayan said. “The RRT is closely monitoring his movements. Neither the public nor plantation workers have called for his relocation. He does not attack people; his aggression is linked solely to musth, and he is expected to return to normal behaviour soon,” he added.

Officials noted that during last year’s musth period, the elephant destroyed more than 20 vehicles. Such incidents typically occur when the tusker encounters vehicles while travelling along main roads.

Named after Rajinikanth’s hit film, Padayappa has many admirers in a region otherwise known for human–wildlife conflict, largely because of his usually calm temperament. He is known for making “friendly” roadside appearances and occasionally helping himself to food stored in shops without causing structural damage.

Believed to be around 60 years old, the elephant is easily recognised by a limp caused by a hind leg injury and by his unusually long tusks.