We have always been in awe of the elephant. Our photographer Unni Kottakkal shares these amazing pictures from his collection on #WorldElephantDay.

We have always been in awe of the elephant. Our photographer Unni Kottakkal shares these amazing pictures from his collection on #WorldElephantDay.

We have always been in awe of the elephant. Our photographer Unni Kottakkal shares these amazing pictures from his collection on #WorldElephantDay.

We have always been in awe of the elephant. Our photographer Unni Kottakkal shares these amazing pictures from his collection. 

Elephant freckles : An Indian elephant shows a pigmentation on its nose and ears. It is more pronounced in the case of captive elephants because they are scrubbed clean often rather than the wild elephants. 

No marks for guessing, yes, this is the elephant's ear. Photo: Unni Kottakkal

You have to be careful, very careful of the elephant's nose, especially if the elephant is a small naughty one!

A different angle. Photo: Unni Kottakkal

They can extend it and grab things around them 

The elephant's trunk. Photo: Unni Kottakkal
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During the Karkidakam season, elephants are fed rice and medicinal herbs for their wellbeing. 

#WorldElephantDay: You have not seen these pictures before. Photo: Unni Kottakkal

And they are also given green coconut fronds.

From the Anayuttu festival. Photo: Unni Kottakkal
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Karkidakam is normally the time when they are rested.

Peace before the next festival season begins. Photo: Unni Kottakkal

The small gap before Onam and the rest of the festivals start off again

A captive elephant. Photo: Unni Kottakkal
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