front of the Pongal pot to mark the commencement of the celebration. The elephants are fed chakkarai pongal, banana and sugarcane while lined up behind a barricade, so tourists can have a close look. In 2011, Elephant Pongal was celebrated on 18 January. References External links Tiger reserves of India National parks in Tamil Nadu Coimbatore district Wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu Protected areas established in 1976 1976 establishments in Tamil Nadu Geography of Coimbatore Monuments and memorials to Indira Gandhi South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests Wildlife sanctuaries of the Western Ghats South Western Ghats montane rain forests