The stage is set for the annual rejuvenation camp for temple elephants at Thekkampatti near Mettupalayam, about 50 km from here.

Beginning from January 7, the 48-day camp on the banks of river Bhavani will serve to rejuvenate 43 elephants, including two from Puducherry. The Government has allocated Rs.1.04 crore for this, sources from Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, said.

The works for two bathing ghats were completed. This would ensure separate sheds for treatment and cooking, they said.

There would be special diet for the pachyderms, taking into account their age and body status. An individual mahout would attend to its day-to-day activities.

Besides normal plants such as sugarcane, banana and palm, they would also be given ragi, rice, horse grams and green grams, along with special medicines prescribed by the veterinarians from time to time, the sources said.

The elephants are expected to arrive from tomorrow afternoon. A total of 30 elephants had attended the rejuvenation camp last year.