In many of the temples in Tamil Nadu you will find a resident elephant. The elephant will bless the pilgrims by touching them on the head with their trunk, for a small donation. This certainly isn't a tourist attraction, (there are virtually no tourist in this region) they are there for the Indian temple goers and pilgrims. Even so I had double feelings about this. An elephant revered in Hindu myths, (Ganesha the elephant headed god) but maybe not treated so kindly in reality. Despite not being sure of my feelings, the elephant looked well treated and the mahout seemed a kind man.