This is the adorable moment an elephant tucks a hose pipe into its mouth to beat the scorching Indian summer.

The elephant was spotted getting a wash from its mahout (trainer) in the city of Thrissur in the south Indian state of Kerala, on May 9.

The bare-chested man washed the elephant with water running from a hose pipe.

He noticed that the elephant was enjoying the bath and the relief it brought from the heat.

So, he handed over the hose pipe to the elephant after the bath and let it play for some time.

The elephant promptly put the hose pipe in its mouth and started drinking from it. It also took "trunkfuls" of water and splashed it all over its body.

The India Meteorological Department has stated that 2018 is likely to be the warmest year on record for Kerala, with the temperature in many parts of the state crossing over 40 degrees centigrade.

The elephant, Sivanarayanan, is owned by a businessman, Gurujiyil Prashant.

It is a popular attraction in temple festivities in Kerala.