Elephant Riding in Jaipur

Elephant Riding in Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital of Rajputana; castles, gardens and remnants of the old royalties are still at large here. One of the best ways to view all the nook and corners of this old city is from the back of an elephant.

Very popular among tourists, this tradition of elephant riding in Jaipur is almost a part of culture, reminding of the days when the royal processions full of elephants, horses would travel the city streets. Elephants were considered a sign of wealth and prosperity and the kings would ride on ornamented elephants. The Maharajas also honored important guests by arranging

An elephant festival is held every year in the city in celebration of spring festival Holi. With colored paints thrown by everyone, spring is heralded. A procession of elephants, decorated and colored for the occasion walks the streets, along with horses and camels as people cheer on. A game of polo is the main highlight of the program.

Elephants are managed and trained by mahouts, the elephant keepers, who organize elephant tours in the city up the hill to Amber palace. The mahouts were part of the Phil Khana or Department of Elephants, which is now inactive.

Drawing enthusiasm from the popularity of wildlife safari in Ranthambore national park, the Rajasthan government is planning to introduce elephant rides at Amber fort in Jaipur. The Rajasthan tourism department is making a database of around a hundred elephants to be used for the purpose along with their mahouts and the rotation number.

For many tourists riding a nine foot tall elephant for the first time is an uncomfortable experience, especially as one feels a sense of instability caused by its staggering gait. But after getting over the initial discomfort, riding an elephant majestically through the ancient Jaipur streets is an experience indeed.

Book Jaipur hotels now