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Be it mysteriously thick forests or dangerously deep valleys, choose to hop on to these gentle giants; riding on elephant-back gives you a never-before perspective of the breathtaking scenery and the thrilling chance to encounter wildlife at close quarters. Elephant safaris in India promises to be a unique experience that simply cannot be replicated through any other mode of travel.

There are many organized elephant safari tours in India. Adding this kind of tour to your itinerary will add a new dimension to your entire holiday experience that you are sure to cherish through a lifetime.

Where to go

Elephant Safaris are common in the forest areas of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Assam and the remote jungles of Northeast India. Almost all the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries situated across the country offer the Elephant Safari in an organized manner. It is the best way of transport in the dense and rugged terrains that cannot be accessed through jeeps or any other means.

[Exprience elephant riding and spot one horn rhinos at the famous K aziranga National Park]

In addition, the elephants are undaunted animals; while riding on their backs, you do not have to fear other wild animals. These safaris are the safest way to experience the remotest parts of the jungles.

What you need to know

There are many Elephant Safari tour operators in India. They take the entire responsibility of organising tours and provide well-trained mahouts and guides in order to give you a fruitful and fulfilling experience.

Mounting on the elephant’s back requires a written permission from the Field Director in every national park. In order to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you book these rides well in advance.

Some national parks do not offer prior booking and operate rides on a “first come, first served” basis. Safari timings and operability also depends on the availability of elephants. Hence, it is advisable to contact the park officials before planning for the trip.

[Explore the exotic wilderness of Kerala while trekking and touring the Chimmony wildlife sanctuary]

It is recommended that you visit the Safari offering regions during favorable climatic conditions. In the winter months, the jungle is barely visible under the impact of fog. It is paramount to choose appropriate timings when the forest would be haze-free.

Elephant Safaris in India are not permissible during rainy days and other fixed days when the park is closed to visitors due to maintenance purposes. Hence, it is advisable to contact the park officials and check on the weather conditions before paying a visit.

What you must carry

Elephant Safaris in India should be undertaken in comfortable clothing. During summers, one should opt for loose-fitting hassle free clothes. In addition, things like hats, umbrellas, sunscreen, goggles, and a first-aid kit should be added to your checklist.

[Witness the unique wildlife in Kerala and the Anamalai Tiger Reserve]

As the safari spans over hours, it is important to carry enough water to prevent dehydration. Make sure your luggage packed for the ride is compact as the seat fastened to the elephant’s back obviously comes with space limitations.

Dos and don’ts

Do not throw plastic, paper or eatables in the park area. Tampering with wildlife is strictly prohibited inside the park premises; this can invite unwanted as well as unknown problems.

[Visit the evergreen and bountiful rainforests the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala]

The mounted elephant should be treated well and with due care and affection throughout the trip. Photography inside the premises requires a special ticket and photographers are instructed not to interfere with or otherwise disturb the park’s fauna and flora.

Top elephant safaris in India:

Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal and the Kaziranga Wildife Sanctuary in Assam come under the Himalayan region. The elephants waddle through the wildlife sanctuaries at their own pace which gives the tourists enough time to absorb the scintillating view of the Himalayas and etch them in their memory to last a lifetime.

Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Wild Boars, Sloth Bears, Rhesus, Jackals, Antelopes, and One Horned Indian Rhinos can easily be spotted during the Safari.

1. Elephant Safari in Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park. It is indeed the most important attraction of Uttaranchal.  Situated in the Patlidun Valley at the base of the Himalayas and the banks of the river Ramaganga, this tiger reserve is blessed with revered species of fauna and flora.

Corbett National Park is divided into five different zones. Among these five zones, the Dhikala and Bijrani tourist zones offer remarkable Elephant and Jungle Safaris.

[Thrill yourself touring through a tiger safari in Corbett National Park and rafting in Rishikesh]

A natural habitat of the magnificent Bengal tiger, Corbett National Park is treasured for its large leopard and elephant population. It houses around 700 elephants and this giant mammal can be easily seen grazing through the park.

The only way to see the sacred wildlife activities here is from the back of an elephant. Elephant Safaris in India can take you to the unexposed regions and give you an adrenaline rush like never before.

This royal mammal gracefully takes you through deep valleys, dense forests and craggy trails, offering views of the picturesque landscape from dizzying heights.

The Corbett National Park is well known for its Asian Elephants. Also found here are Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar, Ghoral, Rhesus and Langur Monkey, Wild Boar, Jackal, Civets, Porcupine, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Hog Deer and Sloth Bear.

Around the Ramaganga River, Mugger or the fresh water Crocodile, Gharial, Otters, Turtles, and a variety of fish can be seen. Reptile species include Monitor Lizards, King Cobra, and Rock Pythons.

[Explore nature and wildlife the very first national park in the country]

This park is home to more than 585 species of birds, and is a veritable paradise for bird lovers. Tawny Fish Owls, Crested and Stork-billed Kingfishers, Himalayan Flame Back, the exquisite Wall Creeper and Red-billed Blue Magpie are a few of the exceptional species that can be spotted here easily.

Not just birds, there are 7 species of amphibians, 33 species of reptiles, 7 species of fish and 37 species of dragonflies that make this park a highly sought-after destination.

Elephant Safari is the most promising ride in this park. Skilled elephants keep back other wandering wild animals and offer you incredible sightseeing opportunities. Sighting a Bengal Tiger chasing its prey, a majestic parade of elephants and other fascinating sights of wildlife in motion, all can be overwhelming experiences.

2. Elephant Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park

The Bandhavgarh National Park that spreads only for 105 sq km is the place with the highest density of tigers in India. It is located in the heart of the country, in the state of Madhya Pradesh about 200 km Northeast of Jabalpur.

This park never disappoints its visitors and offers splendid views of the royal beast and 22 species of other mammals such as the jackal, the fox, the Rhesus monkey and the hyena. Equally rich in housing birds, this place has about 200 species of birds including Jerdon’s leaf bird, the crested serpent eagle, the variable hawk eagle, and the pigeon.

[Spot the royal Bengal tiger while on a Bandhavgarh Wildlife tour]

The village of Tala, situated on the right side of the park's main gate is a place of heart-warming allure. Tourists flock in great numbers to enjoy the lovely meadows and charming valleys with a backdrop of the enticing Vindhya hills.

The scintillating tiger tour or tiger show offered by the management of this reserve is a jaw-dropping experience designed to leave you spellbound. The show lasts about 10-15 minutes and provides a spectacular view of tigers wandering in their natural habitat. It is organised in a very systematic manner where trackers pass on the information about the tiger’s current location in the park to the control room.

The officials then direct the safari organisers to the exact location and hence provide the perfect route for spotting the beasts. Elephant Safari is ideal for this tiger tour. Those on a budget or time constraint can opt for this short tour instead of the longer Elephant Safari tours.

[Set off on wildlife expedition in Bandhavgarh and get up close with nature]

Trained elephants take you to the remotest areas with so much ease and grace that you are sure to lose yourself in the splendid beauty of the region. The tigers of Bandhavgarh make an appearance every now and then, leaving you awestruck at their sheer majesty.

Following these deadly beasts at such close quarters need no longer be a dream. Nature and animal lovers can now actually experience this with the Elephant Safaris of this park. Photography enthusiasts will find this park an extreme delight for their lenses! The much-acclaimed Elephant Safari organised in the Maghadi and Tala zone of this park deserves a special mention. It truly brings alive the untouched beauty of these lush forests -- an experience like none other indeed!

3. Elephant Safari in Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is situated in the central state of Madhya Pradesh and spreads across an area of 940 sq km. Also a tiger reserve, this park has the unique distinction of being the sole inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s masterpiece 'The Jungle Book'.

The dense and spectacular forests with a thick growth of sal and bamboo tress against a backdrop of the Maikal hills, make the landscape extremely picturesque and grandiose in terms of vegetation and foliage. An amalgamate of moist and dry deciduous forests, valley meadows and plateau meadows, this park is home to some of the world’s richest species of fauna and flora.

[Seeking adventure? Kanha National Park is a heaven for wildlife adventure lovers]

The safari at Kanha National Park is very popular and routinely sought out by nature enthusiasts, adventure-seekers, filmmakers, photographers and educationists throughout the world for the richness it has to offer. It truly showcases the maginificent natural beauty that the park is endowed with.

Elephant Safari is the only mode of transport through the hilly terrains, muddy valleys and luxuriant grasslands of the Kanha National Park. There are three safari zones in Kanha: Kanha, Mukki and Sarhi, where organised Elephant Safari takes place in order to provide a vivid and vibrant sightseeing experience every time.

The park is renowned for its high probability of spotting tigers. Elephant Safaris in India also offers glimpses of bison, gaur, sambhar, chital and the world famous barasingha, which are the other star attractions here.

Kanha is the most sought after destination for its varieties of fauna including about 300 species of avifauna. Asian Paradise Flycatcher, White Rumped Shama, White Bellied Drongo, Spangled Drongo, Racket Tailed Drongo and Tawny Babbler are some of these fascinating species. A daylong safari in this park is a highly rewarding experience as the park is packed with undaunted wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.

[Experience the jungles of Ranthambore Pugmark, one of the largest tiger reserves in India]

The Elephant Safari at Kanha requires prior booking for the day-long tour. But you can also opt for the smaller tour offered in the Kanha Park premises which lasts about 5-10 minutes and yet offers assured views of the royal tigers wandering in the wild.

This is a paid tour which does not require any advance booking and the ticket for which can be obtained from the park authorities then and there. This tour can be organised only during the morning safari time when the day is bright and sunny. The Kanha National Park is open to the public from the month of October to June.

4. Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, is located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam. The oldest park of the state, it spans across an area of 378 sq km and is incredibly bound by the mighty Brahmaputra. This safari is in a class of it own from the other elephant safaris in India.

This National Park tells awe-inspiring success stories of conservation of the vulnerable One-horned Indian Rhinoceros and many other species of Northeastern India. Moderate and favourable climate combined with the availability of healthy resources of food, supports the growth and survival of a unique and diverse wildlife in the park and surrounding regions.

[The Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary is a treat for all wildlife lovers and photographers]

This park is divided into 4 different zones: Kaziranga Range, Bagori Range, Agaratoli Range and Burapahar Range. The Bagori Range offers close-up views of the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Wildlife here mainly includes elephants, tigers, buffaloes, gaur, monkeys, deer, otters, badgers, leopards and wild boars.

The vegetation here is a mixture of inundated grasslands comprising tall thickets of elephant grass and short grasses, tropical wet evergreen forests and tropical semi-evergreen forests.

What makes this elephant safari in India unique is the diversity of flora that makes Kaziranga an ideal home to thousands of migratory birds from distant lands as far away as Siberia.  Exotic Northeastern bird species like Collard Treepie, Green-tailed and Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker also flock to this Park. It promises to be a veritable birdwatchers' paradise!

Elephant trekking is possible throughout this park except in the Burapahar Range, which can be reached only via a jeep. Elephant safari in the central region is fully operated by the government and is more productive in contrast to the privately operated safaris in other regions.

The safari here lasts about 1.5-2 hours and it is the best way to traverse through the coarse elephant grass. Bookings are done on the spot and on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. In addition to the Elephant Safari, tourists can also opt to cruise in the Brahmaputra River and get a view of the reptile species that breed in this park.

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Dera Amer Wilderness Camp: An Ethical Indian Elephant Sanctuary

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Looking for an ethical way to interact with elephants in India? Or maybe a truly luxurious splurge-worthy stay surrounded by a rare slice of peaceful nature? Or even a quick break from the hectic streets of Jaipur (part of India’s famed Golden Triangle) for a delicious homemade organically-farmed Indian meal? We’ve got you covered. We stumbled upon Dera Amer Wilderness Camp entirely by accident. It ended up being our very favorite experience in all of Rajasthan.

Be warned finding ethical animal attractions in India can be kinda a crapshoot. It’s rare to find. You will however see a plethora of sad street dogs, beaten-up langurs, overburdened donkeys, angry branded camels, sad painted elephants, and cows dining on piles of trash and plastic. That’s what makes this place even more extraordinary.

Before I get into the stay itself, let’s take a quick look at elephants in India so you can understand the story behind the accommodation.

Elephant Ethics in India

Climbing the steep cobblestone path to Amer Fort in Jaipur– I’m surrounded by saddled underfed elephants. In the choking fumes of traffic on city streets– I see elephants. Covered in heavy jeweled adornaments and thick swirling colorful paint they are paraded through the masses for religious and ceremonial events. Weddings even. The groom suited and astride thier massive back on a saddle fit for a king. Sad abused elephants. The animal welfare in India is appalling. Especially for a culture that so highly regards all life that the default is vegetarian. Elephants are no different.

When I first arrived in India I had no intention of visiting ANY elephant “sanctuaries” in the country. It doesn’t take a visitor long to realize that the country is unlikely to host any truly ethical sanctuaries within its borders.

For more information be sure to read my guide on what constitutes an ethical sanctuary.

But there are a small handful of sanctuaries throughout India guiding the country and local sentiment away from elephant rides and gimmicky attractions. Dera Amer Wilderness Camp , just outside the metropolis of Jaipur, is one of them.

Here’s a little lesson on elephants in India, and why exactly, finding an ethical sanctuary is so difficult.

Elephants are integral to many religious and cultural ceremonies in India. Typically painted, adorned, and paraded through the city streets. This means that there is a MASSIVE market to take elephants from the wild and raise them in captivity. But India has just recently, BANNED this practice entirely with legislation that prohibits any more elephants from being taken, born, or put into captivity in any capacity (including zoos). This is great because it shows a change in local sentiment and India has many national parks where elephants can and do roam freely.

But what does that means for the elephants currently in captivity?

Unfortunately, not much. Elephant riding and ceremonial use of elephants are still allowed by the government. Just no new elephants. This will be the last generation of elephants in captivity in India (hopefully). And from my own anecdotal experience in India, elephant abuse is sadly still totally justifiable for local residents. If you look at who rides elephants at Amer Fort, takes Elephant Safaris, and hires them for their wedding processions– it’s local Indians.

Since then several sanctuaries have popped up that are trying to buy this last generation from their owners and handlers and give them a better life in free-roaming sanctuaries.

Why India’s Elephants Cannot be Released into the Wild

Obviously, releasing these elephants back into the wild is the most preferred outcome. But as with everything in India, it’s a little more complicated than that.

For starters, elephants raised in captivity are unlikely to be re-wilded successfully. They need a small diverse herd, a huge protected area for roaming, and even then, nothing is guaranteed. Laos has had some success at re-wilding a single population of elephants but it took years and many of the elephants were unsuccessful. Instead, returning to the populated areas for easy access to food.

Unlike Laos, India simply does not have the space. Any elephant herd placed in the “wild” would be far too close to civilization for success. The best we can offer these captive creatures now is a simple protected life watched over and cared for by humans.

This brings me to what is really my entire point…Dera Amer Wilderness Camp.

What is Dera Amer Wilderness Camp?

Dera Amer is a luxury glamping farm stay on 180 acres of rewilded desert scrubland just outside of Jaipur. It’s privately owned by the Singh family and has been a multi-generational passion project. Today, Dera Amer has two female elephants, a behemoth camel, several dogs, and a plethora of peacocks and other native wildlife on its grounds. Both elephants, named Laxmi and Rangmala, were acquired from their owners and thankfully retired from the hard work of shuttling lazy tourists up to Amer Fort.

The elephants have round-the-clock care from their two mahouts who live with them 24/7. This allows them to roam freely, never chained or tied up, around the property without destroying local crops and livelihood from the nearby villages.

Tourism helps to pay for the exorbitant costs of caring for the elephants.

But not harmful gimmicky tourism. Dera Amer simply allows you to join the elephant’s daily life. You can take long walks with them through the desert and watch them scavenge for the best-tasting trees. You can help the mahout clean their feet (something that would naturally be done by 20+km of walking in the wild). And you can observe them while you dine and relish in the luxury of the camp.

You have two options for visiting the camp. Here’s what to expect for each experience.

Stay At Dera Amer Wilderness Camp

A short 45-minute journey from the bustling city center of Jaipur you’ll find the camp. A massive area of hilly desert scrubland that has been successfully re-wilded. Styled like the traditional luxurious Maharaja hunting camps you’ll enjoy a spacious GLAMping tent secluded amount the scrubland. A plushy kind-sized bed, large wooden desk, and attached fully functional bathroom complete with a warm rain shower complete your “hut”. For amenities; a turquoise oasis pool, a full staff waiting to help you with whatever you might require, a lounging patio beneath a shaded canopy, stargazing beds laid out in the sand, and a full-service open-air bar and lounge in the front of the property to have an afternoon french-press or gin and tonic.

You’ll fill your time at the property easily by hanging out with the resident elephants. Easy-going Laxmi and trouble-making Rangmala, take long strolls through the desert trails that you are welcome to join. Truthfully, aside from the elephants, the best part of Dera Amer Desert Camp is relishing the peace and quiet. Something you don’t get a lot of in India and I’ve never slept more soundly.

Book Your Stay At Dera Amer Wilderness Camp

Since you are in the middle of nowhere, you’ll eat all your meals here as well. This is also one of the more luxurious aspects of the camp. Eating alone beneath candlelight and stars in the desert we dined on local dishes prepared from veggies grown at the camp’s large organic sustainable greenhouse farm. It was some of the best food and certainly the best service we’ve experienced in India. It felt like date night.

You can also watch the sun sink behind the hills from a lovely sunset spot where you can enjoy gin and tonics or wine. Breakfast “with” the elephants was another favorite part of the experience. We dined on fresh made omelets, savory cheese, fresh-squeezed juices, and other international eats while the elephants crunched sugar cane a few yards away.

Eat at Dera Amer Wilderness Camp

The luxury price tag of Dera Amer isn’t for everyone. (It would be totally worth it though.) If you want a shorter visit with some elephant interaction you can also join them for lunch or a morning walk through the desert. As it is the desert– be sure to inquire whether they have mid-day excursions or just morning and evening visits available at the camp.

If you’re a foodie traveler you should consider reading about my favorite food tour in Mumbai and Where to Find the Best Eats in Rajasthan.

Why You Should Support Dera Amer

Obviously, Dera Amer is one of the few places in India doing elephant conservation right. Visiting the camp and promoting the ethics it stands by helps by both financially supporting the mission and helping to change public sentiment in India and abroad about how to properly care for elephants.

They hope to add a handful more rescued elephants to their herd and give them a better life away from the city as well. Your tourism dollars can help.

Disclaimer: Dera Amer Wilderness Camp used to offer elephant rides. Before the world started to understand the negative effects that this kind of interaction can have on elephants the camp still allowed certain practices like this to take place. But judging them today with the standards of today, they are doing an exceptional job at providing a safe and loving home for Rangmala and Laxmi.

Animal tourism is a tricky business and I can personally attest to the fact that there is no worse feeling than accidentally supporting a place that does animals harm. I experienced it on my very first visit to Thailand. Then I did more research and visited Phuket Elephant Sanctuary on my next visit. That’s why I am so passionate about finding ethical animal sanctuaries and experiences around the world and sharing them with all of you. To make your research a little bit easier and to showcase the exceptional wildlife on earth in a fun way for you and a way that supports them! Let me know on Instagram if you have any questions about Dera Amer Wilderness Camp!

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Further Reading...

A Beginner’s Guide to India: Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors  

How to Experience Holi in India like a local

Wagah Border Crossing Tips (India to Pakistan on Foot)

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Your Palitana Guide for an Impressive Jain Pilgrimage

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Elephant Safari in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh National park is filled with so many ranges of wild life species. The credit goes to the amazing landscape and the fittest topography, of course bringing up tremendous amount of tourists to witness the presence and movement of the jungle beings.

Despite the dimensioned properties of the reserve and the varieties of the species, including the bird species, the visitors yearns to this place to catch the rare glimpse of the rare and majestic animals of the jungle including the spirit of the jungle- the tiger. The Bandhavgarh Park has earned name for the highest probability of sighting tigers everyday and this is the reason maximum people come here to experience the “tiger tour” at Bandhavgarh. The “tiger tour” is the star attraction of Bandhavgarh and the best way to enjoy the sightseeing of this majestic animal is on the back of the elephant.

We call it the elephant safari which has gained immense popularity among the animal lovers who love to praise the beauty of the jungle and the glorious beasts of Bandhavgarh. It is really a rewarding experience to follow the footsteps of the royal tigers sitting safely on the back of the elephant.

The elephant safari in Bandhavgarh brings three major advantages- the foremost is you can get the opportunity to experience tiger tour in a detailed manner. The second one is that you can have a very safe tour while sitting on the back of this majestic creature and the third one is that you can enjoy elephant riding simultaneously with the tiger tour.

The special safari can only be attained once the park management receives the written permission from the Field Director of Bandhavgarh. The safari guide will definitely be there to assist you. An elephant safari at Bandhavgarh is really the perfect option for a safe and most enjoyable jungle tour.

• 01 Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh
• 02 Safari Timing in Bandhavgarh
• 03 Safari Zones in Bandhavgarh
• 04 Safari Booking in Bandhavgarh
• 05 Bandhavgarh Travel-info

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Book one of our specially crafted Bandhavgarh tour packages to explore India’s one of the greatest national parks and visit its wonderful tourist spots.

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Elefanjoy – Best Elephant Rides & Safaris in Jaipur | Affordable Prices

• 91-8560040165
• [email protected]

Elefanjoy Tour

3 to 4 Hours

12:30PM Or 2:30PM

Pick Up and Drop:

68 $ Per Person Min 2 People

Description:

Experience the beauty of Elephants with Elefanjoy , the finest wildlife elephant sanctuaries in India, In this serene sanctuary, numerous rescued elephants thrive in a state of harmony and calm. Our refuge offers a secure sanctuary for these magnificent creatures, and we derive immense satisfaction from tending to them with affection and unwavering ethical principles. In our commitment to nurturing these magnificent creatures, we provide our guests with exclusive and enriching experiences, allowing them to create lasting memories with our elephants through exceptional activities.

Our experience includes:

• Elephant Feeding 
• Bathing the elephants
• Guided walks with elephants
• Elephant art and painting with natural colors 
• Walking Tour in Jaipur

We invite you to learn more about our sanctuary and the activities we offer like elephant rides . Come and join us for one of the most exceptional experiences that India has to offer. Our team looks forward to welcoming you and creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Meet your elephant- Welcome to our best wildlife elephant sanctuary in Jaipur, where the first and most exciting step is meeting your very own elephant! As you arrive, your elephant will catch your scent and approach you with curiosity. To help build a connection and trust between you and your elephant, we encourage you to gently pet her and become familiar with each other.

Once you and your elephant feel comfortable, it’s time to embark on a fun-filled adventure together!

Feed your elephant- Feeding our elephants is a truly amazing experience! Did you know that these gentle giants consume up to 200 kilograms of food every day to sustain their large bodies? That’s a lot of food!

To help nourish our elephants and create a deeper bond with them, you can assist in feeding them bamboo and sugarcane. You can either offer the food to their trunks or directly to their mouth, watching as they eagerly chomp away. It’s a delightful sight to see!

Paint your elephant- Get ready to showcase your artistic skills by painting your very own elephant! This unique activity allows you to express your creativity and make your elephant feel even more beautiful.

At our sanctuary, we use only 100% non-toxic, plant-based paints that do not harm our gentle giants in any way. In fact, the paint we use is the same as the one used during the famous Holi festival in India, completely harmless! So, grab a brush and start creating a masterpiece on your elephant’s skin. It’s a memorable experience you won’t forget!

Elephant shower (Not available October to February) As in winters its not suitable for the Elephants.- At our sanctuary, you can give your elephant a refreshing bath to help them cool down from the hot days in Jaipur! Please note that this activity is unavailable from October to February due to the colder weather, which is not suitable for the elephants. During the shower, the elephants enjoy splashing around in the water, and you might even get a shower from them using their trunks! We suggest bringing a change of clothes since you are likely to get wet during this activity.

Elephant walk- Experience the joy of taking a leisurely walk with your elephant at our sanctuary. Walking is essential for the health and wellbeing of these magnificent creatures, and it’s a great way for you to bond with them. We prioritize the welfare of our elephants, which is why we encourage our guests to enjoy their company without riding them. It’s a more meaningful and authentic way to connect with these gentle giants.  

Treat your elephant- Give your elephant a special treat before saying goodbye and thanking them for a wonderful experience. You can feed them their favorite snack, bananas, and watch as they use their trunks to take them from your hands.

We also offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off services for this tour. The entire experience costs 5100 Rupees per person, inclusive of all taxes.

Why with Us. 

At Elefanjoy, ethical practices are at the heart of our mission, and we offer transparent fixed and transplant prices for all our services. As a result, we have been recognized as one of the best service providers in the industry, and our commitment to ethical practices has earned us high praise on TripAdvisor. To learn more about why you should choose us for your elephant experience, please visit our website at.

• Free pick-up and drop off.
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• Cold Drinks & Juice.

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Kanha Reserve, the only paradise for wild beings in India has the most framed natural fineness in the form of landscape harbors amidst the top hills and valleys of highest grasslands in the Maikal range of Satpuras. Ideal for all kinds of jungle tours where one can definitely attain a closer look to all the vivid and rare kinds of wild creatures.

Saying yes to an amazing safari tour is definitely a good approach to the Kanha National Park where the thick majestic Sal and dense Bamboo are lined up for an amazing effect of greenery and frigidity. Above all the distant majestic Maikal hills adds breathtaking panorama to the whole surroundings.

Even with the presence of all these generous attributes Kanha Reserve is being famed for impressive amount of wildlife tour where every animal lover just throw himself to catch the royal glimpses of the most majestic animals including the royal tiger and Barasingha.

This national park is being supple with great wildlife tour by enjoying the safari adventure and if you can have the elephant safari the joy of sighting the animals just doubles. This is the only medium where you can have a closer and safer look to all kinds of deadly or predatory species including the tigers. The Kanha reserve is really renowned for the most adventurous elephant safari which is being regarded as the ‘star attraction’ of the jungle.

To bring more excitement to your safari tour, the jungle officials have managed the well maintained regular tiger tour on the back of the elephant inside the tourism zone so you can have all the pretty sights on your way to the Kanha trip. The elephant safari in Kanha ensures a safe and hassle free journey to the wildlife at the serene jungle.

Elephant safari help the visitors to access the places inside the park which is not accessible by jeeps. The most easiest and common way to enjoy elephant safari is to involve yourself in a Tiger Show program. Tiger Show is a program organized after successful sighting of Tiger by trackers on elephants. Tiger Show can be done during Morning Safari only. During Tiger Show, at a time up to 04 people are taken close to tiger and shown from elephant back for 10 to 15 minutes.

Full day elephant safaris are very expensive and can be enjoyed for longer duration in a day. Full day elephant back safaris are needed to be booked in well advance and requires written permission of Field Director of National Park. Process for Elephant Safari booking should be commenced at least before 30 days or more.

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Indian Elephant

Hi friends,, are you interested in meeting indian elephant.

Excited to meet me in my natural habitat! I’m one of the biggest land animals of the planet. Indian history is full of my glorious tales and importance. Even Lord Ganesha – the lord of wisdom bears my head. I mostly seen throughout the Asian subcontinent mainly India, Sri Lanka and also to the southern part as well as east till Sumatra. When we walk in the herd, the females normally lead the whole herd. Because of great intellect and wisdom I have cultural and religious importance, also have important significance in Indian Mythology. That’s why India has declared me as Indian Heritage Animal.

If you have a shortage of time and you want to see Indian Elephant, check out our Periyar national park weekend getaway .

Indian Elephant’s Zoological identity

Elephantidae.

Genus species

Elephas maximus indicus

55-70 years.

My Appearance

How does indian elephant look like.

Friends you can easily recognize me by my lengthy, uncouth hairs thinly covering my body. My skin is little brown to shady gray. I’m one of the biggest land animals living on the Earth.

I have long legs of the front and has a thinner main body. I have 02 finger type makeups at my tip which permit me to do both fragile and influential movements. I forgot to tell you about my trunk that is most important part of my body which does my all the most significant works very easily.

The male is about 2 meters to 3.5 meters as shoulder height and the female is with 2 meters to 2.7 meters in shoulder height.

The weight of an adult male elephant is upto 5,000 kgs and of female elephant weighs about 3,000 kgs.

I’m renowned from the African Elephant by the smaller size, ears, little more round back and also toenail on my back feet. I have thick, very dry skin along with a little amount of rigid hair and my color is from grey to brown.

I mostly seen throughout India, Sri Lanka and also to the southern part as well as east till Sumatra. When we walk in the herd, the females normally lead the whole herd. I’m human friendly. I can run with the top speed of 43 kilometers per hour. My natural life span is between 55-70 years.

Checkout our All India wildlife tour to explore Indian Jungles and other elephant residences in the region.

THE REPRODUCTION AND FAMILY GROWTH

After the gestation period of about 22 months, a female gives birth to a single baby. Just one baby is born of weight about 100 kgs. The female usually breeds when they are at the age of 10 to 15 years.

FEEDING FACT

At the birth time they can’t see properly, they recognize the mother by the touch and smell. New born baby drinks 3 gallons per day milk up to 2 years. After 2 years, they start to eat plants like the adults.

My male mates both get mature at the age of 14 to 15 years and females get their maturity sightly earlier at the age of fourteen years. They can birth a baby at the regular interval of four to five years.

My Taste Side

Know what indian elephant like to eat.

I normally eat different grasses, bark, roots, and leaves. I too like various crops as banana developed by farmers, creating a nuisance in farming areas. I can eat approximately 350 pounds of meal in a day.

I will have to drink plenty of water each day and they don’t live very away from the water resources. I follow the vegetarian diet and eat grasses, leaves, bamboo, bark, creepers, shoots and palms.

I favor seasonal diversity like the leaves of fig and various fruits, the wood of the apple as well as mango.

I am quite a sociable mammal and walk from one jungle to another forest, rarely stay at one place for more days.

Interested to Know about the  tiger Safari in India  and best tiger reserve of India?

My favorite Whereabouts

Indian elephant’s habitat.

I reside in various habitats as grasslands to damp forests.

My habitat is tropical blossom along with dotted segments of woods meadows, areas that frequently differ in between pasture and also near to the waterhole during the summer season.

How to meet me in India? Do you want to take a safari ride on my back? Do you want to capture my real life? If you want to see me in my natural habitat then you can take an elephant safari in the various national parks like Corbett National Park , Kanha National Park, Manas National Park , Kaziranga National Park , Bandipur National Park, Periyar National Park, Nagarhole National Park . Let me tell you about my most significant addresses!

Ok. let me tell you my prime whereabouts:

This national park boasts of the maximum population in the country spread in about 694 sq kms. Tala zone is the best safari zone for tigers. This national park is the home of the famous tigers like Sita, Mohini, B2 and Bamera.

View Detail

Madhya Pradesh

For my sighting Rajasthan is the second as an attractive prospect in India. In this park you will see us basking and ambling in the sun. The semi-desert nature of the park makes it the best place for tiger sighting and photography.

Kanha is known as the best place to spot us in India. It is the safe shelter for us. Kanha national park covers an area of 940 sq km across the central highland of the Mekal Rang.

This is the best place for a tiger safari in India. It is the oldest park covering around 1288 sq. km. area. Your visit to Corbett can bring you pleasant results because you may get the chances to spot me in my natural habitat.

THREAT TO INDIAN ELEPHANTS

The discovery of new land for the residence by the increasing number of human population across my habitat is currently departing tiny room in their opinion for the living. Hazardous encroachment into protected locations and forests are clearing on the name of the development are about triggering habitat loss and fragmentation. Habitat loss maybe not leaves me without reputable food sources and home; it may also make them more restricted to isolated populations which cannot follow ancient expatriate paths or blend along with different herds.

Habitat loss compels me to seek out other food sources from various fauna, settlements, and farms which have substituted my early forests shelters. I am significant but treated as a damaging animal. I can cause millions of dollars of harm to the substantial agricultural field when I get angry. Because of the brutal assaults, I have usually been murdered in retaliation that should stop.

I have been hunted for mainly my worthy ivory tusks, just male mates have the teeth. Every single hunting farther skews my gender ratio that comprises breeding rates of my species. Poaching rates are now rising on account of the Asian middle-class fuel requirement in spite of the simple fact there’s just a global ban on ivory trade.

THE ELEPHANT PROJECT AND ITS IMPACT

Indian Government has introduced an Elephant Project that is a wildlife conservation endeavor started in 1992 with the try to supply technical and financial support for my leading shelters in the country for the protection of me, my habitats, along with corridors.

Though the project started from the Indian government with a trust for my conservation inside my populous biogeographical places all across the nation, it enlarged its perspective to embracing a much far more comprehensive method into the subsidiary topics of human-elephant battle and welfare of my pet family mates.

Project elephant is primarily comprised the few activities like restoring my current natural habitats and migratory paths, growing scientific procedures for conservation of my habitats and my workable population in the country and making sure that I continuance via proposed direction, encouraging steps for simplifying my battles with the humans in crucial habitats and so much as potential negating the undue pressures of human and regional stock things in my essential habitats, and making specific strictest adherence into “No poaching” acts formulated for me and reducing instances of my unnatural deaths because of person or alternative hindrance, exploration or research on my management related topics, conducting general public training and recognition programs.

RESERVES AND PREVENTION

There are 32 reserves for us in India covering a total area of 69582 sq. kms with our population of about 32000. The main reserve parks for us includes Manas National Park in Assam, Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh , Corbett National Park in Uttrakhand, Periyar National Park in Kerala , Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Bandipur National Park in Karnataka , Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka.

Historical importance

I am one of the few animals who have existence from the very ancient time. My history might be traced back to approximately 2000 BC in northeast India. Ever since that time, I have employed as beasts of weight across India and south-east Asia to entertain, carry crops and humans, to haul logs, and also in conflict by carrying soldiers and arms to combat, whereby they’d trample enemies. My strength has been unparalleled in an era previous to machinery, and also in far more immediate time my usage for the logging market has ever become a significantly less dangerous manner of eliminating wood from the dense forests; in contrast to having trucks, even the dense forests doesn’t have to get flattened to build entry roads whilst me to pull logs involving timber.

Best Tour Packages for Indian Elephants

Attractions: Corbett National Park, Elephant Safari Tour, Wildlife of corbett

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Elephant Safari in India

Elephant safari in India is a unique and thrilling way to experience wildlife holidays in India. The elephant back experience with our select elephant safari tour packages will take you to the wild amidst the Royal Bengal Tigers, Great Single-horned Rhinoceros, Leopards, Hynas and crocs among others.

Some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India where the elephant safari is available include the Jim Corbett National Park which also happens to be the first wildlife sanctuary in India. Elephant Safari in India is also available at Kaziranga National Park in Assam and the Periyar National Park in Kaziranga.

Browse through our wildlife tour packages and select your calling to embark on an unforgettable elephant safari in India.

In the India’s first Wild Reserve and National Park, Corbett, you may take pleasure in elephant safari that begins from the Bijarani Gate of Corbett Tiger Reserve to the Himalayan foothills. The experience includes safari through the deep valleys, and the mysterious thick forests. Along with this, the rugged trails of Corbett national park add the element of thrill to the adventurous elephant safari in India.

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Best Elephant Safari Tours in India

Golden Triangle Tour & Tiger Safari

Delhi – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Agra – Bandhavgarh – Kanha – Pench – Nagpur – Delhi

• Visit popular attractions of Delhi
• Wildlife safari in Ranthambore
• Explore Amer Fort
• Discover the attractions of Jaipur
• Agra sightseeing tour
• Game drive in Bandhavgarh National Park
• Wildlife tour in Kanha National Park
• Meet wild creatures of Pench

Short Escape to Kaziranga

Kaziranga National park

Short Escape to Kanha

Nagpur - Kanha National Park – Nagpur

Arunachal with Kaziranga & Nameri

Guwahati - Kaziranga - Nameri - Dirang - Tawang - Bomdila - Tezpur - Guwahati

Central India Tiger Tour

Delhi – Nagpur – Pench – Kanha – Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho

Classic North East Tour

Guwahati/Tezpur - Nameri - Dirang - Sela Pass - Tawang - Bomdila - Kaziranga - Guwahati

Holiday Your Way with Indian Holiday!

• Adults Age 13 or above - +
• Children Age 2–12 - +

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The Ultimate Guide to Visit Elefantastic Farm (Jaipur) – 2024

Are you an animal lover? Then, you might have heard about Elefantastic Elephant Farm, which connects animals and travelers with unconditional love. Elefantastic farm is now called Elefantastic Sanctuary.

Elefantastic is home to one male elephant as well as 23 female elephants. If you are enthusiastic about experiencing safari rides on your vacation, then Elefantastic’s elephant safari can cater to your expectations.

Elephantastic is nestled at Jaipur Expy, Jaipur. Hence, if you are planning to spend your next vacation in Rajasthan , do not forget to explore Elefantastic Jaipur.

Having started a successful journey in 2012, Elefantastic has contributed to the lives of more than 6,050 people throughout the globe, thanks to its Human-Elephant Interaction Program in the Indian city of Jaipur (the capital city of Rajasthan). Moreover, Elefantastic aims to change the lives of 1 lakh people and support them in being familiar with Asian elephants. The organization also comes with long-term plans to take its journey to the next level.

Elefantastic Jaipur ensures incredible hospitality and services to travelers. A brilliant amalgamation of lip-smacking food, enchanting geography, vibrant culture, mind-blowing souvenirs, picture-perfect views, and deep-rooted spirituality has taken the charm and beauty of the place to the next level.

Table of Contents

Why should you Visit Elefantastic Jaipur?

Elefantastic Elephant Farm is an awe-inspiring farm with lots of scopes of learning and entertainment.  You would get to know a lot of interesting information about the largest mammal in the world. Needless to say, the entertaining activities of Elefantastic Jaipur would blow your mind. The key goal of this organization is to offer support to the owners and mahouts of elephants and help them improve their financial condition.

Elephant safari is one of the prime attractions of the Elefantastic Elephant Farm. Not only elephants but you would also explore small animals and birds of various species here. Are you looking for an ideal gateway to spend some quality time with your near and dear ones in Jaipur? Then, do not forget to add Elefantastic Elephant Farm to your bucket list.

Furthermore, if you would like to discover the natural wonders of the farm, you should definitely try the camping option. Indulging in spectacular natural sceneries away from the hustle and bustle of the city would pacify your mind, body, and soul.

Jaipur, the pink city of India, is home to incredible travel destinations, and Elefantastic Elephant Farm is one of them. Explore the beautiful site and spend a day with an elephant upon visiting the Elefantastic Jaipur. You can participate in various activities with the elephants here to have some wonderful experiences. For instance, you can bathe elephants, paint on them, and feed them.

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How to reach Elefantastic Jaipur?

There are three different ways to reach Elefantastic Jaipur. It is time to explore each one of them one by one:

By Railway:  Elefantastic Jaipur is located at a 14 km distance from Jaipur Junction Railway Station. Once you reach the station, you can book a taxi or take an auto to reach the destination.

By Bus:  Elefantastic Jaipur is nestled at a distance of 12.4 km from the Sindhi Camp Bus Stand. Board a bus to reach your destination with ease.

By Air:  The distance between Elefantastic Jaipur and Jaipur International Airport is 21.3 km. Upon arrival, book a taxi to reach the farm.

By Road:  Take a rickshaw or auto to reach Elefantastic Jaipur to explore some wonderful surprises.

Activities in Elefantastic Jaipur

Upon arrival in Elefantastic Jaipur, you will do the below activities:

– First, you would be introduced to the elephant.

– Next, you would be familiar with the conventional way of getting on and getting down from the elephant.

– Next will be to feed the elephants. Then we will paint their bodies with natural colors. Moreover, painting and feeding are two other most fun-filled experiences you would have with elephants in Elefantastic Jaipur.

– You will provide elephants with clean water through a hose after the painting.

– It’s time for the elephants to take a bath. The elephant shower is a fun experience, when you take an elephant shower, you sit on the elephant’s back and the elephant sprays water from her trunk onto you.

– Take a walk in the village with the elephant after a refreshing shower.

– Bathing the largest mammal in the world is a unique experience in itself.

– You can also cook for elephants and try your hand at clay pottery.

Note: You will surely be soaked in water while helping with the elephant washing, so please make sure you bring additional clothing for a change.

What to remember before visiting Elefantastic Jaipur?

You must take permission from the respective mahout before going around with an elephant. Although there is no restriction on touching or feeding an elephant, it is a must to maintain a safe distance to prevent any unexpected occurrence.

The best time to visit Elefantastic Elephant Farm is from October to March. Hence, you can plan your trip to Rajasthan accordingly to get the Timing to Visit the best experience in Elefantastic Jaipur.

Timing Elefantastic Farm

Elefantastic Jaipur is open from morning 07:00 am to 07:00 pm every day you can visit anytime proper advance.

Cost to Visit Elefantastic Jaipur

Entry Fee: For a day trip to Elefantastic Jaipur, there is a day trip package from 4500 per person, and for kids, it is half off.  The cost includes Lunch/dinner, non-alcoholic drinks, paint, photography, and videography fees.

You can contact us for more information through our online inquiry form, and we will plan an exciting elefantastic trip to Jaipur with a Rajasthan tour package .

Images of Elefantastic Jaipur

Hence, what are you waiting for? It is time to make plans to visit Rajasthan and add Elefantastic Elephant Farm to your itinerary. You would get some life-long experiences and spend a wonderful time amidst natural settings.

See Rajasthan: for more information:

• Places to See in Rajasthan in November 2024
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• 10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Rajasthan At Least Once
• 10 Popular Places to See in Bharatpur
• 10 Most Famous Attractions to Visit in Bundi
• 7 Famous Hill Stations In Rajasthan
• Top 10 Destinations Rajasthan To See In January 2024
• Rajasthan Tourist Places to Visit February 2024
• Jhalana Leopard Safari Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan – A Travel Guide
• 10 Popular Heritage Hotels in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
• 10 Top Places to Visit in Sikar, Rajasthan
• 10 Famouse Places to Visit Kishangarh, Rajasthan
• Airports in Rajasthan: Explore A Full Guide
• 5 Top Famous  Spa Resorts in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

About The Author

Tusk Travel Team

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Top 7 Best Elephant Camps in South India - A Comprehensive Guide

by Avathi Outdoors | Elephant Camps in South India

May 23, 2024.

South India is blessed with awe-inspiring landscapes and a vibrant cultural heritage. But what truly touches the heart is its deep-rooted connection with elephants. Elephant camps in this region offer a unique chance to experience the majestic creatures up close. These camps serve as sanctuaries where elephants are cared for, protected, and, in some cases, rehabilitated. 

Elephant camps in South India have become essential centres for conservation and rescue efforts. These camps often house elephants that have been rescued from injury due to accidents, traps, or being orphaned at a young age. State Forest Departments play a vital role in implementing broad measures to safeguard elephants and prevent unlawful activities that endanger elephant numbers. These gentle giants hold a special place in the hearts of the local communities. The Oscar-winning documentary "The Elephant Whisperers" tells the captivating story of Bomman and Bellie, an indigenous couple entrusted with the care of Raghu, an orphaned infant Indian elephant. The documentary is set in India's stunning Mudumalai National Park , which is located on the border of the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Are you ready to embark on a mesmerising journey into the world of gentle giants? In this article, we explore the elephant camps of South India in detail. At these camps, tourists have the freedom to observe and interact with elephants up close, under the supervision of trained mahouts. 

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Wilderness Lodge, Nagarhole

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Evolve Back, Kabini

Cottage stays at a Riverside Resort in Dandeli

Stay in an Estonian Hut in South Coorg

Pleasant Stay at a Jungle Retreat in Kodaikanal

Adventure and nature resort near Nandi hills, Bangalore

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Container Cabins Near Bangalore

Hampi’s Feathers Resort

A Fun Day Out at a Naturistic Amusement Park

1N/2D at a Jungle Camp in Wayanad

Mysore Tour Packages

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Container Homes and Camping in Kodaikanal

1N/2D at a Rustic Homestay in Kabini

Day Outing and Glamping in Mysore

1N/2D at the Coffee Estate Homestay

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Stay at the Chigarimala Nature Camp

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Jungle stay in Coorg

Elegant Homestay in Vagamon

The Bison, Kabini

1N/2D at a Cozy Homestay in Dandeli

Stay at a Charming Treehouse in Coorg

Go wild at an Elegant Campsite in Coorg

Stay at an A-Frame Cottage in Coorg

Luxurious stays in Munnar

1N/2D Trekking Adventure at the Elephant Lodge

Day Out at an Adventure Resort near Bangalore!

Stay at Charming Hillside Cottage near B.R. Hills

Adventure Camp Near Kanakapura

Make your Stay unique at Jungle Inn

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A Fun Day Out at the Lakeside Camp!

Glamping in the hills of Munnar

Perfect weekend getaway at an eco-friendly resort in Bangalore

1N/2D at a Nature Camp in Chikmagalur

Jungle Stay in Mollem

Private Team Outing for Corporates and Large Groups at the Fine Odes

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Unique Stays at a Riverside Resort in Dandeli

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The Kaav Safari Lodge

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Sunrise Adventure Camp

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The Tamara Coorg

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Wildlife Resort Kabini

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Experience the ultimate adventure at South India's Best Elephant Camps- a haven for elephant lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With Avathi as your official booking partner, rest assured of the best deals and discounts to make your journey unforgettable. Book now and discover the hidden gems of South India!

1. Sakrebyle Elephant Camp, Shivamogga

Sakrebyle Elephant Camp , located 14 km from Shivamogga on the Shivamogga-Thirthahalli main road, is a dedicated elephant training and conservation camp. It offers visitors an opportunity to interact with the elephants on a personal level. The camp is situated near the Tunga River, where elephants bathe on the banks of the Gajanur Dam Backwaters. It is recommended to arrive early to watch the elephants indulge in a river bath. You can scrub and wash them with water and brushes. This bathing session can be enjoyed for a generous duration of 2 to 3 hours. Elephants are nurtured and cared for by skilled mahouts who have dedicated their lives to them. 

Elephant interactions allow visitors to admire the beauty of these majestic creatures. Kids will have an unforgettable day at Sakrebyle! The camp also offers a variety of accommodation options, including wooden cottages, tent cottages, and dormitories. These eco-friendly accommodations are managed by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Rooms with a private bathroom, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, elephant interaction at the camp, a nature walk in the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, bird watching, and forest entry charges are included in the package, providing guests with a peaceful stay in nature. Call us at +91 8971202915 to book your stay at Sakrebyle Elephant Camp. 

The camp is open from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM on all days of the week. Entry charges are ₹50 per head. If you wish to partake in bathing these jumbos, an additional fee of ₹100 per individual applies. 

2. Dubare Elephant Camp, Coorg

Dubare Elephant Camp , located in the scenic Dubare Forest on the banks of the river Kaveri, plays a vital role in conserving and protecting elephants in Karnataka. Historically, the trained elephants of Dubare participated in the grand Mysore Dussehra festival, representing the rich heritage and culture of the region. Elephant interaction, feeding, bathing, and taking pictures are the activities at the camp. Visitors can get up close to these majestic creatures, learn about their behaviour, and participate in activities like bathing and feeding them. In the evening, guests can gear up for a Jeep Safari arranged by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Accommodation options like the River View cottage and the Forest View cottage are provided to guests who would like an overnight stay amidst nature. Call us at +91 8971202915 to book your stay at Dubare Elephant Camp. 

Camp opening times for tourists are from 9 AM to 11 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The entry charge is ₹100 per person. There is an extra cost of ₹250 if you want to participate in the elephant bathing activity. Additionally, there is also a ₹50 charge for people who want to feed the elephants. The best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp is during the post-monsoon season, which runs from October to March.

3. Phansoli Elephant Camp, Kali Tiger Reserve

Phansoli Elephant Camp is situated within the Kali Tiger Reserve in Phansoli. The camp is around 14 kilometres from Dandeli, South India's Adventure Capital. The camp's skilled and experienced mahouts share unique elephant insights, making the trip even more enjoyable.  

The camp is a beautiful place to spend some quality time with these jumbos. Entry timings are from 8 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 6 PM. During other times, the elephants go into the forest for feeding. Visitors' safety is ensured since the elephants are well-trained. This excellent opportunity is accessible for an entry charge of ₹ 50 for adults and ₹ 25 for children. This elephant camp is regarded as a great tourist attraction in Phansoli. Kali Adventure Camp by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, which is only 11 kilometres away, would be an excellent place to stay. The resort offers River Rafting and a Jungle Safari.  

4. Balle Elephant Camp, Balle

The charming Balle Elephant Camp is situated in Balle, amid the beautiful Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka. This extraordinary camp gives visitors a chance to interact with majestic elephants in their natural habitat. Every morning, at about 9 AM, the elephants get bathed and fed, making for a lovely show as they gobble up their snacks. The gentle giants are then released into the untamed forests, where they can roam freely until called back in the evening. This camp is only 10.5 kilometres from the famed Kabini River Lodges, making it the finest option for your stay in Kabini. 

The elephants in the camp are very impressive, notably the massive Arjuna. Arjuna is the Asian elephant who is known for carrying the Golden Ambari at the procession of the Mysore Dasara festival. The mahouts at the camp are incredibly kind and concerned about the elephants' well-being. These gentle giants are properly cared for, with frequent baths, nutritious food, and the freedom to roam the beautiful forest, only to return in the evening. Currently, the camp is home to 12 elephants. A visit to Balle Elephant Camp is a must for wildlife enthusiasts vacationing in Kabini.

5. Harangi Elephant Camp and Tree Park, Kushalnagar

Harangi Elephant Camp, situated in Kushalnagar, Karnataka, is a recently established facility inaugurated in 2022. Spanning 40 acres within the forest department, this new elephant camp is nestled alongside the Harangi reservoir. The camp currently houses a limited number of elephants, which were shifted from Dubare. One of the highlights is the breathtaking view of the River Kaveri that overlooks the camp. The sunset viewpoint gives you an immersive sunset experience.

This place provides a serene and less-crowded alternative to the popular Dubare Elephant Camp. The camp is open in the morning from 9 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM. If you arrive early, there's a chance to witness the delightful sight of elephants bathing. Visitors are required to purchase an entry ticket for ₹50, as well as a parking ticket for their vehicle. From the main gate, a pleasant 800-metre walk leads to the elephant camp. To feed the elephants, you can purchase a bundle of hay for ₹50 each. Along the way, you can enjoy paddle boating in the backwater for ten minutes for ₹100. Children can also enjoy the small games provided at the park. Within the park, visitors can also indulge in a captivating musical fountain, commencing at 7 PM. Harangi Elephant Camp offers a serene and enriching experience, inviting you to connect with nature and witness the majestic elephants. 

6. Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Mudumalai National Park

Theppakadu Elephant Camp, located in Mudumalai National Park, is a popular tourist spot owing to the Academy Award-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers'. Established in 1923, the camp houses 24 elephants at present and serves as a training and rehabilitation centre for these majestic creatures. The camp was initially founded to manage and train elephants used for forestry tasks like logging and timber transportation. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nilgiri District and spans Tamil Nadu and its neighbouring state, Karnataka. 

Mahouts play a crucial role in being emotionally available for their elephants, bathing them, feeding them, and allowing them to graze and rest. The camp's daily routine includes an hour-long bath at the Moyar River, followed by breakfast and a relaxing day at the camp. The respective mahouts provide a balanced diet to elephants using millet balls made from ragi, rice, jaggery, and dried coconut, following a ration chart. On special occasions, elephant calves are taken to seek their blessings from Lord Ganesha (in the temple inside the camp).

Visitors can visit the camp from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:30 to 6:00 PM, with an entry fee of INR 25 per person. The camp offers tourists the opportunity to witness elephants being fed and bathed by the mahouts. It provides training programs for mahouts and there's a small education centre for visitors. 

7. Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, Thrissur

Punnathur Kotta is located near Guruvayoor temple in the district of Thrissur, Kerala. It is an elephant sanctuary that offers food, treatment, and proper care for elephants. Managed by the Guruvayur Devasam Board, the camp is a peaceful and beautiful place for elephant lovers. With around 40 elephants, visitors can observe them cleaning and feeding, as well as take photos and videos. The walkway for tourists is well-maintained, and the Elephant Kotta is kept clean and tidy. It is located 3–4 km from the Guruvayoor temple. The premises have many trees, so elephants can enjoy the shade and breeze during the summer. Kids will love this place.

Visitors can purchase tickets for ₹ 20 for one adult and ₹ 30 for parking. Mobile photography is charged at ₹ 25. You can click pictures of elephants from a distance. The timings for the camp are from 8 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week. If you go early in the morning, you can see how the mahouts bathe the jumbos. You can spend around an hour inside, which makes it a must-visit destination for families and children. The park is a sanctuary for elephants belonging to Guruvayur Devasam, providing a safe and nurturing environment for feeding and resting them. It is a treat to see these elephants eating, bathing, and just lazing around.

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Which is the No 1 elephant camp in India?

While opinions may vary, one of the most renowned and well-loved elephant camps in India is the Dubare Elephant Camp. Located in Karnataka, amidst the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats, Dubare Elephant Camp offers a unique and immersive experience with these majestic creatures.

Managed by the Karnataka Forest Department, Dubare Elephant Camp focuses on both conservation and responsible tourism. Here, you can engage in a range of activities that allow you to closely interact with elephants while respecting their natural behaviors. Some highlights of the Dubare Elephant Camp experience include:

Bathing and Feeding: Visitors have the opportunity to participate in the daily bathing ritual of the elephants in the nearby river. This hands-on experience allows you to connect with these gentle giants and learn about their care.

Elephant Interaction: You can observe and engage with elephants as they are fed, groomed, and tended to by their mahouts (caretakers). This provides insight into the close bond between the mahouts and their elephants.

Elephant Rides: While riding elephants is a common activity, Dubare focuses on making these rides more responsible and comfortable for the animals. You can enjoy a serene ride through the scenic forest trails.

Learning and Awareness: The camp offers educational programs that emphasize elephant conservation and the importance of their protection in the wild. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these animals face and how to contribute to their well-being.

Natural Setting: Set against the backdrop of the Dubare Reserve Forest, the camp provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region while being in close proximity to the elephants.

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Kaziranga Elephant Safari is Closed for monsoon session Till Oct 2023

Kaziranga elephant safari timings :.

Elephant Safari Note : The elephants used for safaris in Kaziranga are well-trained and managed by experienced mahouts (elephant keepers). These mahouts have an intimate knowledge of the park and its inhabitants, ensuring your safety and enhancing your safari experience.

Safari routes: The elephant safaris follow designated routes within the park, covering specific zones where wildlife sightings are common. The routes are carefully planned to maximize the chances of encountering various animals while minimizing disturbance to their natural habitats.

Kaziranga Elephant Safari Booking

Elephant safari kaziranga.

Do you want to experience the exhilarating jungle Safari? Are you an adventure lover? If your answer is yes then how about an absolute elephant safari in the tropical semi-evergreen forests, rocky landscapes and tall thickets grass of Kaziranga National Park? Definitely, you will love this great idea to amble over the lowlands at an attitude of 9-10 ft high. Elephant safari in Kaziranga is the best way to observe the breathtaking view of the mysterious wild jungle, world famous one-horned Rhinos and numerous variety of flora and fauna. There is no alternative way to relish the fascinating wildlife tour than taking ride on a majestic elephant.

Elephant Safari tour is a fabulous selection of itineraries aimed for people who wish to see the forests of varied topography and capture a glimpse of wild animals more closely. Since the maximum area of the park is easily accessible so one could closely see the herds of one-horned rhinos roaming around. It gives you a chance to view animals in their natural habitat at close quarters and thus the rich fauna of Kaziranga coverts your trip into the rewarding experience.

Elephant safari is the best and safest way to explore the remotest and untouched area of Kaziranga forests. If you are keen in exploring denser areas of the forests and search of unseen creatures, elephant ride is the best option. It helps the visitor to walk through such difficult terrains where your jeep can not reach. But advance booking is advisable. Elephant seat is offered on first come and first serve basis.

The park is split into four zoneElephant Safari Kaziranga – Important Points to be noted before you head . s but the elephant safari is organized in the two zones only: the Central or Kaziranga range and the Western or Bagori range. Usually, guests prefer to take safari in the western zone where they will have chance to get close view of the rhinos. Do not make any perception about a particular zone because all zones take you to the heart of the park and there is no such bad zone. Every zone is unique in term of forests, grasslands, density of mammals & bird, land topography, terrains etc.

Central Range or Kohora Range : The starting point of the central range is Mihimukh riding tower. Guests can take elephant safari in this range maximum for one hour. Safari rides passes through the Dagland and Foliomari area. The designated safari routes for central range is : (Mihimukh - Kathpora -Daphlang - Diffolu River Bank -Mona Beel - Karasing & back).

Western Range or Bagori : he starting point of this famous economic zone is at Bagori headquarter. Usually, guests prefer to take safari in the western zone where they will have chance to get close view of the one-horned rhinos. The designated safari routes: (Ongabeel -Rouman - Rajapukhuri -Monabeel & back).

• 1. Elephant safari gives you enough time and chances to catch the famous one-horned rhino.
• 2. Elephant safari start at as early as 05:00 AM in the morning which is best time for sighting .
• 3. Access to the Kohora Safari Zone on Elephant safari is limited to foreigners and VIP delegates .
• 4. Indian Nationals get the option to explore Elephant Safari at Bagori Safari Zone .
• 5 .Elephant Safari Timing and routes are decided by Kaziranga forest officials.
• 6. The park authority reserves the right to change the timing and routes .
• 7. Do not make any perception about a particular safari zone.
• 8. All safari zone take you to the heart of Kaziranga National Park.
• 9. Every zone is beautiful in terms of forests, grasslands, animals density & birds and topography .
• 10. Elephant is a four seater – four tourists are allowed to seat at a time on Elephant.
• 11. Group of 10 elephant enter into the safari zone accompanied by two forest guard.
• 12. Bagori or western Zone gate is the Elephant safari start point.
• 13. Elephant used for safari are well trained by Kaziranga forest authority.
• 14. It is advisable to get booked well in advance due to limited availability of elephants seats .

You can book elephant safari permit by directly visiting the Kaziranga zone offices or you can consult us to book the safari for you in advance so that you can enjoy the safari conveniently without any hurdle when you will reach there on your scheduled date.

Day 01: Arrive Guwahati :- On arrival at Guwahati airport/ Railway station you will be transferred to Kaziranga National Park by surface in a comfortable vehicle. The approximate distance between Guwahati to Kaziranga is 230 Kms and it takes 05 hrs to reach by road. Arrive Kaziranga and first complete check-in procedure at the hotel. Enjoy hot lunch and rest of the day you can utilize in visiting local villages or nearby sightseeing. Dinner will be served at the hotel, overnight stay in a hotel

Day 02: Kaziranga Elephant Safari Sightseeing :- Early morning get ready for the elephant safari from the hotel to western range which is a part of Kaziranga National Park. Morning safari (05:00 AM to 06:00 AM) is considered good for wildlife viewing. Enjoy the beauty of Kaziranga Jungle and experience its wonderful sights, while capturing the glimpses of varied flora & fauna. This haven is nothing less than paradise for nature lover and wildlife enthusiasts. Back to hotel for lunch, dinner & overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 03: Departure :- Enjoy a comfortable night at the hotel and get up early in the morning. Feel fresh and have a breakfast and drive back to Destination. Reach Guwahati airport or railway station to catch flight or train for onward journey.

• 1. In Assam, Kaziranga National Park, the elephant safari started from November 1. “The timing of safari is early morning 5 am”, said Director P. Shivkumar.
• 2. After viewing the improved situation of Covid Pandemic in the state, Assam Government decided to reopen the all wildlife activity in national parks and wildlife sanctuary from November 1
• 3.As a token of custom, elephant puja performed by mahout before safari opens for travelers. Kaziranga National Park was resumed for tourists on October 1 and on that time only jeep safari was available in two tourism zones only Kohara and Bagori.
• 4. Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, Kaziranga National park was closed for long time. Tourists who enjoyed the first safari in this tourism season appreciated the commendable move by Forest Minister to start elephant safari.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve ~ Tour Packages & Safari Bookings Official

Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros

Elephant Safari Kaziranga

The ‘Ride of the Kings’ ~ ELEPHANT Safari is the most thrilling options of Safari into the Kaziranga National Park as you are able to Spot Fauna species from a close distance with this option. Elephant Safari start as early as 5.00 AM in the mornings which serves as an ideal time to spot Animal species in the Kaziranga National Park. Sitting abode the King of the animal kingdom you can care less in case you are able to spot one of the Big Four (4) cat species at Kaziranga. This Safari option guarantees your luck to sight the Majestic One Horned Rhinoceros species at the Kaziranga National Park. Elephant Safari at Kaziranga National Park is an ideal choice for any nature lover who wants to catch a glimpse the diverse flora and fauna from a close proximity. This jungle safari option best suites to identify the fauna of Kaziranga National Park amidst the tall grasslands and rocky landscapes as your view is extended from the Elephant back.

The Kaziranga National Park in Assam a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tiger Reserve is spread across a total core area of 430 square kilometers. Further, to make Kaziranga National Park accessible to tourists it is split into four zones. While the Jeep Safari inside these ranges of Kaziranga are allowed across the four zones, the Elephant safari is organized in the two zones only: the Central or Kohora range and the Western or Bagori range. Again here, access to the Kohora Safari zone on Elephant Safari is limited to foreigners and VIP delegates while Indian Nationals get the option to explore the vast reserves of Kaziranga National Park on an Elephant back here at the Bagori Safari Zone. Elephant rides timing and routes are decided by the Kaziranga National Park management. Usually there are two regular slots for Elephant Safari during the tourist season at Kaziranga National Park. One at morning 5 AM and the other at morning 6.30 AM. When the number of tourists are more a third slot at 7 AM is also added. The park authority retains the right to change the timing and routes. Usually, guests prefer to take safari in the western zone where they will have chance to get close view of the rhinos. Do not make any perception about a particular zone because all zones take you to the heart of the Kaziranga National Park and there is no such bad zone. Every zone is unique in term of forests, grasslands, density of mammals & bird, land topography, terrains etc.

For Elephant Safari booking enquiry at Kaziranga National Park please tell us:

The Elephant Safari at Kaziranga National Park get booked very early before the start of season due to limited availability of Elephants at both the Safari ranges. Hence it becomes necessary for guests to book their safari much ahead of their travel dates to Kaziranga National Park. Bookings can be undertaken for Indian National at the Bagori Safari range of Kaziranga while no advance booking is taken for Elephant Safari at Kohora range.

** Children aged above 3 years will be charged full amount of Elephant Safari

Kaziranga Elephant Safari Image Gallery:

Kaziranga Elephant Safari terms and conditions:

• We are responsible for booking Elephant Safari, collection of payment and handing over of payment receipt to our visitors
• Entry Pass for Elephant Safari to be collected by visitors along with our representative from Safari Ticket Counter
• Kaziranga National Park Authority reserves the right to admittance of visitors
• Safari inside Kaziranga National Park may be closed without prior notice based on climate conditions and Rhino census
• Above mentioned rates are subjected to revision without prior notice
• Hotel/Resort pick up and drop will be charged extra
• We are not responsible for delay in start of Elephant Safari
• Camera charges both Still and Video are additional as per Government prescribed fees
• Please do not carry eatables inside the Kaziranga National Park
• Use of plastics is banned inside Kaziranga National Park
• Avoid bright colored clothes inside premises of Kaziranga National Park

Sample Itinerary for Elephant Safari at Kaziranga National Park:

Day 1 ~ Guwahati  – Kaziranga National Park

Arrive at Guwahati Airport. On arrival you will be received by our representative at the airport offering a warm welcome in traditional Assamese style. From the Airport drive to the Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kaziranga National Park is home to the highest population of the  Endangered One Horned Rhinoceros species  anywhere in the world. On arrival check into a Comfortable hotel/Guest House. Visit the nearby tea gardens in the late afternoon. Evening Bon fire and cultural performances (Bihu Dance of Assam) on request.

Night Stay:  Comfortable Hotel at the Kaziranga National Park

Meals Included:  NA

Day 2 ~ Kaziranga National Park – Kaziranga Orchid Park – Guwahati

Early morning go for a  Elephant Safari  into the Kaziranga National Park from the Bagodi/Kohora Safari Range at the National Park. Later in the day visit the  Kaziranga Orchid and Bio-Diversity Park  at Kaziranga National Park. The Kaziranga Orchid and Bio-Diveristy Park is the  Largest Orchid Park in India . Depart to Guwahati.

Night Stay:  Comfortable Hotel at Guwahati

Meals Included:  Breakfast

Day 3 ~ Kamakhya Temple – Depart

Early morning visit the holy  Kamakhya Temple  at Guwahati. After breakfast you will depart to Guwahati Airport for your onward destination. Trip Ends. Bid Adieu!

An Elephant Safari experience at Bagori Safari range in Kaziranga National Park ~

As we conduct various safaris in Kaziranga National Park of the likes of Elephant Safari, Jeep Safari and Boat Safari, we narrate to our readers and future guests to Kaziranga one example of an Elephant Safari experience here in Kaziranga National Park. This time our guests were from Bangalore in India and we had arranged for their stay, Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park. Their stay was arranged at our guest house in Kohora are of Kaziranga. There are two (2) slots for Elephant Safari timings here in Kaziranga National Park one in the morning at 5 AM and the next slot is at 6.30 AM. As Indian Nationals are permitted to go for Elephant Safari into the interiors of Kaziranga National Park from the Bagori Safari range only therefore we arranged for their safari here itself. Also as we have Elephant Safaris owned by our team in Kaziranga National Park we were able to arrange for their entry at 6.30 AM as the 5 AM slot is too early and coming from Kohora to Bagori would mean getting up at 4 AM itself. I was present at Kaziranga National Park along with our guests and it was my responsibility to ensure that the guests reached Bagori Safari range on time for their Elephant Safari ride into Kaziranga National Park interiors.

The next day morning I got up at 5 AM and provided a wake up call to our guests who got up on time. We were ready by 5.30 AM and I started the car and along with the guests we proceeded to Bagori Safari range for Elephant Safari into Kaziranga National Park. We reached Bagori at 5.50 AM and our team member Krishna was already awaiting our arrival here at the entrance of the Bagori Safari range. Once we reached there were many other vehicles in the parking area meaning that many other guests were also going into the interiors of Kaziranga National Park for elephant safari ride along with guests who had gone for the 5 AM slot for Safari and would come out of the interiors of Kaziranga National Park now.

Krishna had our passes in his hand and he handed over the passes to us. I too was going along with our guests for the elephant ride into Kaziranga. By 6.05 AM the guests who had gone inside the park started to come outside all with happy faces after their wonderful experience of Elephant Safari here in Kaziranga National Park. Krishna took us to the elephant ride point which is slightly inside and we had to walk from the entry point of the Bagori Safari range gate. We waited our turn as there were other guests awaiting to board their ride ahead of us. Shortly our turn arrived and we climbed on the Elephant back to go into the interiors of Kaziranga National Park. As we were four (4) of us one elephant was dedicated to us along with the mahout. We gradually started to travel inside Kaziranga National Park on a bumpy yet interesting ride on an elephant back.

We first crossed the pathway along which the elephant walks admiring the varied flora of Kaziranga National Park. We spotted a few deers immediately. The mahout maneuvered the elephant to take a slight turn and we were treading along the path where we saw the first Indian One Horned Rhinoceros lying on a muddy marsh. We went very close to the animal and captured our pictures. As we went further in we saw many more rhinoceros, wild boars, hog deers, asiatic wild water buffaloes and various bird species of Kaziranga National Park. It was indeed an amazing experience riding on the Elephant back. Although is is a cruel practice to keep these giant animals chained but out mahout told us that adequate care is taken of the Elephants here in Kaziranga National Park. They are well fed and proper medical attention is ensured to these animals here in Kaziranga National Park.

We came out from our Elephant Safari ride from the interiors of Kaziranga National Park at 7.30 AM. We thanked the mahout and paid him some money as tips for bringing us out safely from the park. We thanked him and returned back to our guest house to get fresh and go for a round of Jeep Safari at a different range in Kaziranga National Park.

An Elephant Safari experience at Kohora Safari range in Kaziranga National Park ~

As mentioned earlier, Elephant Safari at the Kohora Safari range in Kaziranga National Park is reserved only for Foreign nationals and VIPs from India while the Bagori Safari range offers Elephant rides for Indian Nationals as well. The Elephant Safari remains one of the most popular jungle safari options here in Kaziranga National Park and slots for this safari option gets booked much ahead in advance especially as the number of Elephants are less as compared to the many number of tourists. Elephant Safari rides at Kohora Safari range begin as early as 5 AM in the morning for tourists. The early morning safari at Kohora safari range is spectacular as you see the first rays of the sun lighting up the vast expanse of grasslands here in Kaziranga National Park. The Elephant Safari ride brings in a sense of excitement in the minds of visitors as one treads on the Elephant back into the vast forest reserves cutting across a layer of fog in the winter season. The sight of Rhinoceros grazing in the open fields of Kaziranga National Park is a mesmerizing sight from the top of the elephant back as well. While rhino sightings are common from the elephant back in the Kohora safari range do not miss out on the opportunity to sight other fauna species of Kaziranga National Park like Asiatic wild water buffaloes, hog deers, sambar deers, swamp deers, wild elephants and the various species of birds as well.

In this piece we narrate our experience of conducting an Elephant Safari at the Kohora Safari range of Kaziranga National Park with our guests from UK. The Elephant safari ride for our visitor was scheduled at 5 AM in the early morning at Kohora safari range. Krishna our team member had arranged for the entire booking of our guests from their stay, airport transfers, transfers across Assam and Meghalaya, stay at Kaziranga and other places, their meals and their elephant and jeep safari rides into the interiors of Kaziranga as well. The stay was hosted at the Bonhabi Resort just on the outskirts of the central safari zone. Krishna picked them up and arrived at the entrance of the safari range. From here their passes were verified and the guests were allowed to go inside the park to climb their elephant backs and go for a Elephant ride. A total of 9 elephants had gone in the morning 5 AM slot inside the park carrying visitors from various nationalities who had gone inside for Elephant safari at the Kohora safari range. The designated circuit to be followed was as below ~

Mihimukh Riding point No. 1 via 2nd Addition to KNP up to Riding point No. 2 at Kathpora and vice versa at Southern periphery

The ride was an interesting one and the early morning fog didn’t hinder the visitors from sighting a wide variety of flora and fauna here in Kaziranga National Park. The Elephant safari ride started at the Mihimukh riding point no. 1 extending upto riding point no. 2 at Kathpora with the ride duration lasting for about an hour’s time. Our visitors were able to sight varies fauna species at Kaziranga National Park of the likes of Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic Wild Water Buffaloes, Hog Deers, Swamp Deers, Wild Boards and various species of resident and migratory birds as well. After an hour the ride ended at the Mihimukh riding tower at Kohora and the visitors came out from the Safari point.

To book your Elephant Safari at Kaziranga National Park please tell us:

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Kaziranga National Park Elephant Safari – Some of our Guest reviews ~

1| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park ~

As a part of our tour package Arunav assisted us with the bookings of the Elephant Safari here in Kaziranga National Park. We were staying at the Landmark Woods Hotel close to the Bagori range and our Elephant safari slot was scheduled at 5 AM in the morning. It was a little tough taking up at 4 AM and reaching to the ride point at Bagori but we managed it and it was a wonderful experience. The ride lasted for about an hour and the mahout took us very close to the rhinos to sight them from a close distance. We also spotted other animal species as well on our Elephant Safari ride.

Mr. Gopikrishna and family

Bangalore ~ Nov 2016

2| Elephant Safari ride in Kaziranga National Park ~

We were travelling across North East India on a tour package with Jungleideas and Kaziranga National Park was the highlight of our tour and we were excited to sight the Rhinoceros here. Arunav assisted us with the booking for Elephant Safari here. We were staying at the Bonroja Motel just adjacent to the Bagori Safari range so we avoided the travel time to here in case we were staying near the Kohora range. Our Elephant Safari slot was at 5 AM and we walked to the gate entrance to get our ride here. The ride was amazing and we could get a clear view of the various rhinoceros grazing in the open fields of Kaziranga National Park. Our mahout had a good rapport with his elephant and he maneuvered the animal quite well for our comfortable ride.

Shipla S and family

Bangalore ~ February 2017

3| Tour of Kaziranga National Park ~

We booked our tour with Jungleideas in the month of February for the month of March 2017 and Arunav helped us to book the Itinerary at the very last moment. Even though find an Elephant safari ride booking at Kaziranga National Park was a challenge because of the time constraint. Arunav managed to somehow arrange for two seats for us at the nick of time as we had only planned on doing the Jeep Safari earlier. The tour was perfectly executed and it was wonderful riding on the Elephant Safari ride and witnessing the One Horned Rhinoceros from a close proximity. Thank you Arunav for the all the arrangements.

Mohammed Zeeshan

Bangalore ~ March 2017

4| Elephant Safari ride in Kaziranga National Park ~

For our family of four (2 Adults and 2 Children aged 12 and 8) we were having trouble booking our Elephant Safari ride at Kaziranga National Park until we found Arunav through the internet. He took charge and informed his team mate Krishna to help us out with our bookings. The experience was pleasant that we even ended up booking our stay at their guest house and also our Jeep Safari rides as well along with the Elephant safari rides here in Kaziranga National Park. The experience was amazing and the Elephant safari ride was the prime highlight.

Ravi Kumar and family

Chennai ~ April 2017

5| Elephant Safari ride in Kaziranga National Park ~

We had visited Kaziranga National Park in April 2017 and booked our Elephant Safari ride with Krishna. We were a group of 8 people and had requested we were allotted our elephant safari rides on 2 elephants. It was a memorable experience. Thank you

Suman Chakraborthy

Kolkata ~ April 2017

6| Elephant Safari ride in Kaziranga National Park ~

We planned our tour of Kaziranga National Park with these guys and they took care of our experience here. The Elephant Safari ride at Kohora range was a prime attraction for us as we wanted to sight the pride Rhinoceros up close here in Kaziranga the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These guys helped us with our bookings and tour arrangements. It was a wonderful experience thanks!

Belgium ~ April 2017

7| Tour of Kaziranga National Park

Our tour was booked by Krishna and it was a short trip to Assam and we planned on visiting only at Kaziranga National Park. Krishna helped us arrange our transfers from Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park and also book our Elephant and Jeep Safari rides along with a budget accommodation at the guest house for four people. The stay even though cost us only INR 2000 per night for a huge double bedded room was amazing and the food provided at the guest house was commendable. The Elephant ride was exciting as we spotted rhinos from very close and the jeep safari helped us in bird-watching. Thanks a lot team.

Arun Thomas and family

Trivandrum ~ Nov 2017

8| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

I knew Arunav from my college days and he assisted me with my solo travel plan across Assam and Meghalaya. He also assisted me with my Elephant Safari bookings at the Bagori range of Kaziranga National Park. I was staying at the JBs Resort in Kaziranga National Park and the entrance to the Bagori range for Elephant safari ride was a little away from here. Upon contacting Arunav he even arranged for a Jeep to take me to the Bagori range from the resort for my 6.30 AM Elephant Safari ride slot. It was a wonderful experience and I successful t saw more than 10 rhinos in the wild very up close. Thank you Arunav for all your help.

Devendra Bhansali

Bangalore ~ Nov 2017

9| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Our Elephant Safari ride we had booked with Krishna. Quick response and booking confirmed on an advance payment. Passes were handed over to us at our Hotel in Kaziranga National Park. Very professional approach to handling their customers. Thank you Krishna. The Elephant safari ride was a very rewarding experience for us.

Mr. Jana Reddy 

Visakhapatnam ~ Dec 2017

10| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Krishna helped us out with our Elephant and Jeep safari ride for 12 members. We had to book 2 Jeeps and individual elephant safari ride tickets for our family of 12. The young children enjoyed the Elephant safari and jeep safari rides very much. We look forward to visiting Kaziranga National Park soon. Thank you Krishna for all your support here.

Mr. Ashok Chauhan and family

Mumbai ~ Jan 2018

11| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Our North East India tour across Assam and Meghalaya was arranged by Jungleideas and Arunav himself joined us and drove us around showing us all the locations and accompanying us on our trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat etc. Our son enjoyed his company a lot. Our Elephant Safari ride at Kaziranga National Park was booked by Arunav at the Bagori safari range. As we had insisted on staying at the Nature Hunt Eco Camp at Kaziranga National Park at Kohora it would be a 20 min drive to Bagori from here. Our Elephant Safari time was scheduled at 5 AM and so we had to get up as early as 4 AM to reach the place on time. Arunav ensured to be on time and pick us up at the camp and take to the Elephant Safari range. We all enjoyed our elephant ride and our son loved the sight of Rhinoceros here at Kaziranga National Park. Thank you Arunav it was a memorable tour for our family.

Vivek S and family

Bangalore ~ April 2018

12| Tour of Kaziranga National Park

Our tour for a group of 12 members was being handled by Jungleideas. Arunav was very professional in planning out our Itinerary and cost details for our tour across North East India at Meghalaya and Assam. The highlight of our tour was the Elephant and Jeep Safari rides at Kaziranga National Park. The morning slot was perfect to get a good views of the animals of Kaziranga on the Elephant safari ride. The mahout who took us on the Elephant safari ride went the extra mile to show us the Rhinoceros from up close also keeping our safety in mind as well. The Jeep safari ride in the afternoon at the eastern range helped us identify various bird species with an able guide as well. Stay at the Borgos resort was top notch and so was the sumptuous traditional lunch at the Hornbill restaurant in Kaziranga. Only disappointment was we could not sight tigers in the eastern range. Thank you team your efforts will be cherished always.

Henry Adams

London – UK (November 2018)

13| Elephant and Jeep Safari at Kaziranga National Park

Krishna was handling our bookings for Elephant and Jeep Safari rides for our family of 10 members. We had booked in advance so it wasn’t a problem to confirm our Elephant safari at Kaziranga National Park. Krishna went along with us and helped us identify the various species of fauna and birds here. Thank you Krishna!

Arindom Hazarika

Duliajan – Assam ~ November 2018

14| Elephant Safari at Kaziranga National Park

I had pre booked my Elephant safari in October 2018 for our group’s visit to Kaziranga National Park. We were a group of 10 members from a company in Bangalore who came for a North East visit. Krishna helped us with the budget accommodation and vehicle as well for our tour. Elephant rides were completely booked for December and thankfully we had booked it previously. It was an amazing experience at Kaziranga National Park. Thank you Krishna for all the help.

Karthik Sreenivasan

Bangalore ~ December 2018

15| Jeep and Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

We were travelling from Tezpur in Assam and did not have much idea as to how to go about the bookings at Kaziranga National Park. We contacted Arunav who guided us to Krishna who assisted us with the arrangements of booking our guest house, elephant and jeep safari in Kaziranga. The guest house was nice and amazing food was served to us here. The elephant safari started on time and Krishna assisted us with the jeep safari ride as well. It is good to know people from your state are working effectively towards keeping Kaziranga National Park a World favored tourist destination.

Samiran Gogoi

Tezpur – Assam (January 2019)

16| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

My wife and I had come from from Pune and spending time at our friend’s place in Guwahati when we planned on visiting Shillong and Kaziranga National Park as it was our first time in North East India. We contacted Krishna to help us with the Elephant safari booking in a short notice. He arranged it for us and also arranged for our Jeep safari and accommodation in short notice. It was amazing to see the one horned rhinoceros of Assam on the elephant safari ride.

Apurva Vatlekar

Pune ~ February 2019

17| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

I was a solo female traveler and I visited Kaziranga National Park in the month of March 2019. As I was travelling alone and didn’t have much idea about the safari bookings here I approached these guys to assist me with my bookings. I was planning on doing Jeep safari in Kaziranga but Krishna recommended I do Elephant Safari as I was single traveler and this would also save me the cost of hiring an entire Jeep for my safari experience. As the Elephant safari slots were almost full Krishna somehow managed to arrange one seat for me for the Elephant Safari ride at the Bagori Safari range. He was also kind enough to arrange for a pick up vehicle for me from my place of stay to the Bagori safari range and to drop me back. The elephant safari was one of a kind experience and I did not regret it. Thanks a ton to these guys!

Sonali Jain

Mumbai ~ March 2019

18| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Krishna assisted with our Elephant and Jeep Safari bookings in Kaziranga National Park during April 2019. Our young children were travelling with us and Krishna ensured to take all steps to make our visit a memorable one. We were picked up from our place of stay and taken to the Bagori safari range for our Elephant Safari ride. We got the 6.30 AM slot and the Elephant Safari ride was very amazing as we got to spot many One Horned Rhinoceros species at the Bagori Safari range of Kaziranga National Park on Elephant Safari. The Jeep safari at the Eastern range was also a rewarding experience. Thank you Krishna for all the arrangements.

Manoj Sharma and family

New Delhi ~ April 2017

19| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

My parents wanted to visit Kaziranga National Park and North East India for a long time and in April 2019 we planned our tour here to be arranged by Jungleideas. Arunav assisted us with our tour bookings and upon insisting to be joined with the 3 of our us on tour he agreed to do go and came along with us. We took our Elephant and Jeep Safari rides at Kaziranga National Park. The Elephant safari ride at the Bagori Safari range was a highlight and all thanks to Arunav for suggesting us to take this Elephant Safari ride here. My parents loved it a lot and it was nice to see the Mahouts take utmost care of the Elephants here in Kaziranga National Park. Our Mahout was regularly feeding the Elephant while the animal took us joyfully on its back and took us closer to the rhinos of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park.

Soumya Gupta

Ghaziabad ~ April 2019

20| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

We booked our Elephant Safari ride in Kaziranga National Park a little ahead of our visit and it was a little tough to find our elephant safari bookings here. We managed to contact these people through the internet and Krishna promptly addressed our query and immediately looked our for our elephant safari bookings. He managed to arrange for our safari at our time of visit and we ended up booking our Jeep safari ride as well with them. I thank him sincerely for his efforts.

Mr. Krishnendu Chatterjee

Kolkata ~ April 2019

21| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Our visit to Kaziranga National Park was sole intended to enjoy a thrilling elephant safari ride into the park interiors as we were very much interested to sight the rhinoceros from a close distance. After reading about the elephant safari reviews my husband wanted to ensure to sit on this safari ride at Kaziranga National Park. But due to our last minute planning we were not being able to find seats for theis elephant safari ride and we happened to connect with Krishna who somehow managed to arrange  six seats for our family even though we had to pay a little extra amount as the seats were limited and the elephant safari ride was booked towards the end. Krishna made all teh arrangements for our safari including our pick up and drop from our place of stay at Kaziranga at the western range of park for elephant safari ride in Kaziranga.

G Krishna and family

Bangalore ~ Nov 2019

22| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

The information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park was elaborately explained on the website of this company and we planned our tour to Meghalaya and Assam with them. It was our family’s annual break and a group of 10 members handed the responsibility to these guys who informed us about the Pushkar festival going on in Guwahati and made arrangements for our visit to the Holy Maa Kamakhya Temple as well. At Kaziranga the elephant safari was one of the most rewarding experiences we had along our tour. The elephant ride in Kaziranga took us very close to the rhinos and we spotted the beast from a very close encounter. All the hotel arrangements were upto the mark and the vehicle was in new condition. Thanks a lot to Krishna for all the arrangements and especially the elephant safari here in Kaziranga National Park.

Vivek H and family ~ Nov 2019

23| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

The recent turmoil in Assam proved beneficial for us and many visitors had cancelled their plans of visiting Kaziranga National Park and so their elephant safari rides were cancelled as well and we were able to successfully book our elephant safari rides at the central range of Kaziranga National park even though this area is preferred for the foreign visitors only. We wanted to have our pre christmas and christmas holidays here at Kaziranga and we planned on availing the elephant safari and jeep safari rides at the interiors as well. Krishna assisted us with the elephant and jeep safari bookings to the interiors of Kaziranga National Park at the central and western ranges. The elephant safari ride was amazing and it is a must try for visitors coming on a vacation to Kaziranga National park.

Mantu Choudhury

Nagaon ~ Dec 2019

24| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Assam was so calm during the peak tourist season because of the CAB protests with most visitors to Kaziranga National Park cancelling their visit. The Kaziranga National Park was also calm and peaceful with very few visitors and so we did not have much of a problem to find our safari rides here. Krishna had helped us primarily with our bookings and as our day of elephant safari approached we thankfully got the 6.30 AM slot so that we had enough time to wake up and reach the western range of the park. The mahout was well in control of the elephant and the animal obliged his thoroughly during our elephant safari ride here at Kaziranga National Park. We sighted rhinoceros, wild buffaloes, hog deers, pangolins, jungle fowls on our ride and it was an amazing experience altogether.

Pratik Mathur

Ghaziabad ~ Dec 2019

25| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

December was a nice time to visit Kaziranga National Park to enjoy the elephant safari ride into the park interiors. But with the lack of tourists around Kaziranga we were sceptical whether or not the park authorities would be conducting our elephant safari ride or not. We were a family of four and Krishna assisted us with our elephant safari bookings and we chose to stay at a motel nearby the Bagori range of the park where our elephant safari was scheduled. Thankfully our ride was organized on our day of visit and it was really surprising to see that a park where the activities are otherwise bustling in the mornings there were hardly 10 of us going for our elephant safari ride at the western range of Kaziranga National Park. We enjoyed our ride and spotted various animals species from a close distance.

Kaushik Das

Guwahati ~ Dec 2019

26| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

The turmoil that had hit Kaziranga National park tourism could be seen to fade away gradually as we spotted visitors coming back again to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to enjoy their elephant safari and jeep safari rides. We flew down from Delhi after Krishna had confirmed to us that the recent violence that shook Assam had now subsided. And indeed we could see many visitors in and around Kaziranga National Park enjoying their vacations in peace and calm. Our elephant safari ride was booked for the morning of Jan 5th and Krishna himself was present at the park and he welcomed us and accompanied us to the Bagori range of Kaziranga to hand us our elephant safari passes. The Elephant ride lasted for about an hour and we enjoyed every moment of it. All thanks to Krishna and team for the smooth arrangement of our ride.

Anjali Mathur and family

New Delhi ~ Jan 2020

27| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

I was not in favour of going for this Elephant safari ride in Kaziranga National Park because I thought it was cruel to keep animals chained and train them for these activities but Arunav guided me that these elephants of Kaziranga National Park were taken well care of for the Elephant Safari rides and he even asked me to read some articles to get an assurance that it was not cruelty towards these animals but as a source of livelihood for the mahout and in turn the elephants as well. We were a group of eight members from Bangalore and we took a decision to go for teh Elephant Safari ride here in Kaziranga National Park. We ended up booking our tour with these guys and Arunav received us at the Guwahati airport and accompanied us on our journey to Kaziranga National Park. We were put up at a nice resort in Kohora area of Kaziranga and our elephant safari ride was scheduled at the Western range of the park at Bagori. Owing to the protests in Assam due to the ongoing Citizenship Amendment Act there were much less tourists compared to how it is during January otherwise. We were booked at the 6.30 AM elephant safari ride slot and we went to Bagori range from Kohora at 6 AM and Arunav handed us our passes and we climbed on the back of the elephant. The animal was very calm and he looked used to carrying people on its back for safari rides and the mahout was very caring about his animal as well. He kept feeding the elephant during the ride and we went up close to rhinoceros. But due to the thick fog the visibility was less and we had to look out for animals in the interiors of Kaziranga. All in all it was a great experience and this reminded of our times at Mysore when we used to witness the Dussehra festivities where elephants would roam across the beautiful town of Mysore towards the Palace. A great experience of Elephant Safari and Jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park and all thanks to Arunav for the arrangements.

Raju K and group

Bangalore – January 2020

28| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

After exploring Meghalaya we made our plan to visit Kaziranga National Park and we had a tough time looking out for a partner to help us with our elephant safari bookings and this was when Krishna came to our help and he made our last minute bookings for elephant safari ride at the Bagori range of Kaziranga National Park. We had contacted him only two days prior to our safari time and he successfully managed to book our elephant safari ride at the best available rates. We asked him for our hotel reservations as well and he booked a nice triple room for the three of us at the Kaziranga Holidays Guest house. To drop us to the Bagori Safari range point Krishna also helped to arrange for a gypsy vehicle as we were travelling by bus and it was the 6.30 AM safari ride slot and this slot proved a better option as the early morning 5 AM slot we would have had a tough time sighting animals as it was a foggy morning on the day we took our elephant safari ride here at Kaziranga National Park. We spotted many rhinos from up close that happens to be the flagship species here at Kaziranga and many hog deers, wild water buffaloes and some animal species as well. The Mahout took good care of the elephant and we had a overall wonderful experience visiting and enjoying our elephant safari here at Kaziranga. Thanks to Krishna for all his help and continual support.

Cochin – January 2020

29| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

This review is for the hassle free experience we had while booking our elephant safari ride at Kaziranga with Krishna and his team and not much for the elephant safari here at Kaziranga because we had a bad experience on our safari ride as the entire area was foggy on the day and time of our visit and animal sighting was not proper at all and we had a very short visibility range. We managed to sight a few rhinos but the overall picture we had in mind to experience here at Kaziranga National Park was not fulfilled completely because of the fog. Yet we enjoyed the experience overall and the utmost hospitality of Krishna and his team along with the smooth booking process. Krishna helped arrange for our lunch as well at the Hornbill restaurant at Kaziranga and the Assamese thali was very very delicious. Thanks again to the team for helping us with our elephant safari and guiding us across Kaziranga.

A Prasad and family

Lucknow – February 2020 

30| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

We were a team of 12 friends and doctors as well who planned to spend our day at Kaziranga National Park to enjoy a day of Elephant safari and Jeep safari at the forest reserves of Kaziranga. We hail from Dimapur in Nagaland and planning a visit to Kaziranga was easy for us as we had our own vehicles to reach the forest area. We had contacted Arunav and team member Krishna over the internet and asked them to help us plan our visit here along with arrangements for stay, breakfast, dinner, lunch and elephant safari and jeep safari ride in the interiors of the park. The entire booking process went smoothly and our stay was arranged at the Kaziranga Holidays resort and food arrangements were made at the Hornbill restaurant at Kaziranga National Park and it was a wonderful experience working with these people who knew the in and out of Kaziranga area and knew the best places to have food. As we people from Nagaland enjoy boiled food with less oil and lots of herbs and natural spices our meal arrangements included this with lots of spinach and other leafy herbs. Our elephant safari ride was scheduled at the western range of Kaziranga and as no of tourist footfalls were less this year in Kaziranga we managed to enjoy our elephant safari ride here and the afternoon jeep safari ride at the central range of the park. It was a memorable experience and we left with a bouquet of memories to Dimapur and wished to visit Kaziranga National Park again soon with these guys to enjoy our elephant safari and jeep safari experiences.

Dr. Imti and group

Dimapur – February 2020

31| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

We were a group of ten ladies travelling across Kaziranga National Park and Meghalaya and Krishna helped to arrange for our elephant safari ride here at Kaziranga at the western range of the park. It was a final minute plan we had to visit Kaziranga as we had come to witness the Filmfare awards at Guwahati and this also gave us an opportunity to visit this famed UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the promo videos that were shot at the various wildlife destinations of Assam we had to ensure to visit the park and witness the beauty of the place on jeep and elephant safari rides here. We went for teh second slot of Elephant safari ride at 6.30 AM in the morning and Krishna had arranged for our safri passes and along with it he also arranged for the jeep safari ride as well. Even though we paid a little premium for our elephant safari ride as it was a last moment booking and finding seats for elephant safari is a little difficult here at Kaziranga if not planned well ahead. We had a wonderful time sighting th rhinocroews from the elephant back on our hour long safari ride. Post this we took our jeep safari at the central range of the park and two jeeps took us on our safari ride where we spotted rhinos, hog ders, various assamese macaques and lots of birds thereby ending our visit at Kaziranga and heading to Shillong further.

Aarti Prasad

Mumbai – February 2020

32| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

We had a doctors enclave at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kaziranga National park and it was a batch reunion of our medical college and Krishna helped to arrange for our entire conclave here. Around 15 od us had gathered at the Kohora area of Kaziranga and we were accommodated in a nice resort that was located here and our food arrangements were top notch. The next day we went for our elephant safari ride at the western range of Kaziranga National Park and there too the arrangements were well taken care of from handing our passes to someone accompanying us to help us safely board the elephant back. We were accommodated on four elephants along with other guests and the hour long elephant safari ride is one of the thing not to miss during your visit to Kaziranga. The jeep safari ride at the eastern range of Agoratoli was an equally rewarding experience and we planned this range as we were from Jorhat and this was closer to Jorhat and we could head back to our homes quickly after completing our afternoon safari ride where we spotted more rhinos, wild elephants, a distant view of a tiger perhaps, hog ders., wild water buffaloes as well. The Kaziranga Orchid park was a nice place to witness the various flowering orchid species of Assam, and North East India and we were not aware that North East India was home to so many orchid species. Thanks a lot to Krishna and team for our successful event.

Dr Mintu Gogoi

Jorhat ~ February 2020

33| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

With the spread of the Corona virus across the World and cases being reported in India as well along with the recent violence that hit across Meghalaya among the tribal and non tribal groups we were very skeptical about making our journey from Mumbai to Assam to visit Kaziranga National Park but Arunav who was working with us assured us that there was no panic situation in Assam and it was absolutely safe to travel to his state and especially to Kaziranga National Park. His confidence and persuasion allowed us to go forward with our tour booking to Kaziranga National Park for four ladies and Krishna was at work arranging for our entire visit to Assam. Our driver who happened to belong from the local Rabha community in Assam was very courteous and he constantly kept our hopes up showing us various facets of the wonderful natural surroundings of Assam and along the way making the stops at traditional places for lunch. Our stay at Mandu-the Escape at Kohora in Kaziranga was top notch and the newly built resort was a very quiet and peaceful place to stay. Our prime highlight of visit was the grand Elephant safari ride at the western range of the park that has the highest density of rhino in any range of the park and the sight to spot them up close from the elephant back was indeed wonderful. Elephant safari ride at Kaziranga national park is a must try experience for tourists visiting the place. The jeep safari ride at Agoratoli range was an equally rewarding experience where we spotted wild elephants, hornbill birds, eagles, lesser adjutant storks, black necked crane, Assamese macaques, hog deers, Asiatic wild water buffaloes and more rhinos. The Kaziranga orchid park was a very wonderful place to visit as well where we spotted various flowering orchids including teh state flower of Assam – the ‘Kopou phool’, various handlooms, indigenous rice varieties, cactus, cultural dance performance, bamboo garden and also tasted a huge thali for lunch as well. Our ride back to Guwahati went smooth as well along with the final stop at the Holy Maa Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. Thank you so much Arunav and Krishna for making our visit to Kaziranga and arranging for the elephant safari ride here.

Kavitha Shah and group

Mumbai ~ March 2020

34| Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

I was a solo traveler travelling across India from Japan and I happened to learn about the Elephant safari experience at Kaziranga National park in Assam. When I browsed the internet and looked for options to help me take a tour of Kaziranga National Park and take an elephant safari experience here I noticed very few local people from Assam who operated tours here and I managed to get in touch with these people and I sent out a request to plan my tour with a slight modification in their Itinerary option 1. My stay at Kaziranga was planned for two nights with another night halt at Guwahati as I wanted to visit the holy Kamakhya temple on my way out of Assam. Krishna was kind enough to arrange one of his friend to drive me and show around as he spoke fluent english and also belonged to Kaziranga itself. Across the trip I was accompanied by this person and unfortunately I had lost my mobile when I went for shopping at the Kohora market and it was so scary point of time for me but the person and Krishna somehow managed to find the phone and allowed the person to hand it over back to me. The elephant safari ride at the Kohora range was very nice and I got to capture many valuable moments of wildlife in my camera. A very nice experience touring Kaziranga National park with these people.

Tetsuya Sagara

Japan ~ March 2020

About the Indian Elephants at Kaziranga National Park ~

The Kaziranga National Park boasts of a huge population of the Indian Elephants.

The Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) of Kaziranga National Park is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, ‘Elephas maximus’ has been listed as Endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last 1 to -1 years or three generations. Asian elephants are threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation.

In general, Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants and have the highest body point on the head. The tip of their trunk has one finger-like process. Their back is convex or level. Indian elephants reach a shoulder height of between 2 and 3.5 m, weigh between 2,000 and 5,000 kg, and have 19 pairs of ribs. Their skin color is lighter than of maximus with smaller patches of depigmentation, but darker than of sumatranus. Females are usually smaller than males, and have short or no tusks.

A Herd of Adult Wild Elephants with Calf inside the Forest Reserves of Kaziranga National Park ~ Kaziranga ~ Assam ~ India

The Asiatic Elephant species differ from the African Elephants being smaller in size with smaller tusks. These tusks of Elephants are made out of ivory and is the main reason for their near extinction as poachers hunt down these Elephants of Kaziranga National Park due to their tusks. Elephant tusks can often weigh up to 22 kilograms a pair and fetch thousands of dollars in the black markets. Across India, the Asiatic Elephants come under the Elephant conservation project and their population is now restricted to the Elephant Reserves and protected areas in India. In India, there is a nationwide conservation effort to protect this species from being extinct. Apart from Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Nameri National Park in Assam, these Asiatic Elephants in India can be spotted at the Periyar, Bandipur, Corbett, Palamuru and Nagarhole National Park.

The Asiatic Elephants of Kaziranga National Park are the largest mammals of land on Earth next only to the Blue Whale species. The culture of Asia has always revered the Elephant species and these elephants perform as an integral part of many religious festivals in the Asian countries especially India. These Asiatic Elephants have often been domesticated since times immemorial to serve in transportation or move heavy objects from one place to another. But with losing habitat and continuous poaching these mighty beasts in the wild are now endangered and just like Rhinoceros, tigers and lions have now come under the threat of being extinct forever. Kaziranga National Park’s conservation success stories is not limited to the Rhinoceros and Tigers only but also to the Asiatic Wild Elephants and now Kaziranga National Park has a noticeable number of the population of the Asiatic Elephant species.

The Indian Elephants at Kaziranga National Park are classified as megaherbivores and consume up to 150 kg of plant matter per day. They are generalist feeders, and both grazers and browsers. In  India, elephants are recorded to feed on 112 different plant species, most commonly of the order Malvales, and the legume, palm, sedge and true grass families. They graze on the tall grasses, but the portion consumed varies with season.

The Indian Elephants of the Kaziranga National Park generally feed in the early mornings and the late afternoons. The Elephants of Kaziranga choose forested parts of their area to continue feeding on branches, leaves and fruits. These Elephants prefer to spend time in and around the water bodies of the Kaziranga National Park. Kaziranga has some of the best skilled Elephant handlers in the Country known as ‘Mahouts’. These ‘Mahouts’ assist in ferrying visitors into the Kaziranga National Park across the Elephant Safari options at the Kaziranga National Park. The Indian Rhinoceros of Kaziranga, in particular, allow Elephants to approach much closer than they allow the Jeep Safari vehicles.

The Indian Elephants at Kaziranga National Park prefer feeding in the open durings the early mornings and late afternoons. When the sun is high, the Elephants of Kaziranga choose forested parts of their range to continue feeding on branches, leaves, barks and fruits whose seeds will be dispersed near and far. As with Elephants everywhere, at Kaziranga too, these species spend considerable time near water-bodies.

Indian Elephants at the Kaziranga National Park ~ Kaziranga ~ Assam ~ India

In Asia, these majestic Asiatic Elephants are found across India extending up to Sri Lanka and Sumatra. The Asiatic Elephants of Kaziranga National Park, often stay in herds and have a matriarchal family group viz. the groups is led by the largest and oldest female in the group. Elephant herds of Kaziranga National Park consists of up to 100 elephants roaming in the wild. The male elephants however, can be associated with a herd, solitary or at times live temporarily live with other males. The Asiatic Elephants are known to be social animals and often stay together while they go out in search of food and water. Even when they are on the move, the Elephant herd is led by a female elephant only. Standing tall at above 10 feet, the male elephant often weighs up to 11,900 pounds while the female averages around 6000 pounds. The Asiatic Elephants are mega herbivores and feed on grasses, bamboo, leaves, shoots, barks, palms, creepers, etc. They often feed up to 330 pounds in a single day that also comprises of fruits like wood apple and mango. Elephants also drink water everyday and prefer to stay close to water sources at the Kaziranga National Park.

So why wait?! Plan your visit to spot the Largest Mammals of Asia ~ the Asiatic Elephants at the Kaziranga National Park, the State of Assam, Incredible India!

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Elephant Experience in India – Where to See and What to do

Riding on the back of a mighty elephant is a treat for everyone. If you are visiting India , you ought to enjoy elephants at least once during your vacation. Elephants are not just a part of zoos and national parks, anymore. With tourism developing in bounds and leaps, you can enjoy your vacation with elephants in a lot more ways than you can imagine. Enjoy your Elephant Experience in India.

This article is a hands-on guide for everything that you can do and enjoy with elephants. There are very few activities in the world that can entertain people of all age groups and ethnic backgrounds. And, an elephant can do this magic anytime during your vacation.

Elephant Safaris in India

Safaris on elephants are very common in forest-filled destinations like Kerala, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and others. In almost all national park and sanctuaries, you can find elephant safaris. Elephant safaris are the best to watch big jungle mammals from close quarters. If you are on a lion safari or rhino safari, staying on top of the elephant keeps you safer than you can imagine.

Top spots for Elephant Safari in India

• Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
• Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary, Assam
• Bandhavgarh National park, Madhya Pradesh
• Kanha national park, Madhya Pradesh
• Sundarbans national park, West Bengal
• Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Kerala

These are just the top wildlife national parks that provide elephant safaris in India. You can check the official site of any national park to learn about the availability of elephant safari.

Tips for Elephant Safari in India

• Certain wildlife national parks require advance booking and some use first-come, first-served concept. Call and confirm with the officials about the safari.
• Safari in the parks will not be available throughout the year. Usually, safaris are closed during monsoon season. Learn about the availability of the service.
• Safari can stretch for two or hours. Always carry water with you.
• Do not over-pack. Your bag should be compact to be fastened on the back of the animal.
• Do not feed the elephant or try to get on its back on your own.
• Once you are on its back, treat it with respect. Kicking or punching the animal can cause dangerous consequences.

Must Read:  Best 10 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in Summer with Family

Elephants Festivals in India

India is the land of unique festivals. You can find a few celebrations that include the use of elephants. Elephants are used in processions, for blessing pilgrims and as a palanquin for deities. Kerala is the iconic place to find elephants in festivals . This is one of the famous place for elephant experience in India.

Guruvayur Temple of Kerala

This temple has more than 60 elephants and there is an elephant palace near the temple (3 km) . These elephants will be decorated with ornaments, bells and others and are used for daily ceremonies in the temple.

Elephants festival in Jaipur

This festival is celebrated on the day of Holi festival (festival of colors) . You can find procession of elephants along with dancers, horse and camels. Other features of this festival are elephant polo, elephant dance, elephant beauty content, tug-of-war between elephants and many others.

Pooram Gajamela – Festival of Elephants in Kerala.

Using this festival, elephants are decorated and taken on a procession. There are more than 50 elephants used in the celebration.

A lot of other festivals in Kerala , Tamil Nadu , Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh and other states of the country include elephants.

Tips Elephants in festivals

• Do not get near an elephant when the caretaker is no around.
• Do not feed the elephant with any food items. You can stick with bananas, if you want to feed it.
• Some elephants are trained to bless people to placing its trunk on your head. Do not try to get blessings on your own without the trainer.

Suggested article:-  Fascinating Elephant Ride In Rajasthan

Elephant Camps in India

Elephant camp is the best way to get as close as possible with elephants. The elephants in the camp are trained to play with children. You can bath the elephants, feed them, play with the cubs, learn about the tusked mammal and go on a safari in the camp. Top elephant camps in India are

• Sakrebailu elephant camp, Shimoga
• Punnatthurkotta, Guruvayoor
• Theppakadu elephant camp, Mudhumalai
• Dubare elephant camp, Kodagu

Tips for Elephant Camps in India

• Do not feed any outside food or snacks to elephant. You are supposed to feed what the caretaker provides you.
• Do not irritate the animal or hurt it.
• Do not go close to any elephant without a caretaker.
• If you want to bath the elephants, you need to reach the camp as early as possible.

Apart from these, you can find elephant polo matches, elephant rides at famous tourism spots like Amber fort and others. Many travel agents can create an itinerary so that you can spend a lot of time along with these tusked animals during your vacation. You can also explore our Travel Guide for more experiences.

Suggested tour packages to discover the Elephant Experience in India-

• Kerala Wildlife Tour
• 16 Days Wildlife Tour of India & Nepal
• 10 Days Wildlife Tour from Mumbai

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Amer Elephant Safari

Top ways to experience Amer Elephant Safari and nearby attractions

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Amer Elephant Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

4 Ethical Places to Interact With Elephants in India

India is known for its elephants , especially in states such as Kerala and Rajasthan . It's natural to want to spend time with them. However, many tourists find that they're disappointed with the experience, as they're shocked to discover that the elephants are commonly chained up (popular places including Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka and Guruvayur Elephant Camp in Kerala do unfortunately chain their elephants and make them perform).

There are a few ethical tourist-oriented places that focus on interaction with elephants, where the elephants are not mistreated. A positive alternative is to visit one of the rehabilitation centers that have been set up for the conservation and well being of elephants.

Wildlife S.O.S. Elephant Conservation and Care Center, Mathura

Wildlife SOS

Wildlife S.O.S. is a non-profit organization that works to protect and save wildlife in India . It provides medical treatment to injured and sick elephants that are forced to work in urban environments. It also facilitates the rescue of abused elephants, which are then placed in sanctuaries— the primary one being their Elephant Conservation and Care Center at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh . This center is rehabilitating more than 20 elephants, and tourists can visit the center as well as volunteer at it . 

"Short" two hour visits are possible, in one of three-time slots per day that must be booked in advance. A two-hour visit will enable you to bathe and feed the elephants (note that they only go into the pool from March to October, when the weather is warmer), learn about their care, and tour the facility.

Kipling Camp, Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

Tara is one of India's most famous elephants and she lives a pampered retired life at Kipling Camp , a top wildlife lodge in Madhya Pradesh . The camp was set up in 1982 by a family of conservationists and she was given to them in 1989 by the late Mark Shand, who gently rode her across India and wrote about it in his epic tale Travels on my Elephant. Tara's name means "star" in Hindi, and she's definitely the star of the show at Kipling Camp. Guests return year after year just to spend time with her. She goes for a bath in the river every afternoon at 3 p.m., and you can walk with her and assist her.

Smiling Tusker Elephant Camp, Manas, Assam

On the fringe of remote Manas National Park , a group of local youths has set up an elephant camp that aims to provide for jobless elephants. Assam, with its ancient tradition of working with elephants, has one of the largest populations of captive elephants in India. Demand for their services has dropped significantly in recent years though, forcing many of them to resort to begging for the cost of their upkeep.

Smiling Tusker Elephant Camp looks after the elephants and pays the owners a monthly remuneration. Encouragingly, it was recognized as a runner-up in the Sanctuary and Travel Operators for Tigers2014 Wildlife Tourism Awards, in the Wildlife Tourism Related Community Initiative of the Year category.

Smiling Tusker consists of a Mahout Camp that reflects the lifestyle of mahouts (elephant handlers) and grass-cutters, an elephant feeding and resting area, an exhibition center, and a museum. As well as learning about Assam's elephant heritage, visitors can feed and bathe the elephants, walk with them, and stay in comfortable huts and tents there.

Elefantastic, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Grant Faint/Getty Images

One of the top attractions in Jaipur , Elefantastic is located in an elephant village near Amber Fort , where the owners of the city's working elephants reside with their animals. Owner Rahul, who's a fourth generation mahout , set it up especially to give tourists an opportunity to closely interact with elephants that are properly cared for. It's one of the rare places in India where the elephants are kept un-tethered. Out of the 24 gentle giants at Elefantastic , six have been rescued (including some that were made to perform in circuses).

Visitors can meet and feed the elephants, paint them with non-toxic colors, learn about their daily habits, go on a bareback ride, and wash them (not in winter though). Visitors also get to eat delicious home-cooked vegetarian food.

Something to keep in mind is that other businesses of this kind have started operating in Jaipur and their rates are considerably cheaper. However, the elephants are often chained, rented out, and not treated as well. The higher rates charged by Elefantastic reflect the higher standard of care that the elephants receive (apparently, it costs around 3,000 rupees per day to keep an elephant) and the small size of tourist groups.

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Elephant-Back Wildlife & Tiger Safaris in India

• by Ishana Vats

In this post, we will be discussing on “Elephant-Back Wildlife & Tiger Safaris in India”. The Asian elephant is the largest land mammal on the Asian continent. They inhabit dry to wet forest and grassland habitats in 13 range countries spanning South and Southeast Asia. While they have preferred forage plants, Asian elephants have adapted to surviving on resources that vary based on the area.

Even though their size is mammothian, the Asian elephants are extremely sociable with their kind, forming groups of 6-7 related females, that are led by the oldest female in the clan, the matriarch. They even tend to join other herds to form larger ones, although this is short-lived. Unlike their African counterparts, Asian Elephant herd sizes are significantly smaller.

In Asia, and more specifically South East Asia, people have had a close association with elephants for centuries. The Asiatic Wild Elephant not only looms large in the history of Indian wildlife but also in the ancient traditions and religions of the country, figuring in the Hindu mythology as Ganesha – the elephant-headed God.

An Elephant-back Tiger Safari in India

Wildlife and Tiger safaris in India vary with varying degrees of adventure. You have jeep safaris, canter safaris, walking safaris, and even elephant-back safaris for people who wish to explore the jungle from a different perspective. Escaping through the tall jungle grass is only possible on elephants, giving you the opportunity to view wildlife from a completely different angle than everybody else.

Elephant-back safaris involve elephant back rides into the thick jungle, with a mahouth (the person who guides and instructs the elephant). These are generally combined with a full-day jeep safari excursion into the forest. A maximum of 3 people is allowed to hop on board an elephant and take this experience.

National parks in India that offer elephant-back safaris

The following national parks in India offer Elephant-back Safaris:

1. Kanha National Park:

Kanha is an illustrious Sal jungle in Central India. Primarily a tiger reserve, Kanha is popular for its dense foliage and varying wildlife. You can explore this via special elephant-back safaris. Elephant safaris help you get to places in the jungle where a jeep can’t maneuver. The elephant helps you sight and track tigers, while viewing them at close proximity.

Of the four core safari and tourism zones in Kanha, one can undertake an elephant-back safari in three, namely: Kanha, Mukki and Sarhi. In all three zones, elephant-back safaris are a part of full day safari tours. During a full day safari, one enters the national park 20 minutes before all other vehicles do. You get a chance to stay within the national park even during lunch hours when all other vehicles exit for the morning. Later, you switch your safari vehicle for an elephant, and so begins the adventure of an elephant-back safari. This excursion lasts for about 03 hours, after which you switch back to the jeep and exit the national park.

Other than the above, Kanha also provides 01-hour exclusive joy rides on Elephants.

2. Bandhavgarh National Park:

Similar to Kanha, Bandhavgarh offers Elephant-back Safaris as a part of your full-day safari trip inside the jungle.

3. Kaziranga National Park:

Kaziranga, a hidden gem in the eastern state of Assam, is known for its population of Bengal Tigers, One Horned Rhinos, Asian Elephants and Asiatic Water Buffalo. To view such diversity, Kaziranga does offer Elephant-back safaris in 2 out of the 4 safari zones, namely: Central or Kaziranga Range and the Western or Bagori Range.

The starting point of the central range is the Mihimukh riding tower. Guests can take an elephant safari in this range for a maximum of one hour. Safari rides pass through the Dagland and Foliomari areas. The designated safari routes for the central range is Mihimukh – Kathpora -Daphlang – Diffolu River Bank -Mona Beel – Karasing & back.

For the western range, the starting point is at Bagori headquarter. Usually, guests prefer to take an elephant safari in the western zone where they will have a chance to get a close view of the one-horned rhinos. The designated safari routes: Ongabeel -Rouman – Rajapukhuri – Monabeel & back.

Why do we not recommend or promote elephant-back safaris to our guests?

Our conscious effort has always been to make guests aware of the circumstances that these elephants are put in or go through when they are domesticated for the purpose of Elephant-back Safaris. In a bid to satisfy wildlife who wish to view the jungle and its inhabitants at close quarters, elephants have suffered the brunt of unwanted domestication, poor shelter and unsanitary living conditions for a long time.

In a recent case, the decision of stopping elephant-back safaris in Jim Corbett National Park by the Uttarakhand High Court, paved the way to stop such animal abuse and build awareness around the importance of Elephants in the wild. This decision came as a result of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the chairperson of a Ramnagar-based NGO, Himalayan Yuva Gramin Vikas Sanstha, Mayank Mainali in 2012. He said that, “management of domesticated elephants is an issue because they are not treated well. The tourists should operate vehicles wherever there are roads in the park.” Citing breach of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Uttarakhand High Court has banned the commercial use of elephants for joy rides and commercial safaris.

As wildlife tour operators, our responsibility goes beyond guest satisfaction. It extends to protecting our wildlife and their habitat, ensuring sustainability, and improving the discipline of wildlife tourism in India. We therefore always request our guests to refrain from doing elephant-back safaris in national parks. It is not only inhuman to tie down a wild animal, but also disheartening to see a species as gargantuan and enigmatic as an Elephant, being used as a mode of transportation within the jungle, when there are actual jeeps taking tourists for safaris.

The importance of Elephants in the Wild

Elephants help in maintaining the integrity of forest and grassland habitats. They aid the forest’s health in ways that we might consider meager, but are in fact, some of the most important processes orchestrating through the jungle’s ecosystem. For instance, it might seem difficult to imagine elephants delicately tending a garden, but these pachyderms may well be the world’s weightiest horticulturists.

Elephants both in Asia and Africa eat abundant amounts of fruit when available; seeds pass through their guts, and after being expelled, sprouts a new plant if conditions are right. This process is known by ecologists as ‘seed dispersal’, and scientists have long studied the ‘gardening’ capacities of monkeys, birds, bats, and rodents. Recently, however, researchers have begun to document the seed dispersal capacity of the world’s largest land animal, the elephant, proving that this species may be among the world’s most important tropical gardeners.

Their large size also enables the creation of pathways through dense forests along which they travel, which then creates access for other wildlife as well.

Alternatives to an elephant-back safari

Elephant safaris can easily be substituted with regular canter and jeep safaris. We recommend exclusive jeep safaris to all our guests. The advantages of jeep safaris over elephant-back safaris are:

• Fixed Timings: Fixed timings for safaris help regulate wildlife viewing in a jungle. On any given day, during a time slot, whether morning or evening, only a set number of jeeps are allowed to enter the park. This prevents overcrowding during sightings and ensures that we maintain a safe and respectable distance from wildlife.
• Regular Patrolling: When jeeps enter the national park during fixed timings ( for 4.5 – 5 hours in the morning and around 3 hours in the evening) it ensures the jungle’s constant surveillance. Catching unethical activities becomes easier and anybody who commits or is trying to commit an illegal activity within the premises comes under the radar.
• More Economical: Jeep safaris are more economical when compared to elephant-back safaris. Elephant back rides are best for professionals who are filming a documentary or are following a particular tiger. With the money spent on an elephant-back safari, one can easily extend their jungle stay for 3 days and do 6 extra and exclusive jeep safaris, giving them a lot more chances of viewing wildlife.
• Specific Routes: Unlike an elephant-back safari where the elephant cuts through dense jungle foliage allowing you to view wildlife at close quarters, which could also disturb animals at times, jeeps follow a designated route within a specific zone, thus maintaining the distance and peace required to regulate wildlife tourism.

Therefore, we, at Nature Safari India , would sincerely request our guests to keep in mind the above when booking elephant safaris or elephant back joy rides in national parks. It is their jungle to live in and ours to explore. Let’s not exploit this privilege and take over something that rightly belongs in the wild.

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This Safari Company Has 9 All-inclusive Camps That Let You See the Best of Botswana by Foot, Boat, and Jeep

I visited three Desert & Delta lodges for one epic adventure. Here's how to craft your dream Botswana itinerary.

Nina Ruggiero is Travel + Leisure's senior editorial director and the co-founder of Be A Travel Writer , an online course for aspiring travel journalists. A New Yorker based in Los Angeles, she has a special interest in beach destinations, outdoor adventures, unique hotels, pet-friendly travel with her golden retriever, @travelswithcali, and all things Italy.

Camp Moremi

Camp okavango, chobe game lodge.

Nina Ruggiero / Travel + Leisure

It was day four of our trip to Botswana with Desert & Delta, and my fiancé and I were on our first safari by mokoro , a traditional dug-out canoe. Gliding quietly through the Okavango Delta in our sunken seats, it felt like we were the only people on the planet — until we turned the bend and caught a glimpse of our next surprise through the reeds. 

The staff of Camp Okavango, already fast friends of ours, stood ankle-deep in the river, grinning and waving their arms in the air, excited to show us the full bar they’d set up for sundowners, right in the middle of the water. As the sun started to set and they handed us our gin and tonics, an elephant appeared, perfectly on cue.

Nina Ruggiero / Travel + Leisure

Most evenings, our guide, Isak, took a “wrong turn” that ended with a cheeky smile and stunning cocktail setup in an impossibly remote spot, yet somehow we found ourselves truly surprised each time. Add in the serendipitous cooperation of the local wildlife, and you have a recipe for pure magic that couldn’t be replicated in the world’s best bars. 

That element of surprise kept us on a natural high all week long — with credit due to the human and non-human animals in almost equal measure. On day one, we laughed when Isak told us his favorite safari animal was the human. By the end, while I was personally still torn between lions and elephants, humans had moved far up my list. 

At Camp Okavango, we crossed the path of a lion while touring the bush on foot, got an overview of Nxaragha Island from a doorless helicopter, and went fishing downstream from a herd of hippos. At Camp Moremi, we started our mornings with families of monkeys, caught a majestic elephant water crossing, and watched the circle of life unfold as lions and lionesses took turns ravaging their prey. At Chobe Game Lodge, we marveled at spirited elephant calves splashing around while their elders protected them from crocs, and excitedly tracked little roars to find lion cubs playing at dusk. Leading each experience was a guide with encyclopedia-like knowledge that wowed us and enthusiasm that fueled our childlike wonder.

A 40-year-old company with nine camps and lodges that touch Botswana’s Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Savuti Channel, and more, Desert & Delta offers safaris by jeep, foot, and boat. Guests have the chance to mix and match camps to form their dream Botswana itinerary, or they can choose from curated all-inclusive packages . With more than 40 percent of its land dedicated to conservation, it’s difficult to beat Botswana as a safari destination — it’s home to eight game reserves, four national parks, and the largest African elephant population in the world. And there may be no better way to see the best of the country on one trip than going with Desert & Delta.

Within minutes of our bush plane landing near Camp Moremi , we encountered a new type of traffic as a journey of giraffes crossed in front of us, swiftly reminding us we weren't in Los Angeles anymore. The camp's location inside Moremi Game Reserve means the safari starts before you even check in. We arrived on property — a few hours late after begging to continue the game drive — and found 12 thatched tents, rebuilt in 2018 with canopied beds, private decks, and rain showers made of stone and wood. Cozy common areas included a bush-side fire pit deck, a pool, a library lounge, and a bar built around an ebony tree. We had many group meals at the long, wooden tables in the thatch-roofed dining room, and one romantic, private candlelit dinner on the deck. 

On our November trip, morning and afternoon game drives through Moremi Game Reserve were where we found the majority of our animal sightings in Botswana, including lions, zebra, hippos, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, and more. It’s also possible to see leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Steps from camp, we hopped on a motorized boat and explored the channels of the Xakanaxa Lagoon, where we spotted birds of all colors and sizes, an elephant taking a swim, and an unforgettable red sunset. 

Located on a remote island in the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Camp Okavango feels like a secret hideaway. It holds 12 suites connected by a wooden boardwalk and surrounded by lush vegetation. Views of the surrounding wilderness from the dining room and pool deck below are completely different and equally beautiful as the day shifts from morning to night. For adventurous guests, there’s also a sleep-out deck with an immaculate bedroom and bathroom on a raised platform under the stars. 

At Camp Okavango, safaris are by boat (motorized and mokoro), on foot (with two protective guides), or by helicopter (for an additional fee). There are no vehicles there, but as we cruised the delta past hippos and elephants, made eye contact with a vigilant mother giraffe on foot, and paused to let a shy family of warthogs scurry by us, we didn’t miss the Jeep. 

A true luxury lodge and the only permanent game lodge within Chobe National Park, it’s not hard to see why Chobe Game Lodge has attracted the likes of Prince Harry and Elizabeth Taylor, who wed Richard Burton there (for the second time) in 1975. The Lodge has 44 rooms, all looking out over the Chobe River, four of them with private plunge pools. With elegant dining areas and bars, a scenic boardwalk, and a billiard room, it’s easy to unwind between game drives and boat tours. 

Here, all guides are female — a training program for women has been running since 2005 — and innovations in ecotourism have been recognized by the Botswana Tourism Organisation. Safaris are run via electric vehicles in the park and electric boats on the river, both gentle on the environment and offering a quiet approach that helps guests observe animals up close. Each day, we looked forward to boarding our boat with our guide, Miss B., and watching elephant families revel in their time at the watering hole, often coexisting with lions, hippos, and crocodiles on one incredibly lively riverbank. 

A refurbished Nxamaseri Island Lodge reopened in May, and it now hosts Desert & Delta's first wellness spa. Guests are gifted a complimentary treatment and escorted to the spa by water in a mokoro. A new pool also looks over the Nxamaseri Channel.

Rebuilt and reopening in June for the 2024 safari season, Savute Safari Lodge now has 12 contemporary, temperature-controlled rooms with outdoor showers and Savute Channel views, plus indoor and outdoor dining, a pool, and a sunken wildlife viewing area that puts guests at eye level with the animals.

For a totally off-the-grid experience, guests of Desert & Delta's Leroo La Tau lodge between June and October can book a Makgadikgadi Salt Pan sleep-out to dine by an open fire immersed in nature and sleep on a rollout bed under the endless night sky. Leroo La Tau is also the best place to see a massive zebra migration — and it was refurbished with migration viewing in mind in 2023.

To browse all nine properties and the experiences Desert & Delta offers, visit desertdelta.com .

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An African Safari Changed My View of the World

In the Shondaland series The Novelty of Nature , we’re digging into the power of natural places and the wellness benefits of embracing the elements. From camping tips and safari stories to eye-opening tales about the environment to inspiring ways to reclaim your relationship with nature, these stories show it’s never been a better time to get lost in the great outdoors.

A rustling outside my canvas tent in a remote part of Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy jolted me out of my jet-lagged daze. Opening the zipper, I scanned the expansive bush and realized I wasn’t alone. Quietly, I walked toward the barbed wire fence along the edge of an embankment leading to the reddish-brown waters of the narrow Ewaso Ng’iro River. There, knee-deep in the muddy water, stood an adolescent African elephant, 30 or so feet in the distance, completely oblivious to me.

Flapping his giant ears to keep cool, the elephant snaked his nimble trunk around the branches to feast. I let out a gasp; my first instinct was to capture the moment on camera. But I reminded myself to be mindful of this solitude in the wilderness in the presence of such a mighty creature. I stashed my phone away and stood there transfixed, lulled by the cool woodland breeze and warmed by the equatorial sun until the animal moved on. My body relaxed, my worries dissolved, and for a short period, my mind was still enough to be at peace.

Enrapturing experiences like this make a safari thrilling and unforgettable. My introduction to African wildlife came when I was a teenager growing up in a small town in South India. My aunt, who moved to the continent after getting married, mailed photos from a vacation in South Africa. A towering giraffe stood in a grassland near the vehicle, its mahogany patches contrasting against a cloudless, baby-blue sky. The image was etched in my memory.

Ten years later, while living in California after graduating college, I got the chance to go on my own safari. A friend who was on an extended volunteer trip in a rural community along the shores of Tanzania’s Lake Victoria invited me and two other girlfriends to visit. In just a few months, I received the necessary vaccination shots and was on my way with a backpack and nearly empty bank account. The word “safari” translates to “journey” in Swahili; I didn’t realize then that the moment I stepped on African soil would forever change my life.

Two flights to Nairobi and a 12-hour overnight bumpy bus ride to Mwanza later, the four of us arrived exhausted but excited for the adventure ahead. We hired a safari guide and vehicle for a multiday girls’ trip. Our first stop was the Serengeti, the famed national park famous for the greatest spectacle on Earth — the wildebeest migration — where millions of ungulates make the grueling journey across the plains and rivers in the dry season in search of food.

We drove for hours, with the same barren plains passing us by, our hair, faces, and arms covered in dust from the open windows. The scenery changed as we approached the migration. The grayish-brown bodies of the wildebeests, with their black manes stirring, moved like an undulating wave across the endless plains.

While they trudged along, we scanned the savanna for wild cat action, as the migration was prime hunting season. Finally, we spotted a leopard, camouflaged in the tall grass and acacia trees, stalking its prey. My heart rate quickened; I remember standing on the seat and poking my head out of the pop-top roof for a better view. The scene in front of me seemed straight out of a Discovery Channel nature show, and I expected music signifying an impending kill to come on any minute. Alas, there was no dramatic soundtrack, and the leopard slinked off into the grasses with nary any action.

That night, no matter how much I prepared mentally, I wasn’t ready for camping out in the middle of the wilderness. At a campground called Simba Camp on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, the four of us pitched our tent under an imposing tree. The area is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and has the distinction of being the largest unbroken caldera in the world.

After a dinner prepared over a campfire, we piled into our small tent and slipped into our sleeping bags, with just a thin material shielding us from the dangerous bush. Throwing on all the warm clothes we brought, we huddled, fighting the chill that descended soon after the sunset. But the cold wasn’t the only thing that kept us up that night. The shrieks and squeals of hyenas right outside the tent haunted us, ensuring none of us got a wink of sleep. We learned the next morning that it isn’t uncommon for lions and elephants to venture into the camp. After all, we were in their world, cocooned in relative safety, as there was plenty of meaty prey around for predators to stay away from humans.

We headed down the slope of the Ngorongoro Crater. With encircling walls higher than the Empire State Building, the crater is blessed with dense evergreen montane forests, open moors, and grasslands. This Eden is home to the Big Five — elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, black rhinos — and other animals, all coexisting in a 102-square-mile area. With barely any other vehicles around, we took our time to stop and spot wildlife, and drove toward the seemingly alien-planet landscape of Lake Magadi, a saline soda lake that attracts hundreds of flamingos who inhabit the shallow saline soda lake. The highlight of the game drive, though, was seeing the endangered black rhino, an animal who eluded us in the Serengeti, where poaching decimated their population.

As we drove up, the setting sun cast a warm glow on the canopy, and brilliant golden rays went in different directions. Underneath, two mating elephants, with their trunks intertwined, playfully wrestled. On this hopeful and adventurous journey, a seed was planted. I became enamored with wildlife, and a desire to protect them took root. This led to a career in writing with a focus on conservation, in which I hoped to inspire others to have similar adventures and protect nature.

Covid put an abrupt end to my traveling days, confining me at home like the majority of the population. The turmoil was made worse by a traumatic event in my family. I was barely hanging onto hope; normalcy seemed like a distant memory, and getting on a plane was a scary proposition.

It was during this long, reflective time that it occurred to me that the most joyful times are when I am living in the moment in pristine wild places. Untouched areas that take me back to another era, where ancient trees like baobabs stand proud, where virgin rainforests, acacia woodlands, and savanna grasses remain havens for wild animals who roam freely as they have for thousands of years. Nowhere on the planet is this more evident than in the protected places in several African countries.

I was dismayed to learn that the pandemic deeply affected communities and halted many conservation efforts. With both tourism income and boots on the ground gone, poaching increased in certain hot spots. It was then I found a new purpose of not merely fulfilling my desire to be immersed in nature but to also do what I could to help. As soon as I was vaccinated, I boarded a flight back to Nairobi, almost 20 years after that fateful journey.

This time, I didn’t sleep on the ground or drive for endless hours. On my first stop in Kenya’s Mara Naboisho Conservancy in the Masai Mara reserve, a community-owned protected land home to abundant wildlife, I upgraded to a tent with canvas walls, a plush bed, and a bathroom with hot showers. I dined on gourmet food overlooking the savanna. I went on twice-daily game drives in an open-air vehicle, snapped photos of the sunrise, and learned about animal tracking on a walking safari. Most rewardingly, I met with the women at a local organization helping uplift women through beadwork.

I continued on to two different camps in the Serengeti, one that is run entirely by women and another in a recently opened conservation area called Namiri Plains, where efforts have resulted in an increase in the cheetah population. On each of my outings at these camps, I brought a notepad and camera in my day bag, a heart full of fresh hope, and a bubbling hankering to share my experiences with others once again.

My outings opened my eyes to the fact that a safari is more than just the Big Five or the African Great Migration. And no game drive is ever the same. One day, it was lions and their cubs feasting on a zebra as jackals and vultures waited their turns, young hyena pups playing near a den, and hundreds of gazelles and impalas grazing and jumping.

On another day, an elephant in musth blocked the way, two cheetah brothers wandered along a drying river in pursuit of their next meal, adorable vervet monkeys groomed each other along the sides of the road, and a male lion roared so close to the vehicle that I felt it in my bones. Birds including ostriches, marabou storks, kori bustards that look like descendants of dinosaurs, and stunning beauties like African fish eagles and lilac-breasted rollers filled up my memory card.

I returned to the continent a few more times to experience its diverse regions, hiking the rain-forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas and learn about conservation successes; witnessing anti-poaching guide dogs in training in Akagera National Park; and venturing on solar-powered boat rides to catch sightings of Nile crocodiles, hippos, and herds of elephants along the Chobe River in Botswana with a female guide to report on equity, sustainability, and conservation.

Back at Ol Pejeta Conservancy the day after my elephant encounter, I knew exactly who I was going to see, as I was scheduled to meet Najin and Fatu, the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. The two females, who belong to a subspecies of the white rhinoceros, live in a large enclosure with a southern white rhino, under 24-7 armed protection against poachers. Their predecessors roamed the savanna grasslands and woodlands of East and Central Africa. The species is extinct in the wild.

Enticed with a snack, mom Najin walked toward me like an armored vehicle and stuck her horn the size of my forearm into the window. With her massive stature, compared to the four-wheeler I was sitting in, she stood mere inches from me. With my heart pounding and overflowing with joy, I handed her a carrot that quickly disappeared into her square-lipped snout. My shaky hand reached and touched the folds of her thick, rough skin, compelled to memorialize our interaction, as I may never see her species again.

Losing interest once the treats stopped coming, Najin moseyed on and brought herself down onto the ground, laying her massive head on one side as if contemplating life. While Najin doesn’t realize the fate of her species, the gravity of what I just experienced hit me hard. Once these two are gone, the world will forever lose this subspecies, never to be seen again. Our relationship with nature is mutual; it helps us heal, feel joy, and find meaning, and in return, it needs us to protect, preserve, and care for it. It gives us unforgettable moments and makes us appreciate the fragility and beauty of life.

Lavanya Sunkara is a New York-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure , National Geographic , Fodor’s , and Readers’ Digest . Follow her on Instagram @ nature__traveler .

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I went on a 2-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for just $50 a day

• I went on an epic two-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.
• I camped beneath the stars and saw elephants right from my tent.
• Driving our own car, camping, and preparing our own food saved us money. 

The idea of a South African safari often conjures up images of five-star lodges and luxury game drives — but a holiday in the bush doesn't have to be out of reach for travelers on a tighter budget.

According to a data analysis from Go2Africa , the average traveler heads on South African safaris with a medium-high budget, meaning they spend $5,500 to $6,000 on a trip, an increase from last year.

But, on a recent trip, I found that I was able to have an incredible two-week safari trip in Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.

Here's how I did it and how travelers can save money when planning their safari.

I saved by buying an annual pass

The biggest savings at Kruger National Park can come from buying a Wild Card, an annual pass that gives you a year of access to 80+ parks in southern Africa, including Kruger.

The Wild Card is discounted for South Africans but it cost me 3,780 rands, or about $200, as a foreigner.

Without a Wild Card, I would've had to pay over 486 rands a day to visit Kruger, meaning this pass pays for itself in just over a week.

Overall, my pass came to about 270 rands a day for the two-week trip.

We also stayed in one of Kruger's many rest camps

One of the most immersive ways to experience Kruger is by camping in the South African bush. We saw elephants near our camp and woke up to the sounds of warthogs and hyenas in the distance.

We live in South Africa , so it was easy enough to bring our own camping gear, though travelers can rent a tent, sleeping bags, chairs, and cooking basics from nearby rental companies for a few thousand rands for two weeks.

Kruger National Park has a range of rest camps for different budgets and preferences, whether you prefer to use your own tent or stay in a bungalow with your own kitchen and bathroom.

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Prices also vary depending on the season, so it's wise to avoid really busy months, like September and December. I found that around mid-January to mid-March, two people can camp at Punda Maria, one of Kruger's cheapest camping options, for just 285 rands a night. During high season, prices go up by about 100 rands per night.

My husband and I visited during a less busy season. We camped at Maroela Satellite Camp and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp for 331 to 349 rands a night.

Cooking our own food saved us money …

We chose to prepare our own meals and braai (a type of South African barbecue) beneath the stars.

Fortunately, most campsites have plug points, braai stands, shared bathrooms, shared kitchens, and shops selling everything you need to braai.

The park also has restaurants and coffee shops scattered throughout it, which is helpful for anyone who wants to purchase food and drinks without leaving the property.

But there's nothing quite like braaiing beneath the stars, watching for the occasional hyena along the fence line.

… and so did doing a self-driving safari

If you don't have your own car, you can rent a sedan for just over 4,000 rands for two weeks. Fortunately, though, there are enough tarred roads in Kruger that you don't need a special 4x4 to enjoy the park.

We ended up self-driving our own car in Kruger National Park, which allowed us to choose our own adventure and be our own guide.

Rest camps have sighting boards on which visitors pin their major animal sightings from that day and the previous day. This makes it easy to follow trends and choose where to search first. There's also an app where visitors post their sightings.

On our last self-drive safari in Kruger, we saw cheetahs and all the Big Five (leopard, elephant, rhino, lion, and African buffalo).

Overall, our trip was affordable and dreamy

We saved money throughout our trip and managed to go on a two-week safari in Kruger National Park for just under $50 a day per person.

This price includes two Wild Cards, petrol for our vehicle, and our camping fees and expenses — and our trip was well worth it.

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