Amer Fort has been synonymous with the elephant rides in Jaipur for a long time. The elephant ride used to be one of the most sought-after things to do in Jaipur among overseas travelers; presumably because the elephant is considered to be an exotic animal in the western hemisphere and elephant rides are not available everywhere, even in India. Lately, over the last few years, with the rise in awareness about cruelty against animals, many travelers have opted out of elephant rides in Amer Fort, Jaipur. Travelers are concerned with the ethical treatment of elephants in Jaipur. This blog on elephant rides and elephant village in Jaipur is inspired by a conversation with an overseas traveler. A tour and travel company based in Moscow reached out to me recently for information on elephant activities in Jaipur. The company had an upcoming Jaipur trip with a visit to Hathi Gaon. The group didn’t want to undertake the elephant ride in Jaipur; they are against cruelty to animals. They were interested in the activities in the elephant village in Jaipur- washing, feeding, and painting elephants. In a conversation, the owner of tour company expressed her interest in visiting Hathi Gaon Jaipur having spoken to elephant activities operators in Jaipur elephant park. She was thoroughly confused about prices for the Jaipur elephant sanctuary.
- A comprehensive 2026 review of Hathi Gaon – Jaipur Elephant Village
- Hathi Gaon | The Elephant Village in Jaipur
- What to Expect: Activities at Elephant Village Jaipur – Feeding, Washing, & Riding
- Is Hathi Gaon an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary? Ethical tourism and elephants
- The concept of Ethical elephant sanctuaries and Its meaning
- Elephant Village Jaipur Review | The Ethical Treatment & Tourism
- Elephant rides in Jaipur and PETA
- Elephant Park in Jaipur| Does it exist?
- Elephant Festival in Jaipur | Elephant Parade
- A Modern Perspective – The Shift Toward Ethical Interaction
- Why Many Travelers are Skipping the Ride and Elephant Activities in Jaipur?
- What are alternatives to elephant experience? Animal Friendly Activities in Jaipur
- Things to Know Before Booking an Elephant Ride
- Summary
A comprehensive 2026 review of Hathi Gaon – Jaipur Elephant Village
I’m covering updated ticket prices, timings of elephant village Jaipur, and an honest look at the ethical concerns surrounding elephant activities in the Pink City. I am sharing a perspective on the new concept of Ethical elephant sanctuary in Southeast Asia and its connotations
Hathi Gaon | The Elephant Village in Jaipur
What is the Elephant village in Jaipur all about? The elephant village or elephant park in Jaipur as some people mention is also called Hathi Gaon by the locals. This is a one-of-a-kind village for elephants. The elephant village in Jaipur is spread over a territory of 30.5 hectares. This has been developed with the joint efforts of the Rajasthan Forest Department, Jaipur Development Authority, and Rajasthan Tourism. The village houses elephants and the Mahouts along with their families. According to present information, the elephant shelters called “Thaans” or Haathi Thaans have been constructed as per the norms laid by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The elephant village in Jaipur is maintained and managed by the Elephant Welfare Society. An artificial pond is also part of the elephant village in Jaipur.
The Village includes exclusive space for the Mahaout family and their elephants. This village is not far from Amer Fort. It seems like a well-thought-out and planned space for elephants and their caretaker on a broad level. Here are a few pictures from the village.
Kaccha Road or unpaved Pugdundee has also been constructed in the village for the comfort of elephants. Instead of roads, cement blocks have been used to allow the movement of motor vehicles.
What to Expect: Activities at Elephant Village Jaipur – Feeding, Washing, & Riding
Some of the activities that companies and individuals are engaged in at the Elephant Village in Jaipur are as follows:
- Elephant rides
- Washing of elephants
- Feeding the elephants
- Elephant painting
All these activities can be availed post-noon every day at Hathi Gaon. The original concept of Hathi Gaon was to support the Mahaouts and elephants. In reality, many travel companies are operating at Hathi Gaon. While the rates for elephant activities are fixed by the society run by the Mahouts or elephant owners, the world operates in a different way.
Is Hathi Gaon an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary? Ethical tourism and elephants
There are many opinions when it comes to ethical tourism, elephants, and Hathi Gaon Jaipur. Everyone has a different idea about the ethical treatment of animals and cruelty to animals. For most people sensitive to the ethical treatment of elephants, riding an elephant is an absolute no-no. A small percentage of travelers are okay with riding an elephant in some situations like elephants in wildlife sanctuaries in the natural environment; elephant sanctuaries or other types of institutions that target tourists are an absolutely no-no for such travelers.
A large number of travelers feel elephant activities are part of unethical tourism because elephants are kept in captivity. In general, elephants in captivity are unacceptable. Here is a picture from Hathi Gaon, Jaipur.
The concept of Ethical elephant sanctuaries and Its meaning
There is a new concept of ethical elephant sanctuaries in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand and Cambodia. The USP of ethical elephant sanctuaries is no contact with elephants. This means no riding, no washing, no painting, and no feeding. This is a new tourism initiative. Some even claim no photography near elephants. The opinions are divided. The underlying idea is to enable elephants to live in their natural habitats and no human intervention.
Elephant Village Jaipur Review | The Ethical Treatment & Tourism
Even though The elephant village or Hathi Gaon was meant to house the Mahaouts and elephants; Many tourism & travel companies have established their offices/setups in the complex. Search online for elephant activities in Jaipur, and you will find many options with company names with “Ele” prefixed. None of these brands or companies are owned by elephant owners. The packages being sold range from Rs 1200 to Rs 5500 per person. The scope of elephant activities includes elephant rides, feeding elephants, painting elephants, washing elephants, and lunch.
If the definition of ethical treatment includes not keeping elephants in captivity, all or any of these elephant activities would not have been possible. It would have meant that elephants living in the natural environment, the Jungle! I won’t undertake any of the elephant activities in Jaipur because I don’t support such tourism initiatives based on elephants or any other animals. However, this is my personal choice. Everyone has the right to their own opinion. I have shared pictures from the elephant village in Jaipur so you can form your opinion.
Elephant rides in Jaipur and PETA
Elephant rides in Jaipur are available at these two places:
- Amer Fort
- Elephant Park Jaipur/ Elephant Village Jaipur
PETA has been advocating a complete ban on elephant rides in Amer Fort and Hathi Gaon elephant village Jaipur for many years. The matter is pending before the court. As per PETA, more than 100 elephants are held captive. The elephant rides and activities violate the following laws of India:
- Wild Life Protection Act, 1972
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
They also argue using elephants for rides and activities violates the Rajasthan government’s order mandating the requirement of permission when elephants are used in any film, advertisement, sport, event, exhibition, fair, or any kind of performance that includes rides. Read Elephant Ride in Jaipur at Amer Fort
Read the complete post by PETA on elephant rides in Amer Fort– Read this before you go on elephant rides in India and also Help End Cruel Elephant Rides at Amer Fort
PETA is working hard to put the suffering of elephants at an end involving activities in elephant village in Jaipur and elephant rides in Amer Fort. Unfortunately, the matter is still pending for closure at the high court. There is little doubt that this benefits certain sections of society. The PETA has advocated using new-age transport methods like electric cars. I have already featured a picture of this in my previous post on Amer Fort.
Elephant Park in Jaipur| Does it exist?
Many people search online for an elephant park in Jaipur. Is there a park in Jaipur with elephants? There is no elephant park in Jaipur. Commercial interests have created the online concept of an elephant park. In reality, there is an elephant village in Jaipur; a few “enterprising” people have created a separate space or enclave in the village terming it an elephant park in Jaipur. A few even claim to be an elephant sanctuary in Jaipur. The truth is sanctuary is supposed to create a safe zone for the animals. In reality, the so-called term “sanctuary” is a misnomer. How can commercial activity take place in an elephant sanctuary? I will leave this for you to decide.
Elephant Festival in Jaipur | Elephant Parade
A couple of years ago, an elephant festival in Jaipur was organized by a UK-based company claiming to be a social enterprise or NGO in disguise. They displayed large painted and adorned elephant statues in Jaipur at the Albert Hall Museum. This elephant festival in Jaipur was called the Elephant Parade. The company claims to donate 20% net profit of these elephant statues to elephant conservation organizations. It is a classic case of using a good cause for profit maximization. Capitalism at its best. You can read more in this article – Elephant Parade in India
Other than the Elephant Parade, a popular elephant festival in Jaipur was organized for many years. Lately, this elephant festival in Jaipur was discontinued over the course of the last few years owing to opposition from animal welfare groups. The festival has been modified and not held in its original form.
A Modern Perspective – The Shift Toward Ethical Interaction
While the tradition of riding elephants is deeply rooted in Jaipur and India’s history, the thinking around animal welfare is changing. As travelers become more aware of the conditions elephants face, many are choosing not to engage in elephant activities in Jaipur.
Why Many Travelers are Skipping the Ride and Elephant Activities in Jaipur?
- Physical Health – conditions under which elephants work takes toll of their health.
- Authentic Connection – An elephant ride is a passive experience which many choose to avoid.
- Captivity – Many choose not to pay for experience which allow elephants continue to remain in captivity. They don’t want to engage in such experiences.
Some people are considering ethical interaction with elephants like walking with elephants. This is something that is quite popular in some Asian countries.
What are alternatives to elephant experience? Animal Friendly Activities in Jaipur
Some of the animal friendly activities in Jaipur to consider are:
- Bird watching in Mansagar Lake
- Bird watching in Barkheda
- Hiking in Jaipur hill to experience flora and fauna in Jaipur
- Jhalana Leopard Safari
Things to Know Before Booking an Elephant Ride
For those planning a visit to the Elephant Village (Hathi Gaon) specifically for rides, understanding the logistical flow and the animals’ daily schedule is essential for a smooth experience.
Timing and Availability
While the Hathi Gaon Elephant village is open throughout the day, elephant ridesusually do not begin until the afternoon.
- The Amer Fort Shift – Most elephants in the village work at Amer Fort during the morning hours.
- Post-Noon Schedule – Rides at the elephant village usually become available only after 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM, once the elephants have returned from the Amer fort and had time to rest and feed.
- Seasonal Fluctuations – During peak summer months, riding hours may be further restricted due to extreme heat.
The Practical Logistics
- Ticketing – Unlike the fixed government rates at Amer Fort, rides at the Elephant Village are often negotiated and in some cases vary due to rates of tour comapnies.
- Duration – A standard ride within the village grounds typically lasts between 20 to 30 minutes; do note that some sections of the Hathi Gaon are not well maintained.
- Capacity – Most elephant ride operators limit the seating to two adults per “howdah” or carriage.
Elephant Village Jaipur Ticket Price
Currently, the elephant village ticket Price for Indian visitors is Rs 100 per person and the elephant village Ticket Price for overseas visitors is Rs 350 per person. These are just the entrance charges. The charges for elephant activities in Jaipur Hathi Gaon are in addition to the above. The charge for the elephant ride in the elephant village in Jaipur is Rs 3500 (October 2023)
| Category / Activity | Rate for Indian Visitors | Rate for Foreign Visitors |
| Official Entry Fee | ₹50 – ₹100 | ₹300 – ₹400 |
| Feeding Experience | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Bathing & Scrubbing | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Elephant Walk (No Ride) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 |
| Full Interaction Package | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 | ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 |
Good to know | Government vs. Private
The “Entry Fee” is paid at the Forest Department gate near entrance of Hathi Gaon. All other activity costs are paid directly to the Mahouts or owners/caretakers of elephant or private sanctuary commercial tour operators.
Elephant Village Jaipur Timings
The timing of activities at Elephant Village in Jaipur is from 12.00 p.m. to 6 p.m. (after Amer Fort elephant ride ends)
| Activity / Purpose | Recommended Timing | Why? |
| Early Morning Visit | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Best for bathing and feeding before it gets too hot. |
| Photography | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | The “Golden Hour” light is perfect for shots with the elephants. |
| Avoid Crowds | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Most tour groups are away for lunch during these hours. |
| Bathing Experience | 10:00 AM (Summer) | This is the standard time elephants are led to the water. |
Summary
It is for people to decide whether they want to undertake elephant activities or elephant rides in Jaipur. The terms “elephant park in Jaipur” and “elephant sanctuary in Jaipur” have been misleading many travelers. PETA is trying hard for all elephant activities in Jaipur to stop, unfortunately, the legal system in India has not been so favorable for them.
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That’s a good, comprehensive, breakdown, Arv. And I’m completely with you on your feelings towards the exploitation of animals.
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I’m glad this post resonated well with you.
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Definitely.
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Arv, I had no idea about this Elephant village. I completely share your sentiments about animal-based tourism, where these innocent creatures are being exploited for the sake of human greed. It’s heart-wrenching to see them suffer just for our financial gain.
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Sarmistha, it is just one instance. In the past, the hotel lobby has created pressure on government to open certain zones in forest in monsoon. Typically, wildlife sanctuaries are closed during monsoon for safaris. This results in idle hotel capacity because tourists don’t visit. Animals across the world are used for generating revenue. Wildlife sanctuaries are a good example.
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Yes, you are absolutely correct Arv. If I am not wrong, the monsoon closure guidelines have been removed from a few Wildlife Sanctuaries now. Wildlife tourism makes a huge amount of money. With the growing influencers on social media, anyone and everyone has access to pictures of the animals in the forest and they all rush to visit the National Parks and Sanctuaries with the hope of seeing the tiger or leopard having no respect for the forest or its dwellers.
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Exactly. WLS have ceased to be home to wildlife; they are money spinners. Therefore, money dictates the guidelines. This is what a lot of wildlife lovers have been saying.
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I hate to see elephants abused through riding or other practices so I’m glad you’ve highlighted the concerns about the rides at Amer Fort and elsewhere. And this village doesn’t look much better in terms of how the animals are treated.
But I do love elephants and I understand the tradition of their captivity and use as working animals in Asia is hard to break. A few years ago we visited a sanctuary for them in Laos very similar to the ones in Thailand that you mention – in fact it is run by a Thai.
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Thanks for sharing this article, I will definitely read it.
As you pointed out, the connection with animals is age old and it cannot be viewed from simply a very modern perspective. At the same time, we need to ensure that animals are not abused or mistreated. It is definitely not good practice to view these animals as “cash cows”.
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I recently went to Jaipur in March 2025 and was offered to see Elephants on the way from Delhi. I was not sure about the name but thank you for telling this to me. I understand it is called Elephant Village. I was looking to write a review of them.
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