Elephant Safaris in India

Enjoying an elephant back ride is truly unique for experiencing the wildlife. India’s Elephant safaris happen to be safer and more exciting than other jungle safaris. Be it the densely thick forests or dangerously deep valleys, you may choose to hop on these gentle giants and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. This is the most thrilling chance to encounter wildlife at close quarters. Elephant safaris promise to be a unique wildlife experience that simply cannot be replicated through any other types of safaris.
There’re many elephant safari tours in India. So, adding this adventure to your itinerary will add a new dimension to your entire.

Where to Go?

Elephant safaris are adventurous and common in the forest areas of Uttar Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Kerala and the remote jungles of Northeast India. India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries located across the country offer Elephant Safari in an organized way. It is best suitable for you to get around in the dense and rugged terrains that cannot be accessed through jeeps or any other means.

Things to Know

In India, many Elephant Safari tour operators take responsibility for organizing tours and provide well-trained mahouts and guides to give you a fruitful and fulfilling experience.
Mounting on elephants’ back requires permission from the Field Director in every national park. It is recommended to book these rides well in advance.
Some national parks do not offer prior booking and operate rides on a first come first served. Safari timings mainly depend on the availability of elephants. Therefore, it is suggested to connect with the park officials before planning a trip.
It is recommended to visit the Safari offering regions during favorable climatic conditions. During the winter months, the jungle is barely visible under the impact of fog. It is important to choose suitable timings when the forest is mist-free.
Elephant safaris in India are not permissible during rainy days and other fixed days when the wildlife reserve is closed to visitors due to maintenance purposes. It is advisable to contact the park officials and check on weather conditions.

What to carry for Elephant Safari?

Elephant safaris in India should be experienced in comfortable clothing. During summer one can go for loose-fitting hassle-free clothing. Things like hats, umbrellas, sunscreen, goggles, and a first-aid fit should be added to your checklist. The safari session spans for hours, so it is important to carry enough water to prevent dehydration. Make sure your luggage for the ride is compact as the seat fastened to the elephant’s back comes with space limitations.

India’s Top Elephant Safaris to Enjoy

Here’s a list of top elephant safaris in India to enjoy –

Elephant Safari in Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park, located in Uttaranchal amid Patlidun Valley on the banks of River Ramaganga. The national park is divided into five different zones. Among those Dhikala and Bijrani zones offer remarkable Elephant and jungle safaris.
A natural habitat of the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger, Corbett National Park is a hub of large leopard and elephant populations. It houses around 700 elephants and this giant mammal can be easily seen roaming around the park. You can observe spotted deer, barking deer, sambar, ghoral, rhesus and langur monkey, wild boar, jackal, civet, porcupine, Bengal tiger, leopard, hog deer and sloth bear in the national park.

Elephant Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park

The Bandhavgarh National Park sprawls around 105 sq km in the place with the highest density of tigers in India. The national park is in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, around 200 kms from Jabalpur. The park is home to various royal beasts and 22 species of other mammals like the jackal, the fox, the Rhesus monkey and the hyena.
Nature and animal lovers can experience the elephant safari of this park and click amazing photographs of its natural habitat. The much-acclaimed elephant safari is organized in the Maghadi and Tala zone of the park which brings alive the untouched beauty of Bandhavgarh’s lush forests.

Kanha National Park’s Elephant Safari

Located in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park sprawl across an area of 940 sq km. Also, a tiger reserve in the park has the unique distinction of being the sole inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling‘s masterpiece “The Jungle Book.” The safari at Kanha National Park is the most famous among nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, filmmakers, photographers and educationists throughout the world for the richness it has to offer.
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 Bellie Drongo, Spangled Drongo, and Twany Babbler are some of these fascinating species. A daylong elephant safari is full of undaunted wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.

Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, Kaziranga National Park spans across an area of 378 sq km and is incredibly bound by the mighty Brahmaputra. The safari is in a class of its own from the other elephant safaris in India. The park is divided into 4 different zones: Kaziranga Range, Bagori Range, Agaratoli Range and Burapahar Range.

Exotic northeastern bird species like Collard Treepie, Green-tailed and Ruby cheeked Sunbird and Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker also flock to this park. The safari here lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours and is the best way to traverse through the coarse elephant grass.