Elephant village in Jaipur, also popularly known as the Hathi Gaon (Hindi term of elephant village), is a heaven for the Elephant lovers. Situated at just 4 km away from the famous Amer Fort of Jaipur, this small village offers a unique experience combining adventure, culture and environment.
This place encourages conservation and ethical tourism in Jaipur. Here in the Hathi Gaon, you get to experience the life of these gigantic beautiful animals without any cruelty or forcing them for the rides.
Imagine lots of beautiful elephants in a place where you can experience their day to day life so close that you can touch them, feed them, even walk with them and much more.
When these majestic animals walk so close to you, the feeling is so amazing and breathtaking that you cannot forget this in your lifetime.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before visiting this unique and memorable attraction.
What is the Elephant Village Jaipur Ticket Price in 2025?
The entry fee for the elephant village is charged by the government for development and maintenance of the village.
- INR 50-100 per person entry for Indians
- INR 300-400 per person entry for foreign tourists
- INR 1000-1500 for elephant ride
- INR 1000-1500 for elephant bath and grooming
- INR 1000-2000 for elephant painting
- INR 500-1000 for elephant feeding
The hathi gaon jaipur ticket price listed above are approximate and can vary. It’s recommended to confirm the exact prices at the time of booking or when you arrive at the village, as rates may change due to peak seasons, special events, or different package offerings.
What Are The Timings To Visit The Hathi Gaon In Jaipur?
The timings to visit the Hathi gaon in Jaipur is from 12:00pm to 6:00 pm. Some elephants go to amber fort in the morning to elephant rides that is the main income source for the families taking care of the elephants. The timings of the amber fort elephant ride is strictly restricted to 11 am due to the hot climatic conditions of the region. This also ensures that elephants are not abused for the rides.
What to Expect at Jaipur Elephant Village
There are around 80 elephants in the village. Each elephant lives with a caretaker family. There are separate houses built by the government for these families with a private cabin for each elephant with an entry gate from the back, a huge window in the front for visitors to watch and feed them and fan for the elephant to stay cool in the summers. There are lots of different amazing things you can experience in the elephant village that includes elephant ride, engaging elephant bath, feeding activities, elephant painting, and more. Below are some of the top experiences from the elephant village in Jaipur.
1. Elephant Ride: A Traditional Royal Experience
Elephant ride as the name suggests, this activity gives you the experience of riding an elephant. Unlike traditional tourist spots, Elephant Village prioritizes the elephants’ welfare. Rides are shorter and gentler, with strict limits on daily rides to prevent exhaustion.
During the ride, you’ll be seated on a cushioned howdah (traditional saddle) as the elephant ambles along a scenic route. It’s a peaceful, almost meditative experience that contrasts beautifully without the bustling chaos of the city.
The charges for elephant rides may vary depending on the season and different occasions. However, the government has fixed rates for the rides (approx. ₹1,000–1,500 per ride), but some visitors claim that they were charged differently. (they were promised 30 minutes but sometimes reduced to 15). So, we advise you to confirm both the duration and price in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
2. Elephant Painting
This is one of the most creative activities you can do in Jaipur Hathi gaon. Here you can paint flowers, murals, abstract, birthday wishes or anything from your creativity on the elephants. The paint used here on the elephants are soft natural colors. You might have seen some elephants on the streets of the jaipur near amber with beautifully painted designs over them. This activity feels like creating a fancy dress for the elephant.
3. Elephant Bathing and Grooming
The elephant bathing and grooming is one the most heart-warming experiences you can have in this village. The elephant bath usually takes place after the painting activity to ensure that elephants do not feel uncomfortable with colors for a long time. There are 3 ponds in the village where the elephants take baths.
However, visitors are sometimes not allowed to go in the pond with the elephants as it may have some risks, so you can enjoy watching them have fun and do playful activities in the water. Sometimes elephants do not want to go to the pond, in that case there are arrangements or water through pipes near their own shelter cabins. This shows that elephants here are not forced to do anything. After the bathing session, you can help to groom the elephants by applying natural oils to their skin, brushing their coarse hair, and even polishing their tusks.
4. Feeding The Elephant : Create a Bond
Elephant feeding is one of the closest and personal activities you can do in the elephant village. This experience of getting so close to these gentle giant animals is another highlight of the village. In this activity, you can offer them their favourite treats like sugarcane, fruits and vegetables.
Feeding an animal of this huge size brings up joy and humbleness within you. Childrens mostly enjoy this as they find it thrilling to engage with the large friendly animal. The careful movement of these powerful elephants reminds us about their intelligence and gentle nature. Feeding them feels like the most powerful way to connect with them.
History of the Elephant Village in Jaipur
In Rajasthan, elephants hold a special place in culture and history. They are associated with royalty and often are part of the grand processions and festivals. In earlier times they played a crucial role in the battles. Hence they have always been an integral part of Jaipur’s heritage. The elephant village was created to honor this friendly companion and to ensure these animals are treated with respect and care. Every year a grand event is organized in the form of Jaipur Elephant Festival, dedicated to these giant friends, bringing alive the deep connection the city has with elephants.
The elephants here were bought from the south of India and the village was established by the Rajasthan government to provide a safe place for the families who take care of the elephants.
The village was established in an area of 30.5 hectares by the Rajasthan government in 2010 to provide a safe place for the families who care for elephants in the stunning Aravali mountain ranges. The elephants here, brought from the lush forests of South India, are a special attraction unique to Jaipur.
In 2017, JDA (Jaipur Development Authority) handed over the village to the forest department. Today, the village sets an example for ethical elephant tourism. It encourages conservation of elephants and community involvement.
Today, the village serves as a model for ethical elephant tourism, focusing on conservation, education, and community involvement. It’s a place where visitors can learn about these magnificent creatures while supporting initiatives that prioritize their well-being.
Some Useful Tips Before Visiting Elephant Village Jaipur
Visiting the Jaipur elephant village feels amazing, however a little preparation can ensure an ethical and wonderful trip and a joyful experience. Here’s what you need to know:
- Elephants are sensitive to loud noises and abrupt gestures. So, always respect the elephant’s personal space and avoid making noise and sudden movements.
- Avoid standing directly behind an elephant—their playful swings can be unintentionally powerful.
- Prioritize ethical interactions and focus on village-approved activities such as feeding, bathing, or supervision.
- Some people said that the elephants were chained, however they didn’t see any wounds or bad treatment to them. Chains were required to keep their activity in little control as sometimes elephants could be dangerous and act aggressively.
- During peak tourist season (October-March), activities like elephant rides or bathing sessions fill up quickly. So, it is better to reserve your spot in advance online or over the phone.
- Confirm the exact cost of activities before your arrival, as some visitors reported being overcharged or charged extra on site. We advise that you politely decline any add-ons that you do not include in your initial booking.
- We recommend going early in the morning (6:30am-9:30am) when temperatures are cooler and elephants are most active. Avoid going in the afternoon (11am-3pm), especially in summer.
- Dress Modestly and avoid revealing clothing to respect local norms.
- Bring cash with you as some activities do not accept online payments.
- Carry hand sanitizers and wet wipes.
- The village promotes eco-friendly practices. Avoid bringing plastic wrappers or bottles.
By following these guidelines, you’ll not only enjoy a hassle-free visit but also contribute to a sustainable future for Jaipur’s elephants. Happy exploring!
Nakul Hada is a travel blogger. He is a travel buff who especially loves road trips. He believes in exploring and self-learning which makes his article informative and practical. You can find him on Linkedin or on Instagram @nakulsinghhada.