Known locally as Hathi Gaon, this purpose-built settlement was established by the government to provide a structured home for elephants and their traditional caretakers, the mahouts. Unlike a standard zoo, it functions as a semi-natural habitat where elephants have access to large ponds for bathing and open spaces to roam. This place ensures that the animals live in a community-driven environment that prioritises their physical and mental health.
Interactive Experiences and Meaningful Bonds
Visitors to the village are invited to participate in activities that foster a genuine understanding of elephant behaviour and daily care. Rather than just watching from a distance, you can engage in guided walks alongside these giants.
Observe their social interactions and gentle temperaments at the elephant village sanctuary through:
Feeding Sessions: Prepare and offer bundles of sugarcane or bananas while learning about the specific dietary needs of an adult elephant. Children can also partake in this activity.
Artistic Painting: Discover the tradition of decorating elephants using natural, skin-safe colours, often used during festivals like Holi.
Mahout Insights: Spend time with the caretakers who share generational knowledge about elephant psychology and the history of the species in Rajasthan.
Bathing & Scrubbing: Help scrub and wash the elephants in custom ponds, an essential hygiene ritual and playful daily highlight.
Elephant Walks: Walk side-by-side with these giants through open pastures, observing their natural gait and intelligence at eye level.
A Commitment to Responsible Tourism at Hathi Gaon, Jaipur
By choosing ethical interactions at Hathi Gaon, Jaipur, you help shift the focus from performance to preservation, ensuring elephants live with dignity. To ensure the village remains a safe haven, it is essential for visitors to follow these specific tips:
Respect the Personal Space: Always approach elephants from the side so they can see you clearly; never stand directly behind them or under their trunks.
Maintain a Calm Environment: Speak in soft tones and avoid shouting or making sudden movements, as elephants have incredibly sensitive hearing.
Dietary Safety: Never offer outside food, snacks, or plastic-wrapped items; only feed the elephants approved treats provided by their mahouts to prevent fatal health issues like colic.
Follow the Expert: Always stay close to your assigned mahout and follow their cues, as they are the lifelong partners and primary guardians of the elephants.
Keep the Sanctuary Clean: Strictly avoid littering and refrain from smoking within the village to maintain a healthy, toxin-free environment for the residents.
Essential Information for Visit
To fully experience the Elephant Village in Jaipur, planning your visit during the cooler parts of the day is highly recommended. The village is most active in the early mornings when the elephants are being bathed and fed. Typically, a visit lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Amber Fort for a perfect half-day itinerary.
Best Time to Visit: From October to March, between 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM for bathing rituals
Entry Details: Fees vary between INR 1,500 and 4,000 per person, depending on the selected activity package, such as feeding or washing.
Outfit: It is advised to wear light cotton clothing to complement the weather.
Location: Situated in the Kunda area near Amber Fort, roughly 15 - 20 km from the main city, about a 30 - 45-minute drive depending on traffic
Nearby Attractions: Enhance your trip by visiting the Panna Meena Ka Kund stepwell or the historic Jal Mahal, both located a short drive away.
Rajasthali Resort & Spa: Your Ideal Base in Jaipur
After an emotional and educational morning at the Elephant Village in Jaipur, retreating to a space of luxury and silence is the ultimate way to reflect. Rajasthali Resort & Spa is perfectly positioned on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, offering immediate proximity to the sanctuary while providing a 5-star escape. The resort mirrors the regal heritage of Rajasthan, allowing guests to transition from a rustic wildlife encounter to a world of sophisticated comfort.
The property features a range of opulent accommodations, including the premier Aravali Suites and royal tents that offer stunning views of the mountain range. Guests can indulge in a multi-cuisine culinary journey at the Jharokha restaurant. Strategically located in the Kukas area, the resort provides a world-class spa, a grand swimming pool, and lush manicured gardens for complete rejuvenation.