tabby
Member
I haven't done any elephant tours. The first time I saw these beautiful creatures was during a trip to Ayutthaya in Thailand. While elephants are magnificent, I got scared with their size, haha! They look so adorable on TV, but up close and personal (even though they appear SO gentle), they gave me a scare. Anyway, I saw on tripadvisor that the highly recommended among the travelers who posted review is called Dera Amer Elephant Safari. According to reviews, it's located on the outskirts of the Pink City, in Jaipur.
That is amazing. I have always wondered what it would be like to ride on top of an elephant. The closest I ever got to an elephant was when I was young. My parents took us to the zoo. There we could buy peanuts to feed the elephants. My dad bought us some in the machine. The elephants would put out their trunks and we would give them a peanut. They seemed so friendly and tame.
tabby
Member
Oh, I didn't get to ride on them. I just got scared, but also I felt that they should not be ridden on by people. I get the point that they're being taken care of, but still don't feel quite comfortable about it. I'm no animal advocate, but still it just didn't feel right to me. Nothing against those who feel differently. It's just my own take.
From what I understand people have ridden on elephants for centuries. I also know certain countries used elephants to move giant trees and logs. I feel this animal is strong and can easily support a person ridding on it's back.
rz3300
Member
I am not sure that the whole riding an elephant thing is something that you can arrange, but I do know that there are a lot of ways to take safari like trips and see elephants in their natural habitat. Now that I think about I did see a lot of pictures with people on the elephants so maybe that is more of a thing than I am thinking that it is, but either way the best thing to do is to do a little research and ask around to see where the best deals are.
Elephant tours are great fun because elephants have a very slow gait and you can enjoy the ride if you have good company. Besides, you will be seated at a height giving you a commanding view of the area around you. I have been for these rides an umpteen number of times and come away happy each time.
jnorth88
Active Member
It is a great experience. No one should be afraid of these elephants. They probably have more human interaction than most humans. I know a few people who spend their time at a computer instead of talking. But they are kind, gentle, and are kept under close guidance by their drivers. It is a great activity, especially for kids.
knitmehere
Member
This was one of the things that I was interested in during my last trip, but I never really got any solid information on it. Then again, I had so much else to do that I kind of forgot! Maybe someone will give us all some good advice.
djordjem87
Member
I am strongly against riding any animal and elephants are no exceptions. I read Pearl Buck's novels about old China and I was always touched by the ways people treated animals then. An ox that was being used to plough the land had better conditions then some people back then. The owner of an ox would always find food for it even if he skip a meal. We ride them to see things.
integrity101
Member
Sounds like great fun but elephant safaris can be quite expensive by Indian standards. There are many tour operators online who can organize an elephant safari that you'll live to remember.
rajesh
Member
I must say the best place for elephant ride is Jaipur (Near Amber Fort). It costs Rs.1000 per 2 peoples. for 30 min of travel. Well, I know it's one the most expensive elephant rides but trust me, it would be one the most amazing as well. There are more than 70 high-end beautiful elephants present everyday carry several visitors. Just visit that place and you will be impressed. 
