Introduction

The wilderness of the jungle can be best explored on an elephant’s back. The elephant ride through the jungle takes you to the remotest places where no jeep or ELEPHANT can go. The elephant moves at a pace which is ideal to notice the minute details of the wild. It gives you immense time to be with the Mother Nature and experience the life in a jungle. The guide with you on the safari tells you how to differentiate between various bird calls and other sounds which fills the bushes all the time. The elephant being an animal makes it possible to venture near the wild animal with more ease and gives you a much better look at the animals.

To ride at the back of an elephant on a howdah gives you a sense of the era of royals, when only the kings and emperors used to ride these majestic beasts. The elephant being a calm animal is one of the most lovable of the rest, all you need to do is just feed him with some bananas and he returns the love by making your safari a memorable experience.

The national parks and sanctuaries in all parts of the country provide elephant safaris. The best photographs of the wild animals are taken during these safaris. In various national parks such as Corbett, Rajaji national park, Ranthambore it is often advised to go on an elephant safari rather then any other option as the chances of spotting the exotic wild life on an elephant’s back is much more than others. The placid nature of the elephant is of great help as the wild animal doesn’t get scared away. At many sanctuaries like the Kaziranga, Periyar you get to see wild elephants taking bath in a pond which gives you tremendous opportunity to shoot these wild beasts in their natural habitat with your cameras.

The option of elephant safari is not only for the exploration of the jungles only but they can be used to explore other remote places. They are also available as an alternate option for camels, for a city ride in jaipur. The grueling climb of the Amber fort in Rajasthan can be eased by doing it on an elephant’s back.

The clothes that you are going to wear should also provide your skin breathing space, because of the hot climate you will sweat a lot. Visitors are requested to dress modestly. Some kind of head protection is essential too. Another important thing to carry is a first aid kit along with a sunscreen and sun glasses.

Although the elephant is a calm animal but its imperturbability lasts only till you treat it with love and affection. The heat in the tropical jungle can take on the nerves of the animals so you need to understand the requirements of the elephant and should not be demanding of him.