Why We No Longer Sell Elephant Rides — A Letter from Our Founders

This is a letter we owed our guests. Four years ago, we quietly removed elephant rides from every single itinerary. Here is why, and what we offer instead.

The evidence is now overwhelming — captive elephants used for tourist rides live with chronic physical and psychological harm. Training techniques often involve separation from mothers at a young age, prolonged restraint, and physical coercion. The "happy elephant" we once thought we were supporting, we now know was not.

At first we removed rides only at Amber Fort. Then Jaipur, then Kerala, then every park across our operations.

What we offer instead

At Wildlife SOS near Agra, guests can walk alongside rescued elephants in ethical sanctuaries, feed them, observe their natural behaviours, and learn about rehabilitation. The elephants are not ridden, not bathed by tourists, not performers.

At Elephant Nature Park affiliates in Kerala and Karnataka, similar ethical programs exist.

For forts — we now operate private jeep or electric-buggy alternatives at Amber Fort, Chittorgarh, and Gwalior.

We lost some bookings in year one. We do not regret it. If we are going to use the word "responsible" in our marketing, we have to earn it.

— Raghav & Priyanka, Founders