Ethical Elephant Village Jaipur, feeding bathing and painting at Elefantastic

This Elephant village Jaipur is truly the best place to encounter elephants in India, possible the best in Asia. The care for the elephants is heart warming and well thought through. They have spent years perfecting a balance of putting the rescued elephants needs first whilst still making space for travellers to meet and connect with the beautiful elephants. The understand the elephants true needs and have worked hard to create a true elephnat sanctuary here in India.

Elefantastic understand an elephants need for connection and that one of the biggest issues for causing them stress is to overcrowd them. Because of this they have only allow one visit in the morning and one in the afternoon per individual, couple or family. They have dedicated mahouts and everything is about gentle connection and meeting the elephants needs at the right time.

At this ethical Elephant village Jaipur you feed and bathe the elephants as needed. You also get to bond and play with them through trekking and the Indian tradition of painting them, essentially you massage them as you paint on gentle mineral based paints.

Look! You made him smile!

Elefantastic Ethical Elephant village Jaipur Mission

Elefantastic is the perfect name for a perfect place.  Having been to many places in Asia that invite you to spend time with elephants, I have truly experienced and endured and regretted the range.  There are places outside of Bangkok that pick cash over care every day.  Elefantastic is as far from this hell as elephantly possible.

They decided they wanted to rescue elephants in a sustainable way. Elephants are very expensive to look after, so creating a safe sustainable environment for them to live in takes a lot of work. The have developed this elephant village Jaipur to be a sustainable home where the elephants needs come first but is still finically viable through the support of responsible tourism.

I’m sure she is actually smiling! On arrival you feel as though you are being invited into a peaceful community.  You are introduced to the elephant and carers that you will spend all of your time with.  You promptly begin helping the carers to feed bundles of food to the elephant.  Our elephant, Laxmi, like many has been rescued and given somewhere safe to call home.

There is a strong history of decorating elephant in Rajasthan both as a way of bonding and of showing royalty.  Elphantastic have a selection of bright coloured, organic paints that you use with the elephant.  At this Jaipur elephant village, they taught us that the elephants particularly love the feeling of you running your hand up the trunk, around their eyes and under their chin.

It’s pretty sweet to see an elephant smile!

Trekking with the Elephant Village Jaipur

After drying off, you spend time trekking through countryside with them. It is a deeply peaceful experience, as we did it in the afternoon we experienced that beautiful moment when the Indian air starts to cool and everything just feels right in the world.

Bathing at the Elephant Village Jaipur

I love the atmosphere at the elephant village Jaipur and they way they have thought everything through. Once you have fed them an impressive amount of food and had time painting with the elephant, it is shower time for everyone. Bathing the elephants is another great way to connect with them and meet their needs.  They LOVE the water! As you wash the elephant you realise just how thick their skin is and how you really do have to put some effort in to scrubbing them. Naturally, there is no way of doing this without getting a full on shower yourself.

Elephant ride Jaipur

Though you can Elephant ride in Jaipur and if done correctly it doesn’t cause as much distress and pain as what is associated with the over loading and over working of elephants it is still best to avoid it.

I’m sad to admit that I made the mistake many years ago of riding in an elephant box.  I later found out that despite the size and strength of the elephant, these boxes are really uncomfortable for them.  I have also spent time at places where the distress of these intelligent creatures from been overworked with hoards of tourists has been upsetting.

Elefantastic is another world.  As we peacefully plodded along into the sunset, I found myself soaking up and reciprocating the relaxed nature of these happy and well cared for creatures.

The family who run Elefantastic Elephant village Jaipur, have been working with the Elephants for a while was not only great at welcoming us and ensuring that we got great photographs, he also shared some inspirational stories with us.  He showed us a deeply moving clip of a sweet young girl in a wheelchair beaming as she spent time with and connected with one of their community’s elephants.  He went on to explain how elephants are givers and healers and when they are well cared for they then show care and compassion to others. Elefantastic, a harmonious and happy haven for all.

Elephant village Jaipur contact number and email address

If you want to book an experience with Elefantastic, the best way is to email them. You can Email Rahul or Jason directly on hello@elefantastic.in Note: Because the real Elefantastic is so awesome there are several places in the area with similar names trying to get your business . Make sure you book with Rahul to get the real and ethical Elephnat sanctuary Elefantastic experience!

Elefantastic phone number: +91 8094253150

Elefantastic Address: 90, Chandra Mahal Colony, Delhi Road, Amber, Jaipur, 302028

How Much Does it cost to volunteer with elephants at Elefantastic Elephant village?

The price for Elefantastic Elephant village Jaipur varies a lot depending on seasons, holidays and group size. Expect to pay around 4500 Indian Rupees per person. (This is about 45 GBP / 60 USD) But if you are going as a couple or a family and it is low season it is definitely worth contacting them to see what price they can arrange with you

Where to stay near Elefantastic Elephant village Jaipur

If you are looking to stay near Elefantastic Elephant village Jaipur there are loads of great options. The elephant sanctuary is on the outskirts of Jaipur. Approximately 2 km away from Amber Fort. If you want to find somewhere near by to stay in Jaipur, has lots of great options.  With Jaipur it is worth spending some time searching as they have some stunning palaces for less than you might think, we actually stayed in a palace!

If you are staying in Jaipur it is truly one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in India, here is a great 2 day Itinerary of Jaipur to make sure you don’t miss out!

What I need to bring to Elefantastic Elephant village Jaipur

• Camera, a tough camera would be ideal.
• Sun protection – Sun screen, sun hat, sun glasses.
• A towel
• Clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and perhaps a little muddy or stained
• Change of clothes, you will get wet and messy!