Where to go for Elephant Safari while India Holidays

Kings in ancient India used to sit atop elephants that were fitted with royal howdahs and travel from one place to another. Although this pachyderm is usually associated with South Indian religious ceremonies, many National Parks give tourists an opportunity to get close to this majestic beast by offering Elephant Safari rides.

Going on an elephant safari in India is thrilling and enables safe travel through terrains that are difficult to navigate in a vehicle. India wildlife holidays allow tourists to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Below are four national parks which are famous for elephant safaris in India:

Jim Corbett National Park

This park is renowned for its tiger reserve and offers two types of elephant safaris- one inside the Corbett tiger reserve and the second which is held in the buffer zone of the park. Dhikala, Khinanauli and Bijrani are three zones where elephant rides are available. A maximum of four adults and one child are allowed to ride on a single elephant. Tourists are certain to enjoy a ride through thick forests, valleys and uneven trails which step up the adventure a notch. Bird watching enthusiasts should try the safari ride which passes through the Lohachaur and Halduparao areas.

Kazaringa National Park

Elephant Safari rides begin in the early morning and usually take up to two hours. The safari ride lets tourists get a close view of tigers, one horned rhinoceroses and other wild elephants. The ride covers Baguri, Hole Path, Mihimukh, Kohora-Central Path and Arimarah. Tourists are advised to wear clothing which fully covers the legs as much of the trail is covered with tall elephant grass.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Don’t miss out on the thrill of going tiger tracking at dawn while sitting in a teak chair atop an elephant. This safari ride takes tourists through the cool Bandhavgarh forest and lets tourists to take photographs of tigers at a close range. Even if you don’t get to spot any tigers, you’ll still enjoy watching elephants at play or bathing. The park also allows tourists to have their photos taken with elephants and to be part of a feeding session as well.

Kanha National Park

This park offers three safari zones namely Kanha, Mukki and Sarhi. Tourists can opt for a full day safari in the park or for a safari which is part of the Tiger Show. The full day elephant safari takes tourists to places that are hard to access otherwise and increases the chances of watching animals closely. The Tiger Show program is organized after successful tiger tracking by mahouts in the forest. During this show, visitors are allowed to view tigers at a very close range for a full five to ten minutes.