wildlife · Jaldapara National Park, Dooars
Elephant rides at Jaldapara: an honest view
For years the classic Jaldapara outing was an early-morning ride on a departmental elephant from the Hollong lodge into the grassland, where rhinos tolerate elephants and you could get close. The elephants are owned by the forest department and also used for patrols and rescue work. After the Hollong lodge burned down in June 2024, the forest department said safaris would continue, and rides have been offered in later seasons, but the starting point and number of slots have changed.
Animal-welfare organisations argue that riding causes physical harm and that the training of captive elephants involves cruelty, and many travellers now choose not to ride. Supporters say the department's elephants are working animals that would be kept anyway and that rides fund conservation. Rules on riding in protected areas have changed several times in India and may change again.
We do not build our trips around elephant rides. A dawn jeep safari at Jaldapara usually shows rhinos well. If you do choose to ride, book only through the official counter, do not ask the mahout to approach animals closely, and do not feed or pose with the elephants. Check current status before you travel.
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Is elephant safari available at Jaldapara now
It has been offered in recent seasons, but availability, starting point and slots have changed since the Hollong lodge fire in June 2024, and online booking was suspended in autumn 2026. Ask at the Madarihat counter or your lodge when you arrive, and check current status before you travel.
Is elephant riding ethical
It is contested. Welfare groups say riding and the training of captive elephants cause harm, and many travellers now avoid it. The forest department says its elephants are working animals used for patrols and that rides support conservation. We suggest a jeep safari instead; if you ride, do not ask for close approaches or photos with the elephant.
Is an elephant ride better than a jeep for seeing rhinos
Elephants can go into tall grass where jeeps cannot, so in November and December, when grass is high, a ride can give closer views. From February to April, after grass burning, a jeep safari usually gives equally good sightings. Two jeep safaris are cheaper than one elephant ride for a family.
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