24 honest questions about the elephant safari.

Ethics

Can I ride the elephants?

No. We won't take you anywhere that offers rides. Riding causes long-term spinal damage; the training to accept the saddle involves trauma. Our experience is entirely ground-based — feed, walk, bathe. Read the full ethics piece →

Is this just the Amer Fort ride with different marketing?

No. This is a completely separate operation 20 km from Amer Fort. The elephants here were rescued from rides, circuses, temples, and logging. None are owned by ride operators. No saddle, no commands, no work day for the elephants — just guests visiting them on their territory.

What happens if a guest insists on riding?

We politely refuse and refund. Roughly once a month we get asked. We won't change the rule — and our mahouts wouldn't agree even if we did.

Do the elephants ever get a day off?

Yes — each elephant has at least 2 visitor-free days per week, plus full off-season rest in May/June (when we book fewer sessions due to heat). We rotate elephants across sessions so no individual is over-handled.

Safety

Is it safe for children?

Yes. Minimum age 4. Priya, our matriarch, is exceptionally gentle with kids — she has a softer trumpet she only uses around them. Bring a change of clothes for the bathing session.

Has any guest been injured?

In 14 years of operation: one ankle sprain (slipping at the pond edge — on the guest, not the elephant) and a few minor scratches from sugarcane. No injury caused by an elephant.

Are the elephants ever aggressive?

Aggression in adult elephants is extremely rare and almost always related to musth (a hormonal cycle in males). We don't have adult males in our group. Females in stable conditions are calm. If an elephant is having an off day, we adjust the session — sometimes guests interact with 4 elephants instead of 6.

Is the sanctuary licensed?

Yes — registered with the Rajasthan Forest Department and inspected annually. All elephants are micro-chipped with state ID. Vet records are kept for 7 years and available on request.

Logistics

What's the daily schedule?

Two slots: 7:30 AM session (pickup 6:30-7:00 AM from hotel) and 4:00 PM session (pickup 3:00-3:30 PM). Each runs 90 minutes on-site, plus 45-min drive each way.

Can you pick me up from my hotel?

Yes — included if your hotel is within Jaipur city. If you're staying at a fort/heritage hotel outside Jaipur (e.g., Samode, Tordi), a small fuel supplement applies ($15-25).

What if my flight is delayed?

Move to the next session or refund (your choice, no penalty). Just message us as early as possible.

Do you offer evening (sunset) sessions?

Yes — the 4:00 PM session ends with sunset light. Some travelers prefer it for photography; the elephants are equally active in cooler afternoon.

Can the visit be private?

Yes — our Private Mahout Day ($249/person) is exclusively your party. Or pay a $200 group supplement to take over a regular session.

Photography

Are professional cameras allowed?

Yes. DSLR, mirrorless, tripod, anything. We have a dedicated Photographer's Hour tier with golden-light timing, fewer guests, and mahout-assisted setups.

Can I use a drone?

Yes, with 48 hours' notice — we apply for the wildlife sanctuary permit ($50 extra). The sanctuary has restricted airspace approval. Bring your own drone.

Will sanctuary photos be sent to me?

Yes — included with every session. The on-duty mahout shoots ~30-50 photos on a basic camera and sends them via WhatsApp within 24 hours.

Can I post photos on Instagram with location tag?

Please do. We just ask you tag @pinkcitytours so future travelers can find us — the sanctuary doesn't have a public Instagram (intentional, to limit volume).

Practical

What should I wear?

Quick-dry, light, layered. You'll get splashed during the bath. No flip-flops — comfortable closed shoes. Hat and sunscreen even at 7 AM.

Will I get dirty?

A little dust, a lot of pond water. Bring a change of clothes (mandatory if you have kids). The sanctuary has clean changing rooms with towels.

Is the sanctuary wheelchair-accessible?

Partly. The feeding area and viewing platform are flat. The pond bathing area requires a 50m walk on uneven ground. Message us about accessibility needs and we'll plan around them.

What about mosquitoes / monsoon?

Mild mosquito presence year-round, peak July-September. We provide repellent at the sanctuary. Sessions run through monsoon — light rain doesn't stop us.

Booking

How far in advance to book?

Peak season (Nov-Feb): 2-3 weeks. Off-season: 2-3 days fine. Photographer's Hour books out fastest — we run only 1 per slot.

Do you take credit cards?

Yes. PayPal, Wise, Visa/Mastercard, or UPI (Indian). Payment due on the day; 30% advance to lock peak-season slots.

Can I cancel?

Free cancellation 48+ hours before. 50% charge for 24-48 hours. No refund for less than 24 hours (because we've reserved permits and dispatched the car).