Morning elephant safari from Hollong, when running
For many years the elephant safari at Jaldapara was the classic way to see rhinos close up. Trained forest department elephants carry a few visitors each into the tall grass, where rhinos are less wary of an elephant than of a vehicle. The rides start early in the morning from the Hollong area inside the park.
Rides have been stopped and restarted several times, including after the Hollong lodge fire in 2024, and were announced again for the 2025–26 season with only a few slots a day sold online. Some travellers choose not to ride elephants for welfare reasons, and the jeep safari covers the same habitat. We do not sell elephant rides. Check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Is the Jaldapara elephant safari running now?
It changes from season to season. Elephant rides were announced again for the 2025–26 season, but they have been suspended in earlier years and can stop at short notice for safety or official reasons. Look at the forest department's official booking pages or ask your lodge a few days before. Check current status before you travel.
How do I book the elephant safari?
When it runs, the forest department sells the few seats online on its official booking pages, usually opening some weeks before the season. Any remaining seats may be released locally at Madarihat. There is no reliable way to buy a seat through private agents, so be wary of anyone promising one.
Is an elephant safari ethical?
Opinions differ. The elephants belong to the forest department and are also used for patrols and rescues, and rides are short. Some visitors still prefer not to ride elephants. If you are unsure, a jeep safari is an equally good way to see the grassland and its rhinos, and it is easier to book.
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