Wildlife and birds · Jaldapara National Park
Elephant safari into the tall grass
For decades the classic Jaldapara experience was a dawn ride on a forest department elephant into grass taller than a jeep, often to within a few metres of a rhino. It still runs in some seasons, with limited seats and changing rules.
Elephant safaris in Jaldapara used to start from Hollong, inside the park, where the forest lodge's guests had first claim on seats. Since Hollong burned in June 2024 and the floods of October 2025 hit the park, arrangements have changed, and the department has run, paused and relocated rides at different times. Ask at the Madarihat forest office and check current status before you travel.
When it runs, the ride is short, about an hour, and starts very early. Four people sit on a padded howdah while the mahout steers through the grass. Rhinos are usually calm around elephants, and the height lets you see over the grass in a way no jeep can. Hog deer, wild boar and peafowl scatter ahead.
Seats are few and go fast. Indian and foreign visitors pay different rates. If you have concerns about animal welfare, look at how the elephants are kept and worked, and choose for yourself; the jeep safari is a good alternative.
Cost: About ₹800–1,000 pp Indian nationals (indicative)
Questions people ask
Good to know
Is the Jaldapara elephant safari running now?
It depends on the season and forest department decisions. After the Hollong fire in June 2024 and the October 2025 floods, rides were changed and at times suspended. Ask at the Madarihat forest office or the official booking site and check current status before you travel.
How much does the Jaldapara elephant safari cost?
Recent indicative rates have been about ₹800–1,000 per person for Indian nationals, more for foreign visitors, for a ride of about an hour. Rates and booking rules are revised often, so treat these numbers as a guide only.
Is the elephant safari safe for children?
Children over a certain age are usually allowed, sitting with an adult on the howdah. Rides are slow but rock from side to side. Hold children firmly, follow the mahout's instructions and skip it if your child is anxious around large animals.
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