Last updated: 22 October 2026 · By Mohit Bhat, Elefriendride
Wondering what to expect at an elephant sanctuary before you book? At Elefriendride in Jaipur, your visit follows a simple order: a welcome drink, meeting the elephants, feeding, painting, a walk, the elephant safari and, from March to October, bathing.
Here is each step, what you will do and a few tips so you arrive ready to enjoy every minute.
Your Visit at a Glance
- Length: 2 to 4 hours.
- Where: Amer, 10 to 15 km from Jaipur city centre.
- Cost: ₹2,500 to ₹5,500 per person, with the safari included.
- Age: children aged 2 and above are welcome.
- Booking: please book in advance.
Step 1: Welcome and a Drink
Your visit starts with a warm welcome and a welcome drink. This is a good moment to ask questions, put on sunscreen and get your camera ready.
Step 2: Meet the Elephants
Next, you meet the elephants with their mahouts. Each elephant has its own mahout, who has known it for years and stays with it around the clock.
Take your time here. Watch how the elephant moves and listens, and follow the mahout's lead on where to stand.
Step 3: Feeding
Feeding is often the moment guests remember most. You offer food from the ground while the mahout guides you, and the elephant gently takes it with its trunk.
Elephants eat for much of the day. Read what do elephants eat to learn more about their daily diet.
Step 4: Painting
Then comes painting: colourful designs on the elephant's skin, with the mahout beside you. It is fun for every age, and the photos are bright and full of colour.
Step 5: A Walk With the Elephants
Next, you walk alongside the elephants at their own slow pace. It is a calm part of the visit and a lovely chance to simply be near them.
Step 6: The Elephant Safari
The elephant safari takes place inside the sanctuary and lasts about 30 to 35 minutes. Two adults and one child can ride together on one elephant, guided by its mahout.
Not sure how this differs from the ride at Amber Fort? Read elephant safari vs elephant ride.
Step 7: Bathing (March to October)
From March to October, the visit ends with bathing. You help wash the elephants with water, and you will probably get wet too. Bathing does not run from November to February.
There is a changing room for the bathing session. Bring your own change of clothes and a small towel to change into afterwards.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothes you do not mind getting a little dusty or coloured.
- Closed shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
- A change of clothes and a towel in bathing season.
- A phone or camera on a strap.
See our full guide on what to wear to an elephant sanctuary.
Tips for Your First Visit
- Come in the morning in warmer months, when it is cooler for you and the elephants.
- Listen to the mahout: elephants are gentle but very large.
- Move slowly and speak softly around the elephants.
- Ask questions: the mahouts love to share how each elephant lives.
- With children? Read our guide to an elephant sanctuary with kids.
About Our Elephants
Our 78 elephants come from a tradition that goes back to the kings who built Amber Fort. Elephant and mahout families have stayed together for generations.
Each elephant works only 3 to 4 hours a day, rests in its shed at night and sees a vet every month. Learn how to choose an elephant sanctuary with care.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to meet the elephants? Visit our elephant sanctuary in Jaipur page to plan your day, or read about our elephant village in Jaipur.
About the Author
Mohit Bhat is a tourist guide with 8 years of experience and a member of the Elefriendride team in Jaipur. He lives alongside the sanctuary's elephants, who are like family to him, and specialises in local experiences: Jaipur's culture, sightseeing, wildlife and hands-on activities.
Come with an open heart and comfortable shoes, and let the elephants set the pace. We look forward to welcoming you.
Mohit, Elefriendride, Jaipur