Amber Fort (Amer Fort) & Hathi Gaon, Jaipur — What Changed in 2025 & What It Means for Visitors

If you’re planning a trip to Jaipur in 2025 and thinking about including an elephant ride at Amber Fort or a visit to Hathi Gaon Elephant Village, it’s crucial to understand how the landscape is changing — legally, ethically and operationally. This blog unpacks – what’s new for 2025, why it matters, and how to plan a visit that aligns with best-practices for animal welfare, guest experience and local context.

For decades, elephant rides up to Amber Fort have been a signature image of Jaipur tourism. At the same time, Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village) near the fort has offered a more behind-the-scenes look at these majestic animals and their mahouts. However, growing concerns over animal welfare, regulatory scrutiny and shifting traveler sensibilities mean 2025 brings key changes. For ethical travellers, tour operators, and local businesses (shops, restaurants, guides) in Jaipur, being aware of these changes helps avoid negative experiences, support responsible tourism, and contribute positively to the destination.

2. What changed in 2025: key updates at Amber Fort & Hathi Gaon

2.1 Elephant rides at Amber Fort

• As of September 17, 2025, rides at Amber Fort resumed after a safety-related suspension (following a wall collapse near Ram Bagh).
• The fare for both domestic and international tourists has been increased to ₹2,500 per ride (up from ₹1,500) in some reports.
• Earlier in January 2025, another source mentioned the rate at ₹1,500 per ride with a planned annual 5% increase.
• Safety protocols have been reinforced, and rides are being resumed only after thorough assessment.
• Other reports continue to flag welfare concerns and appeals by animal-welfare bodies (see below).

2.2 Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village) & shifts toward ethical tourism

• Hathi Gaon is increasingly being presented as an “ethical elephant tourism” option — with a focus on conservation, education, and reduced reliance on rides.
• Some sources note that in this village-style setup, rides may not be the central activity; instead interaction, feeding, care-viewing and sanctuary-style experiences take precedence.
• Visitors are more aware and sensitised about elephant welfare — actions like PETA’s campaigns highlight concerns about rides at Amber Fort and other sites.

2.3 Regulatory, welfare & visitor expectation shifts

• The legal/regulatory environment is in flux: court petitions challenging ride rates and welfare practices.
• Growing media attention on welfare, including incidents of distressed elephants.
• Traveller preferences shifting — more demand for “ethical” experiences rather than just photo-moments.

3. What it means for visitors & how to plan accordingly

3.1 Making informed choices

• Check the current rate and status of rides before planning: With recent suspensions and price changes at Amber Fort, confirm whether rides are operational.
• Be aware of welfare-friendly practices: Ask about elephant care, ride frequency, mahout training, resting hours for elephants.
• Consider alternatives: If wanting a more ethical experience with less emphasis on rides, Hathi Gaon and elephant-village style venues may be preferable.
• Arrive early for rides at Amber Fort: Many sources say rides are available only in morning slots (around 8 a.m.–11 a.m).
• Budget accordingly: With fare increases, the cost per ride is higher; factor this into your travel budget.
• Opt for trusted operators: Use reputable tour companies that prioritise welfare and transparency rather than bargain vendors.
• Respect the animals and their space: Avoid large volumes, noisy behaviour, flash photography that might stress the animals.

3.2 Sample visit plan for 2025

• Morning: Visit Amber Fort early (arrive by 8 a.m.). If an elephant ride is available and acceptable to you, proceed—but allocate time also for fort exploration without ride.
• Mid-morning: Explore the fort’s courtyards, Sheesh Mahal, and the views.
• Late morning: Head to Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village) for a more relaxed, welfare-focused elephant-experience: feed the elephants, observe their routine, learn about mahouts.
• Lunch in nearby area (near Amer/Amber) with local cuisine.
• Afternoon: Combine with other Jaip­ur attractions (City Palace, Jantar Mantar) or rest.
• Evening: Return to hotel; reflect on experience and perhaps opt for a lighter ride option like a jeep up the hill if preferred.

3.3 Ethical-luxury tips

• Ask for rides limited in number per elephant per day (sources indicate some elephants at Amber Fort do only 2–5 rides a day).
• Choose rides that use safe pathways, avoid midday sun/heat for animals, ensure shade/rest time.
• At Hathi Gaon, participate in non-ride activities: bathing elephants, feeding trunk, observing interactions.
• Support operators who reinvest in elephant welfare (food, vet care, mahout livelihood).

4. Why choose Amber Fort/Hathi Gaon together? The unique combo

• Amber Fort offers a regal historical backdrop and the iconic elephant-ride image up the hill — a bucket-list for many visitors.
• Hathi Gaon complements that by offering depth: behind-the-scenes view of mahout-elephant lives, conservation-oriented interaction, learning experience.
• Together, you get both the spectacle and the sustainable/humanitarian dimension — a more balanced travel story.
• Especially for Jaipur-based shops/restaurants/guides, you can tailor packages: e.g., “Elephant Experience + Fort Visit + Local Meal” for an all-inclusive day-trip.

5. Planning Considerations for 2025 & Beyond

• Weather & timing: Rajasthan summers are intense. Morning visits are better (cooler, less strain on animals).
• Peak season vs off-season: Tourist numbers affect queue times and ride availability.
• Photography & social media: Ensure photos respect the animals; avoid stressful poses, over-crowding. Choose providers who avoid exploitative “photo-ops”.
• Alternative luxury transport: Jeep rides or cable-car options (if available) might be an alternative if you skip elephant rides.
• Accessibility: Some animals may have restrictions in place (health, weather) so rides may not always be available.
• Cost transparency: Confirm whether price is per person or per couple and what is included (ride duration, wait time).
• Local economic impact: When you pick an ethical provider, you contribute to mahout livelihoods and local conservation rather than just mass tourism.
• Stay updated: Given regulatory changes (rides suspended for safety or welfare reasons), check latest status online or with your tour operator.

8. FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions you can include or repurpose for your blog:

Q1. Are elephant rides at Amber Fort available in 2025?
Yes, they have resumed after a temporary suspension (following a safety-incident) as of September 17, 2025. However, availability may still be subject to weather, welfare checks and regulatory status.

Q2. What is the cost of an elephant ride at Amber Fort in 2025?
Reports vary: some state the new fare is ₹2,500 per ride for domestic and international tourists. Another source indicates a rate of ₹1,500 with 5 % annual increase. Confirm with your operator before booking.

Q3. What is Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village) near Amber Fort?
Hathi Gaon is a village/sanctuary near Amber Fort dedicated to housing elephants and their mahouts, offering interactive and more ethical elephant-tourism experiences including feeding, observation, less emphasis on rides.

Q4. Is the elephant tourism at Hathi Gaon considered “ethical”?
Yes, there are efforts geared towards ethical tourism: fewer rides, more focus on welfare, education and conservation rather than just photo-rides. However, as with any activity, ask questions about care standards.

Q5. What should I look out for to ensure an ethical elephant-ride experience?
Look for:

• Evidence of limited ride numbers per elephant per day
• Proper resting areas, shade and water for elephants
• Knowledgeable mahouts and provision of veterinary care
• Transparency of pricing, no hidden fees or abusive practices
• Alternatives offered (non-ride interaction) if you prefer them

Q6. What time of day is best for the ride or visit?
Early morning (around 8:00–11:00 a.m.) is best: cooler temperature, less stress on animals, shorter waits. Many rides at Amber Fort are restricted later in the day.

Q7. How long is the elephant ride at Amber Fort?
The ride typically takes around 20-30 minutes, from parking to the fort courtyard, though duration may vary with queue/traffic.

Q8. Can I skip the ride and still visit Amber Fort?
Absolutely. Amber Fort is a major heritage site with extensive architecture, courtyards and views independent of the ride. Choosing to skip the ride is perfectly fine.

Q9. How do I reach Hathi Gaon from Jaipur city/Amber Fort?
Hathi Gaon is located near Amer/Amber – roughly 20-25 km from central Jaipur and close to the fort. You can reach by taxi or private car.

Q10. Are there safety or welfare concerns I should know about?
Yes. Animal-welfare groups have raised concerns about elephant rides (rest periods, treatment, equipment). For example, reports of distressed elephants at Amber Fort. Choosing a ride provider with transparent welfare practices is advisable.

Final thoughts

In 2025, elephant-tourism experiences around Amber Fort and Hathi Gaon are undergoing meaningful shifts — higher ride costs, increasing welfare scrutiny, alternative ethical experiences, and evolving visitor expectations. For travellers, this means greater choice and the opportunity to engage with this iconic Rajasthan experience in a more conscious way. For local tourism stakeholders in Jaipur (guides, hotels, restaurants), integrating this narrative of ethical travel and current updates into your offerings can differentiate your service and appeal to a global market increasingly sensitive to animal-welfare and sustainability.

If you’re ready to book your experience now — let us tailor it for you: include early-morning ride or ride-free interaction, responsibly vetted elephant-village visit, heritage-fort tour, and local food-stop. Let us know your travel dates, group size and preferences, and we’ll arrange the most up-to-date, ethical listing.