Adult Asian elephant at Hathi Gaon Jaipur lifting its trunk in a natural sanctuary setting with lush green trees.

Hathi Gaon Photography Guide

"For decades, the image of an elephant ascending the ramparts of Amer Fort was the defining postcard of Rajasthan. But travel is changing. Today, more visitors are trading the brief, crowded fort ride for a deeper, more personal connection at Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village). Nestled at the foot of the Aravalli hills, Hathi Gaon is a 30.5-hectare sanctuary where stories of compassion and transformation unfold every day. Created as a rehabilitation zone for elephants and their mahouts, it is a world-class architectural and ecological marvel. For the lens-based storyteller, Hathi Gaon is a rare paradise. It offers the chance to capture authentic moments—from the joyful splash of a morning bath in rainwater-fed ponds to the intimate bond between a mahout and their charge. Whether you are hunting for the perfect 'golden hour' silhouette or a candid portrait of these gentle giants, this guide will show you how to frame the majesty of Jaipur’s elephants with respect and creativity." Key Highlights Included: The Ethical Shift: Moving from traditional rides to meaningful care and conservation. Architectural Beauty: A village designed by world-renowned architects to mimic natural habitation. Optimal Timing: Highlighting early mornings (around 8 AM) as the prime window for bathing rituals and soft light. ... Read More
Inside the Daily Diet of Sanctuary Elephants: Nutrition, Ayurveda & Enrichment

Inside the Daily Diet of Sanctuary Elephants: Nutrition, Ayurveda & Enrichment

Rescued elephants arrive at sanctuaries with complicated histories—years of heavy work, poor feeding, and stress. Food becomes the first language of care. A quiet bundle of napier grass, a browse pole, a tiny fruit bite hiding medicine: each is an invitation to explore and feel safe. This guide opens the kitchen door to show how teams build a daily diet that is nutritious, calming, and rooted in both evidence and tradition. ... Read More
Hathigaon’s Model Helps Combat Poaching and Illegal Trade

Hathigaon’s Model Helps Combat Poaching and Illegal Trade

Nestled at the foothills of Jaipur’s Amber Fort, Hathigaon, literally “Elephant Village,” is a groundbreaking community-based initiative designed by RMA Architects in 2011. More than just housing for over 100 elephants and their mahouts, Hathigaon integrates habitat restoration, livelihoods, and conservation in a way that directly confronts the root causes of elephant poaching and illegal wildlife trade. ... Read More

Hathi Gaon Jaipur – India’s First Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Nestled in the vibrant outskirts of Jaipur, Hathi Gaon (translated as Elephant Village) is not just a destination—it’s a revolution in wildlife tourism. Established in 2015, this sanctuary was born from a bold vision: to rescue elephants from exploitative industries and provide them with a dignified, natural habitat. ... Read More