Jaipur, January 11, 2025.
Starting Friday, the cost of an elephant ride at Rajasthan’s iconic Amber Fort has been set at Rs 1,500 per ride, with a 5% annual increase, officials announced. The decision was made in a meeting chaired by Ravi Jain, secretary of Department of Art, Literature, Culture, and Archaeology, and confirmed by Dr. Pankaj Gharendra, director of Department of Archaeology and Museums.
This rate revision follows a reduction from Rs 2,500 to Rs 1,500 after complaints from tourists, who cited the high cost as a deterrent. The new pricing policy, effective from Jan 10, will be reviewed every five years to evaluate its impact on tourism and revenue.
Previously, on Oct 1, the cost of elephant rides had been increased from Rs 1,100 to Rs 2,500, leading to a decline in the number of tourists. The subsequent rate reduction faced backlash from the Elephant Owner Development Committee, which filed a petition in court. The committee argued that the rate change was implemented without proper consultation, violating principles of natural justice.
The high court subsequently instructed the department to revise the rates. After discussions with the committee, the new Rs 1,500 rate was agreed upon. Committee president Ballu Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the change. “Feeding an elephant costs around Rs 3,000 daily. The initial hike to Rs 2,500 was necessary after 13 years, and reducing it abruptly has caused financial strain,” he said.
