Time was when an elephant ride to the gates of Amber Fort, outside Jaipur, topped most visitors’ lists of ‘must-dos’ in Rajasthan. Those days, however, are long gone. 

Instead, you can now experience these gentle creatures close-up and walk with them and bathe them in rivers at special rescue centres or forest camps where they’re properly cared for. The best of these is a beautifully situated property at Beer Talera village, half an hour’s drive north of Amber. Located in two-hundred acres of wilderness, Dera Amer consists of a dozen or so luxury tents set amid glorious countryside. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding forest and villages, which can be done on foot in the company of resident elephants, Laxmi and Rangmala, who were adopted from the Amber Fort herd. Spend the night here, and you can bathe them in the river just after sunrise – a heart-warming and highly photogenic experience.

Lost in its own time warp, Dera Amer is also a particularly stylish retreat. The traditional hunting tents, liveried staff and serene setting combine to create the feel of a bygone era.

Suggested Itineraries

You can include a night glamping with elephants on any of our suggested itineraries that cover the highlights of Rajasthan, including our popular 17-day Ultimate India private tour. Alternatively, we can design your dream holiday from scratch.