We have been in India for two full days and have done so much and seen so many wonderful places that I am exhausted by the end of the day and incapable of writing a blog post. But I had to post this photo of my first (and last!) elephant ride, at Amber Fort in Jaipur.
Ours was a fairly small elephant so Jean Michel had to sit back as far as he could for balance, which explains why his feet are sticking out in front of him. The elephant swayed from side to side, which is a bit unnerving when you’re not used to it. Jean Michel said it was like being at sea. Sometimes the elephant went quite close to the side of the stone wall so I would pull my feet back although the driver reassured me that I didn’t have to worry.
Taking photos was difficult as well as there was a considerable risk of dropping my iPhone. The first photo was taken with Jean Michel’s camera by one of the many young Indians running alongside the elephants to offer their photographic services. It was easier to take a video than photos, though it’s a little wobbly! The second photo is taken from the Amber Fort showing the elephants winding their way up the hill. The last photo is our very personable elephant driver whose name I asked but now can’t remember.
It was a memorable experience but I don’t really think I need to do it again. I should also add that I was very pleased that I was not alone. I am not very good with heights and an elephant is very very big!
It is quite an impressive, and yes, big animal!
Great fun! I’m amazed by the number of elephants giving rides. I wonder what the story of your elephants tusks is?
Yes, but it’s the great local attraction! I don’t know about the elephant’s tusks. We didn’t see the elephant before we got on.
actually I’m in Delhi myself at the moment….
Well, that’s a coincidence! Enjoy your stay.
Good to see that the elephant ride met expectations 🙂
The elephant is really big and its look dangerous how they make you sit on them. There are too many elephants we can see and the way going to upside like going to some fort.
I think I may have told you on FB – a friend of mine was doing the elephant ride in Jaipur the same morning as you…..and days later he shot the same photo of the Taj Mahal and posted it an hour or two before you. What are those odds?!
Yes, that’s amazing! Was he with a group of Australians? I talked to a couple while waiting to go on the elephant.
My dad had his first elephant ride in the 1950s, and whenever I see the opportunity, I do the same. Less opportunities these days.
Cheers Sharon…