Fixed Price for Elephant Rides at Amer Fort Set at Rs 1,500 with Annual Increase

Jaipur, Jan 10 (NationPress) The charges for elephant rides at the famous Amer Palace in Rajasthan have been updated and established at Rs 1,500 per ride starting from Friday, as confirmed by officials. Additionally, it was noted that the rates will see a 5 percent annual increase each year.

Dr. Pankaj Gharendra, the Director of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, mentioned that this decision was made during a meeting led by Ravi Jain, the Secretary of the Department of Art, Literature, Culture, and Archaeology. The fixed price for an elephant ride has been set at Rs 1,500 per ride, effective from January 10.

Furthermore, it was agreed that these rates would rise by 5 percent annually and would be reviewed every five years.

Previously, on October 1, 2024, the rates for elephant rides had increased from Rs 1,100 to Rs 2,500, which led to a drop in tourist attendance. After reassessment, the Tourism Department opted to lower the costs again to Rs 1,500.

In response to this, the High Court instructed the department to re-evaluate the rates after the elephant owner development committee disputed the price reduction. The current pricing was finalized following discussions among departmental officials and the committee.

In November 2024, coinciding with the tourist season and events such as the Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit and the IIFA award ceremony, the Rajasthan government decreased the elephant ride prices at the historic Amer Fort in Jaipur by Rs 1,000, bringing the cost down from Rs 2,500 to Rs 1,500. This change negatively impacted the elephant owners, prompting them to seek legal action against the decision.

In the lawsuit, the applicant society challenged the Department of Archaeology's order from November 8, 2024, which had reduced the elephant ride prices from Rs 2,500 to Rs 1,500.

The applicant society argued that the archaeological department could not lower the elephant ride rates without consulting them first, claiming that the government's action violated principles of natural justice.

Ballu Khan, President of the Elephant Owner Development Committee, stated, "After 13 years, we were relieved with the increase in elephant ride rates from Rs 1,100 to Rs 2,500. Due to inflation, the expenses for feeding the elephants have also risen. It costs about Rs 3,000 daily to feed an elephant. The government should reconsider its decision."

Ballu Khan added, "The decision was made with the agreement of all involved departments, and the owners were satisfied, but suddenly, the government reduced the rates." Consequently, the committee sought refuge in the court.

Currently, there are approximately 75 elephants at Amer Fort, a major tourist destination that also features a Haathi Gaon. Amer Palace is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument.