Elephant Festival

Covered In This Section : Overview, Historical Background, Venue, Activities, Where to Reach

Overview
Elephant festival is one of the most celebrated events in the city of Jaipur. Celebrated annually, the festival is a great fanfare for the elephants as well as to the spectators watching the show. The festival is celebrated on the occasion of yet another popular festival Holi. There are performances from all fronts, these massive creatures as well as their protectors dance with joy and excitement on this day. A number of events and sports are held on the day. It is a great pleasure to watch these events.

History
Some notes of this festival - Hastimangala, or Elephant festival has been referred in the famous Buddhist story book about animals. Elephants have long been enjoying privileges in the many cities of Rajputs. These creatures have been symbolized for strength and wealth. At many places in the state of Rajasthan, one can find records of these animals, associated with many royal events and sports. There are paintings in many museums which depict the hunting scenes with the king on an elephant back. After independence and with the mergence of the princely states into cities and states of Indian Union many of these events died .It was the Elephant Festival that came to help the vanishing customs and practices.

Venue : Elephant festival is celebrated in the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

Activities
With a royal procession of much adorned elephants the festival starts with a bang. The mahouts or the keepers of the elephants groom their animals with all available stuff. There is embroidery, tinkers, color and sometimes ornamentation. The elephant march is one event not to be missed on the day.

Next to come is the royal sport - Polo. The trainers on their elephant backs fight to score a point. The sport is much like playing the same on horses; the players riding on the elephant backs have to put a ball in the net. The sport gives a full throttle to the excitement level that seems to be going up, up and up.

Some other events include tug of war, involving both men and elephants, elephant races and folk dances by many performers. The festival is filled with much fun and frolic.

Reaching To The Venue
Elephant Festival, as it is held in the city of Jaipur, does not pose any problem of reaching it out to the venue. The place is hooked up with the rest of the cities of the Rajasthan and many other important Indian cities. The means of transportation include :

By Air : The city is provided with an airport that connects the place with other cities like Jodhpur, Delhi, Mumbai, etc.

By Train : There is a regular railway service that connects the city with many of the northern cities of India.

By Bus : Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation provides long distance bus services from a number of destinations. Besides that there are also private owners that provide the facilities.

	Palace On Wheels Tour (08 Days) Features : It is just eight days luxury; the tour - Palace On Wheels, gives you one of the best train travels you will ever experience. The tour covers destinations which include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra. Take advantage of this wonderful tour during Elephant Festival.

	Romantic Maharaja (20 Days) Features : This tour showcases some of the best romantic places in India. You will get to explore the Jaipur city - the venue for Elephant Festival. Explore the beauty and the charm of some exotic places of Rajasthan. Places you will see yourself through include Agra, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Narlai, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Gajner, Bikaner, Shekhawati.

	Golden Triangle (20 Days) Features : On week tour - the Golden Triangle Tour provides for the three major tourist hubs in the country. Jaipur comprises one essential destination, the other two being the cities of Delhi and Agra. You will get to see a lot about these cities.

Heritage Tour To India (20 Days) Features : This tour - a big one, covers a lot of destinations. The tour highlights the monumental and heritage sites in India. Places covered include Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Pokharan, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Pushkar, Ajmer, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Gwalior, Orcha, Khajuraho, Varanasi. During Elephant Festival you will get a lot to see at Jaipur.

	Grand North India Tour (15 Days) Features : Experience the North Indian feeling with the Grand North India Tour. The tour begins from Delhi, moves into the cultural lands of Rajasthan and finally concludes at Mumbai. Destinations covered include Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Osian, Udaipur, Mumbai.