Hathi Gaon Timings & Ticket Price (2025 Guide): What’s Included, What’s Not

If Jaipur is on your radar and you’re curious about its famous Elephant Village—locally called Hathi Gaon—this guide is your single stop for 2025 timings, ticket prices, add-on activity costs, and what each option actually includes. I’ve also added real-world tips (heat, queues, best slots), ethical notes, and FAQs so you know exactly what to expect before you head out.

Quick Snapshot (2025)

• Official visiting hours: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (as listed on Rajasthan’s state tourism/OBMS portal).
• When elephants are usually back from Amer Fort: around 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (most visitor activity happens in this window because mornings are often spent at Amer).
• Entry ticket (park fee): ₹100 (Indian) / ₹350 (foreign) — commonly reported current park entry; this is separate from rides/activities.
• Elephant ride price (if you choose to do it): ₹1,500 per ride (typically for 1–2 people; separate from entry).
• Distance: ~4 km from Amer Fort; plan 10–15 minutes by cab without heavy traffic.

Ethical note: Many travelers now prefer no-ride, hands-off experiences (observe, learn, feed under supervision) over riding. We’ve included the latest policy/status details below so you can make an informed choice.

Hathi Gaon Timings in 2025 (and Why Mid-Day Matters)

Official gate hours are 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
However, the busiest interaction window is usually noon to early evening because many elephants that go to Amer Fort in the morning return to Hathi Gaon around midday. That’s why you’ll often see traveler blogs and operator pages quoting 12:00 PM–6:00 PM as the “practical” visitor window.

Pro tips

• Arrive between 12:30–2:30 PM if your goal is to see more elephants around the village.
• Golden hour (4:30–6:00 PM) is great for photography; light is soft and temperatures start dropping.
• Summer (Apr–Jun) can be extremely hot. If you’re visiting in peak heat, carry hydration, a cap, and sunscreen and aim for the late-afternoon slot.
• No fixed weekly closure is typically mentioned, but expect schedule adjustments on major public holidays or during special events.

Ticket Price & What’s Included (2025)

Think of Hathi Gaon costs as two layers:

1. Park Entry Ticket (mandatory to enter the village area)
   • ₹100 for Indian visitors
   • ₹350 for foreign visitors
   • What it covers: access to the Hathi Gaon premises—paths, reservoir area, and common visitor zones.
   • What it doesn’t cover: rides, feeding, bathing, guided tours, photo packages, or any operator-run activity.
2. Add-On Activities (optional, run by private operators/owners)
   • Elephant ride: ₹1,500 per ride (generally 1–2 people).
   • Feeding/interaction “experiences”: typically ₹500–₹1,000 per person depending on duration and operator.
   • Bathing/grooming/photo-shoot add-ons: ₹1,000–₹2,000+ per person (pricing varies widely by brand/operator and inclusions).

Important: Add-on prices vary by operator and season. Always confirm inclusions and total price (entry + activity + taxes/“photo fees”) before you commit. Reviews also show variability, so stay price-aware.

“What’s Included” vs “What’s Not” — With Examples

Below is a plain-English breakdown you can use at the counter or when comparing operators online.

Typically Included in the Entry Ticket

• Access through the main gate and visitor zones.
• Free-walking areas near the reservoir, pathways, and viewing points.
• Opportunity to observe daily routines from designated visitor spots.
• Basic washrooms and parking (where available).

Not Included in the Entry Ticket (Usually Charged Separately)

• Elephant rides (priced per ride).
• Feeding (bananas/sugarcane are often sold or included in a package).
• Bathing or grooming sessions (usually timed, with supervision).
• Guided stories/talks with a mahout or caretaker.
• Professional photography or reels packages.
• Transport to/from Hathi Gaon and Amer Fort.

Example: A Typical 90-Minute No-Ride Visit (Budget & Flow)

• Entry: ₹100 (Indian) / ₹350 (foreign).
• Observation & guided talk: sometimes complimentary, often bundled in a ₹500–₹1,000 activity ticket.
• Optional feeding: included in some packages, or ~₹200–₹500 extra.
• Total expected spend: ₹600–₹1,500 per person (no ride).

Example: A “Ride + Photos” Visit (Budget & Flow)

• Entry: ₹100 / ₹350.
• Ride: ₹1,500 per ride (1–2 seats).
• Photos/video add-on: varies—some operators include a few frames; others charge ₹500–₹2,000 for a bundle.
• Total expected spend: ₹1,600–₹4,000 for two, depending on extras.

Tip: If someone quotes a bundled price that sounds too high or too vague, ask them to split it into entry vs. activity vs. photos so you can compare apples to apples. (Reviews frequently mention upselling; be polite but firm.)

Best Time to Visit (By Season & Slot)

Winter (Nov–Feb): Peak season. Pleasant weather means comfortable afternoons and a busy late-afternoon window. 3:30–5:30 PM is ideal for light and crowds.
Summer (Mar–Jun): Hot afternoons; plan for 4:30–6:00 PM to avoid the worst heat. Carry water and wear breathable clothing.
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Greener backdrops. Expect occasional showers; bring a light rain jacket and waterproof phone protection.

Weekdays are calmer than weekends. If you’re pairing Hathi Gaon with Amer Fort in the morning, you’ll naturally land in the 12:00–3:00 PM window for Hathi Gaon—perfect for seeing more elephants around the village.

How to Reach Hathi Gaon (2025)

• From Amer Fort: ~4 km (10–15 minutes by cab/auto without heavy traffic).
• From Jaipur city center (MI Road): ~13–16 km, 30–45 minutes by cab depending on traffic.
• Public transport: A metro/bus + auto combo is possible, but most travelers prefer a cab for convenience.
• Parking: Limited in peak hours; if you’re combining with Amer Fort, consider hiring a cab for the half-day.

Map clue: Search “Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village)” near Amer on your map app; avoid confusing it with private “ele-” branded farms—those may be operator facilities outside the main village.

Is It Ethical? The 2025 Status in Simple Words

You’ll come across strong opinions online about elephant activities in Jaipur. Here’s the short version of where things stand in 2025:

• Government and court-related discussions in recent years have recommended phasing out rides in Jaipur due to welfare concerns.
• Advocacy groups continue to document issues associated with rides (particularly at Amer Fort).
• At Hathi Gaon, you’ll find a mix of views—some visitors do rides; many now prefer no-ride, observational, or light-interaction experiences.

If you want an ethical-leaning visit:

• Choose no-ride options.
• Keep interactions calm, brief, and supervised; avoid loud noises, chasing, or blocking paths.
• Skip painting and other activities that may stress the animals.
• Support operators transparent about care routines, rest, shade, water, and work limits.

Practical On-Ground Tips (Save or Screenshot)

• Cash or UPI: Carry small bills/UPI-ready apps; minor add-ons (bananas, water) are easier that way.
• Ask before you offer food. Diets are managed; caretakers will guide what’s okay and how much.
• Footwear: Closed shoes are safer around uneven paths and wet patches near the reservoir.
• Photography etiquette: Keep a safe distance, avoid flashes in close-ups, and let mahouts position you safely.
• Scams & upsells: If someone quotes a “package” that feels inflated, politely ask for official entry ticket + activity split, get the final amount in writing, and feel free to decline. (Multiple traveler reviews mention over-pricing or confusing packages.)
• Kids & elders: Plan for shade and seating breaks. The late-afternoon slot is more comfortable.

2025 Cost Cheat-Sheet (Save This)

• Park Entry (Hathi Gaon): ₹100 (Indian) / ₹350 (foreign).
• Ride (optional): ₹1,500 per ride (usually 1–2 people).
• Feeding/interaction: ₹500–₹1,000 per person (varies).
• Bathing/grooming/photo sets: ₹1,000–₹2,000+ per person (varies).
• Typical no-ride spend: ₹600–₹1,500 per person.
• Typical ride + photos (2 people): ₹1,600–₹4,000 total depending on extras.

Prices fluctuate by season/operator. Treat the above as planning ranges and confirm on the day.

Suggested Half-Day Itinerary (Amer + Hathi Gaon)

8:00–10:30 AM – Amer Fort

• Explore the fort; consider no-ride entry or battery carts where available.
• Hydrate and grab an early lunch or snack nearby.

12:00–2:00 PM – Hathi Gaon arrival

• Buy the entry ticket and ease into the village.
• Observe from distance first; speak to a caretaker to understand the day’s plan.
• Opt for a short, no-ride education/feeding bundle if you like.

4:30–6:00 PM – Golden hour

• Slow walk around the reservoir paths; capture photos with soft light.
• Exit before closing (6:30 PM).

FAQs (Updated for 2025)

1) Is Hathi Gaon open every day?
Official gate timings are 9:30 AM–6:30 PM. Many traveler-facing sources show 12:00–6:00 PM as the practical window because elephants often return from Amer Fort around noon.

2) Do I need to pre-book?
Most visitors buy entry at the gate. For add-on activities, you’ll find multiple operators—walk-up is common, but in peak season you can message/call ahead to compare inclusions. (Expect different prices from different brands.)

3) How much time should I keep?
90 minutes to 2 hours is comfortable for a no-ride visit. If you’re pairing with Amer Fort the same day, keep half a day for both.

4) Can I do a ride?
Rides are offered by some operators (priced around ₹1,500 per ride), but many travelers now choose no-ride alternatives due to welfare concerns. If you go ahead, keep it short and avoid peak heat.

5) Are there scams?
Like any high-tourism area, you may encounter over-priced “packages.” Buy the official entry separately and ask for clear inclusions before paying for extras.

6) What should I wear/bring?
Closed shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. In monsoon, a light poncho helps.

7) Is Hathi Gaon suitable for kids and seniors?
Yes, with shade breaks and a late-afternoon plan. Avoid the hottest part of the day in summer.

Final Word

Hathi Gaon can be a meaningful stop if you plan your timing (noon to sunset is best for sightings), separate entry vs. activities, and choose no-ride or low-impact interactions. Budget clearly, ask for itemized pricing, and focus on respectful observation over novelty “experiences.” That way, you get great photos and memories—without second-guessing your choices later.