Photo du Jour: An Elephant and His Mahout – Amber Fort, Jaipur, India

Responding to a command from his mahout, while ascending the walkway leading to Fort Amer, an elephant pauses.

When I visited the Amber fortress, which was built in the 1590s, I opted to make my approach on foot. Nevertheless, I found the sight of a caravan of elephants to be a timeless one.

The practice of offering commercial elephant rides to tourists visiting Fort Amer is controversial, as discussed here. And concerns for elephant welfare exist worldwide, not just in India.

This New York Times article provides an excellent overview about the ethics of riding an elephant. It’s worth noting that I did ride an elephant in Laos in 2012 — at a complex that marketed itself as an elephant sanctuary. I’ve since read articles about how many of these businesses are largely unregulated, and that elephants often suffer abuse during their training. As a result, I have not ridden an elephant since.

Observing elephants from afar is much kinder to these gentle giants. I was fortunate to be able to do this in 2017 at the Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa.

Where in the World?

About the author

Hi! My name is Tricia Mitchell. I delight in telling stories about my slow travels through more than 65 countries. Some of my highlights have included sharing meals with locals in Armenia, Cambodia, and Tunisia; sipping sparkling wine with French cousins in Alsace; milking goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village; and training with a Japanese mine-clearance team in Laos. My husband, Shawn, and I are based in France’s Loire Valley.

16 responses to “Photo du Jour: An Elephant and His Mahout – Amber Fort, Jaipur, India”

Sonali Dalal

September 3, 2012

Nice one,Tricia!

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  September 3, 2012
  
  Many thanks, Sonali! The Amber Fort is so photogenic; I really enjoyed its intricate interior too.
  
rigmover

September 3, 2012

Very nice shot and I like the way you have processed it.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  September 3, 2012
  
  Thank you, Mark! I’ll next have to post some of the colorful photos from this fabulous fort’s interior.
  
alessandro ciapanna

September 3, 2012

Ganesha: part human, part elephant, two creatures in one being. Nice photo. :)

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  September 3, 2012
  
  Alessandro, how fitting to create a ganesh-like character out of this image! I’d never thought of it that way, such is the joy of blogging. :)
  
Rachael

September 3, 2012

It is a lovely shot. I followed and read the link with interest.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  September 3, 2012
  
  Thanks, Rachael. I can understand why it’s a complicated matter. When we were in Laos, we rode an elephant at an elephant refuge. I have yet to post about it, but we were very pleased with the aims of the organization and how they treated the elephants. They actually rescue them from the logging industry, and employ them at the elephant resort. A veterinarian was even on site to provide regular care to the beautiful beasts!
  
Travelbunny

September 4, 2012

Lovely shot – I especially like the B&W. We too walked up to the Amer Fort…

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  September 6, 2012
  
  It’s a dramatic ascent isn’t it? When I think back to that morning, I remember the wonderful soundtrack of drums, and those dramatic vistas. When were you there, Suzanne?
  
  1. Travelbunny
    
    September 11, 2012
    
    February of last year – India is such an amazing country – I love it and the people – such smiling faces and colour.
Madhu

September 14, 2012

Fab shot Tricia!
The sight of these magnificent creatures ascending that hill is magical indeed, but I suspect most of them are not in the best of health. I noticed several sneezing and sniffling constantly like they had colds! Have never seen an animal with cold symptoms before! Especially not an elephant.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  September 20, 2012
  
  Madhu, that’s so sad to hear this about the elephants at the Amber Fort. I didn’t ride one then, but did get to in Laos. The elephants at the elephant refuge outside of Luang Prabang seemed to be well-pampered.
  
Stephen G. Hipperson

September 30, 2012

Great shot, I really like the framing on this one.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 12, 2012
  
  Thanks so much, Stephen! This fort definitely has character.
  
  1. Stephen G. Hipperson
    
    October 13, 2012
    
    :)