India Elephant Safari Tour
Ranthambore Tigers & Rajaji Wild Elephants
13 Days of Tiger Safaris, Wild Elephant Viewing, Royal Cities and the Himalayan Foothills
The India Elephant Safari Tour is a 13-day private journey that pairs the Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra with tiger safaris in Ranthambore and wild elephant viewing in Rajaji National Park near Rishikesh. It is designed for travellers who want to see North India's wildlife as well as its monuments, without a rushed checklist itinerary.
The elephants on this tour are wild. Rajaji National Park lies in the Shivalik foothills and forms part of a long-established elephant corridor, so herds move freely through its forests and river valleys. You watch them from a safari vehicle, with no riding and no captive-elephant experiences, and sightings depend on the day, as with all wildlife.
Ranthambore adds one of India's best-known tiger reserves, where forest, lakes and ruined fort walls create dramatic safari scenery. The final four nights are spent in Rishikesh, a slower, riverside finish with the Ganges, yoga and the evening Ganga Aarti after the long drives and early starts.
Mid-November to March is the best window for combining both parks. Every journey is private, with a chauffeur-driven vehicle and handpicked stays, and the itinerary can be tailored to your pace, safari interests and comfort level.
Plan Your India Elephant Safari Trip →
Tour Snapshot – India Elephant Safari & Wildlife Journey
- Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
- Route: Delhi • Jaipur • Ranthambore • Agra • Delhi • Rishikesh (Base) • Rajaji (Day Safari) • Delhi
- Style: Private wildlife and cultural journey with relaxed pacing
- Best For: Wildlife lovers, first-time visitors to India, photographers and culture seekers
- Experiences: Tiger safaris, wild elephant viewing, heritage cities, Ganga Aarti and forest excursions
- Accommodation: Heritage hotels, wildlife lodges and riverside stays in Rishikesh
- Wildlife: Tigers, wild elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles and birdlife
- Best Season: Mid-November to March for both parks
Highlights – India Elephant Safari Experience
- Golden Triangle heritage and two wildlife regions in one private route
- Tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park
- Wild elephant viewing in the Rajaji forest, with no riding or captive-elephant experiences
- Four relaxed nights in Rishikesh with a Himalayan backdrop
- Evening Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Ganges
- Sunrise Taj Mahal visit and Fatehpur Sikri stop
- Carefully paced drives with sensible daily distances
- A balance of culture, wildlife, photography and light adventure
Please note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so the Agra day is scheduled around this when your dates are confirmed. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
India Elephant Safari Tour – Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Delhi — On arrival at Delhi airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey. Overnight stay in Delhi.
- Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing — Explore Old and New Delhi at a relaxed pace. In Old Delhi, visit Jama Masjid and the lanes of Chandni Chowk. In New Delhi, see India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Overnight stay in Delhi.
- Day 3: Delhi → Jaipur (Approx. 280 km | 5–6 hrs) — Drive to Jaipur through rural Rajasthan, with fields, villages and the distant Aravalli hills along the way. Arrive by evening and settle into your hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
- Day 4: Jaipur – The Pink City — Visit Amber Fort above Maota Lake, then City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Time in the bazaars shows Jaipur's living crafts and traditions. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
- Day 5: Jaipur → Ranthambore (Approx. 180 km | 3–4 hrs) — Drive to Ranthambore as the landscape shifts from towns to open forest. Settle into your lodge and prepare for the safari ahead. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.
- Day 6: Ranthambore Tiger Safari — Enter the park at first light for a morning safari through lakes, grassland and ruined fort walls. Tigers, leopards, deer, crocodiles and many bird species live here. An additional afternoon safari can be arranged, subject to availability. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.
- Day 7: Ranthambore → Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (Approx. 260 km | 5–6 hrs) — Drive to Agra with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital. Continue to Agra and check in. Overnight stay in Agra.
- Day 8: Agra → Delhi (Approx. 230 km | 3–4 hrs) — Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, then Agra Fort, before driving back to Delhi. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so this day is planned around your dates. Overnight stay in Delhi.
- Day 9: Delhi → Rishikesh (Approx. 240 km | 5–6 hrs, depending on traffic) — Drive north to the Himalayan foothills, with the Ganges appearing beside the road. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti by the river. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
- Day 10: Rishikesh Leisure Day — A slow day by the river. Walk across the Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula suspension bridges, visit riverside cafés, or join a yoga session. Optional activities such as rafting (seasonal) can be arranged. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
- Day 11: Rajaji National Park – Wild Elephant Safari — After breakfast, drive a short distance to Rajaji National Park, a key elephant corridor in the Shivalik foothills. Look for wild elephants moving through forest and river valleys from your safari vehicle. Leopards, deer, wild boar and birdlife also live here. Return to Rishikesh. Overnight stay.
- Day 12: Rishikesh Leisure Day — Another unhurried day for meditation, yoga, riverside walks or an optional visit to nearby Haridwar. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
- Day 13: Rishikesh → Delhi Departure (Approx. 240 km | 5–6 hrs) — Drive back to Delhi for your onward flight. Your transfer is timed to your departure time.
Plan Your India Elephant Safari Trip →
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver for the whole route
- Accommodation in handpicked heritage hotels, wildlife lodges and riverside stays in Rishikesh
- Daily breakfast
- Safaris in Ranthambore and Rajaji National Park as listed in the itinerary, subject to permits and availability
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- All tolls, parking charges, fuel and driver allowances
- Safari coordination and on-ground support throughout the journey
Safari access, timings and wildlife movement depend on weather, forest regulations and seasonal park operations.
What's Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Indian visa fees
- Meals other than breakfast
- Monument entrance fees, unless confirmed in your final itinerary
- Optional activities such as rafting or yoga classes
- Tips, personal expenses and travel insurance
Customise Your India Elephant Safari Tour
This itinerary is a suggested route and is tailored to your dates, pace and interests. It suits first-time visitors to India and wildlife-focused travellers alike.
- Add extra nights and safaris in Ranthambore for more tiger-viewing chances
- Upgrade to luxury heritage hotels or premium jungle lodges
- Add guided heritage walks in Jaipur or Agra
- Add yoga, wellness or riverside retreat time in Rishikesh
- Add a second Rajaji safari, seasonal and subject to availability
- Adjust the pace for families, older travellers or photographers
Who This Tour Suits
This journey suits travellers who want wildlife and culture in one trip: first-time visitors who want the Golden Triangle with tigers and elephants, photographers, and nature lovers who prefer wild, ethical wildlife viewing. It is also a good choice for couples and families who want a slower finish in the Himalayan foothills.
Best Time to Visit
- Mid-November to March: The best window for the full route, with comfortable weather and both parks open
- April to June: Hot, but good for photography as wildlife gathers near water. Check Rajaji's closing dates when planning
- July to September: Monsoon. Safari zones in both parks are generally closed, so this route is not recommended
Early mornings are best for safaris. Evenings in Rishikesh suit the Ganga Aarti and calm riverside walks.
FAQs – India Elephant Safari Tour
Q. Does this tour include elephant rides?
No. The elephants are wild, and you watch them from a safari vehicle in Rajaji National Park.
Q. Where will I see elephants?
Rajaji National Park, near Rishikesh, is the best place on this route. It lies within the Shivalik elephant corridor, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Q. Are tiger sightings guaranteed in Ranthambore?
No. Ranthambore is one of India's best parks for tigers, and extra safaris can be added to improve your chances.
Q. When are the parks open?
Both parks close for the monsoon. Mid-November to March is the best window, and exact dates are confirmed when you book.
Q. Can the tour be customised?
Yes. Hotels, safari time, pace and Rishikesh activities can be adjusted for luxury, photography, families or longer stays.
Q. What is Rishikesh like?
Rishikesh is a relaxed Himalayan riverside town known for yoga, the Ganga Aarti and walks beside the Ganges. It is largely vegetarian, with no alcohol in the main riverside areas.
Why Travel With Premium India Tour
- Itineraries designed from real on-the-ground experience in North India
- Handpicked hotels, wildlife lodges and riverside stays
- Practical safari planning around seasons, permits and timings
- Personal coordination throughout your journey
- A focus on meaningful travel rather than rushed sightseeing