The short version
Elephant rides have been offered on the approach to Amber Fort for a long time. In recent years they have also been the subject of price rulings, safety pauses and public criticism from animal welfare groups. The facts below are given with dates, because rules and prices around the rides change.
This page gives the facts and does not make a recommendation. The decision is yours, and there are other ways to reach the fort, which are listed further down.
Prices and rules, with dates
Dated figures. Do not calculate a 2026 price from them.
| Date | What applied |
|---|---|
| 10 January 2025 | INR 1,500 per ride, with a 5 percent rise each year and a review after 5 years |
| 17 September 2025 | INR 2,500 per ride for Indian and foreign visitors, with rides resuming after a safety pause |
| 1 April to 31 July 2026 | Summer hours of 7:00 to 10:30 a.m., given as a measure for the heat, for animals and visitors |
| 10 to 21 October 2026 | Rides suspended for the Navratri fair at the Shilamata temple and Jaleb Chowk |
The January 2025 report also describes a case brought by the elephant owners against an earlier price cut, and a direction from the High Court to set the price again. It concerns a dispute over the price. It is not a ruling that bans rides or declares them acceptable.
The rides were paused in August 2025 after a wall collapse near the Ram Bagh and the Jwala Mata temple on 23 August 2025. That is an event from the previous year and does not describe the current situation.
The October 2026 pause is the latest one. Check whether rides are running again before you go, and do not take it for granted that they run the day after the fair ends. Rides under the summer hours are tied to the heat, so the hours can differ at other times of year. Ask at the site for the current price and rules before you decide.
The animal welfare debate
What is on record.
On 26 May 2026 PETA India wrote to the national environment ministry. It asked for a ban on close tourist contact with captive elephants, including riding, bathing, feeding and photos with the animals. This is a demand by an animal welfare organisation. It is not a government rule.
The letter refers to attacks in Amer and to reports by the Animal Welfare Board of India and an elephant committee. Parts of those findings date from 2018 and 2020. They describe past conditions and do not show the state of every elephant working today.
A call for a gradual end to the rides is not the same as a ban in force. At the time of writing, rides take place with pauses and with dated changes, as described above. Ask on site about the rules for the number of passengers, weight limits and the number of trips a day per animal.
Other ways up to the fort
None of these needs an elephant.
On foot
The climb to the fort is steep. Walking is one way to arrive. How long it takes and whether it suits everyone depends on you, so bring water, sun protection and shoes with grip, and do not count on a step-free route.
By jeep
A jeep ascent costs about INR 200 per vehicle with 4 to 5 seats. This is not a fixed tariff. Check whether it is running, what the price covers and whether the return trip is included.
By car through the Chand Pol
Visitors who arrive by car come in through the Chand Pol. Visitors on foot come in through the Suraj Pol. Both lead to the Jaleb Chowk. During festivals the usual entry can change.
Getting to Amber Fort →Plan the rest of the visit
Related pages.
Amber Fort timings
Opening hours and the changes in summer and festival periods.
Amber Fort tickets
Entry rates for Indian and foreign visitors in 2026.
Getting to Amber Fort
Bus, taxi and the way up from the road.
The heat matters for any way up. For the seasons in the city, see the guide to the best time to visit Jaipur.
Elephant rides at Amber Fort: frequently asked questions
How much does an elephant ride cost?
The price was INR 1,500 per ride from January 2025 and INR 2,500 per ride from 17 September 2025. Ask at the site for the current price.
Are the rides running now?
Rides were paused from 10 to 21 October 2026 for the Navratri fair. Check whether they run before you go.
What are the hours?
Summer hours of 7:00 to 10:30 a.m. applied from 1 April to 31 July 2026. Hours at other times of the year can differ.
Are elephant rides banned?
A welfare organisation asked the environment ministry in May 2026 for a ban. That is a request. It is not a rule in force.
What can I do instead of an elephant ride?
You can walk up the steep approach, or take a jeep, which costs about INR 200 per vehicle. Check what is running on the day.