In a major tourism revival step, preparations are underway to reintroduce elephant safaris in Uttarakhand’s Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves. If no technical hurdles arise, tourists may once again witness tigers, leopards, and other wildlife from elephant-back starting the next tourism season.
Currently, both Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) and Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR) allow jeep safaris in designated zones and time slots. The forest department, aiming to enhance eco-tourism activities, is actively working to restart elephant safaris, which were previously discontinued in 2018 following a High Court ban. However, the Supreme Court later issued a stay on that order, paving the way for potential resumption.
According to official documents from a recent State Wildlife Board meeting, only government-owned elephants will be used for the safaris. The department is now focusing on operational arrangements and permissions for the upcoming season.
CTR has 15 and RTR has 7 elephants
CTR currently has 15 elephants while RTR has 7, primarily used for patrolling and rescue operations. Forest officials clarified that even if permission is granted, not all elephants will be used for safari purposes to ensure their availability for essential duties in difficult terrains.
