John’s World...The Jaipur Elephant Walk

A seasoned traveler, over time, tends to become cynical of advertised “sights”, “attractions”, and “experiences”.  You still go to the main sights out of obligation, more than strong desire to behold.  The less trodden track calls you.  

So when we had a chance for do the “Rythm of the Forest” elephant walk I thought “well, the kids will like it”.  As a parent you travel on the kids “credit system”.  If you do something for me, I’ll do something for you.  Take the kids to see the elephants and do fun things with them and you can leverage that for shopping or museums later for yourself.  

The accounts for all of us today were quite full.  

The “experience” at Dera Amer was simply soul moving for all of us.  

Dera Amer is an organization that rescues elephants who have had a life of hard labor mostly working in the tourist industry in Jaipur.



snack time
  So our experience was going to be one of painting (to build closeness and familiarity  with the  animal), feeding, bathing,
bath time
and
painting with organic paints
lastly taking an elephant for a walk through the protected Rajasthani jungle.
walk in the Rajasthani jungle

Elephants love selfies
The experience wasn’t just about being “close” but rather about experiencing “closeness”.  We made a close connection with Randmala, our 40 year old, female elephant.  There was an intelligence there.  Ashram was scared at first but Randmala knew how to go slow in connecting with him.  By the end they both shared a hug.  To pet and comfort an animal as you look it straight in the eye gives you the same feeling as when you or I have the same interaction with a friend or relative.  

Two beings in this world thinking kindly of one another.



Bonus content:
Mahouts (elephant handlers) usually grow up with the elephant.  Relationships lasting for decades.  Meals, bathing, and sleeping are all done together.

While on the nature walk with Randmala, we spotted Asiatic leopard tracks.

All of the elephants you see in the tourist industry are females as males tend to be too aggressive and unpredictable.

Check out deraamer.com

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