Elephant rides that used to enthral visitors have resumed at the Mysuru Palace.
The rides were suspended a couple of months ago following reports of the keepers beating the jumbos.
The elephant safari resumed on March 15, receiving a good response. Enthusiastic screams resonate as one enters the Palace from the Karikal Thotti gate, southwest of the Palace, when people sit on the elephant’s back at the mounting platform. The trip, around a section of the palace, lasts for about 20 minutes.The rides resumed on March 15 and have since been receiving an overwhelming response from the visitors.
With summer vacations declared for most schools, the number of visitors to the Mysuru Palace is likely to increase and elephant rides promise to be a big draw.
Youngsters clicking selfies with the gentle giants is also a familiar sight. Dasara elephants Chanchal and Cauvery, which are friendly with visitors, are being used for the rides. While there is a great demand for elephant rides, only a few opt for camel rides. For elephant rides, tickets are priced at Rs 70 per head for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners. It is Rs 35 per head for a camel ride for all visitors. Two camels have been deployed for rides near Karikal Thotti gate.
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