Riding an elephant

A two hour elephant ride promised to take us through Jim Corbett National Park to watch animals in their natural habitat. We thought it would be nice to travel without the roar of the jeep, with only the sky for cover.

The mahout walked the elephant to a podium. We climbed steps to the top of the podium and from there climbed onto the elephants back. The joint weight of the four of us didn’t seem to bother the elephant at all. The elephant took us through the dense forest, down a deep valley, and up rough terrain. Every time the elephant took a step we would get jostled from side to side as well as front to back. The ride was a blend of moments of fear mingled with periods of total peace.

Every once in a way the elephant would catch a few branches getting in his way and break them like they were dry twigs. We saw tigers and deers. We enjoyed the view from the elephants back and although our legs were sore the next day it was well worth it.