Elephant rides in Thekkady typically follow a path through spice plantations along the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The spice-scented air is a true delight a breath in, and elephants seem to like it too!! The trail also goes into the forest interior- areas inaccessible by vehicle or on foot (unless one possesses superhero powers) and this provides a whole new dimension of viewing the flora and fauna of Thekkady. For the benefit of those with flash photography, the forest also offers chances to capture potential "Photograph of the Year" contenders.
The elephants are equipped with a "howdah"- seats on which two tourists can be seated at once and an umbrella to provide cover for the riders. A mahout will walk beside the elephant to guide the animal and to also ensure rider safety and comfort. Elephant rides can feel like a throwback to the bygone era, when only the Kings of pre-independent India rode on elephants, symbolizing royalty and power. In essence riders get to imagine themselves as Kings or Maharajas as they were called, but without wielding any real power (sigh!).

The rides usually last anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour. It's not uncommon during the ride to come across a herd of wild elephants bathing and playing around water bodies, which is a treat for the eyes. Lookout for "your" elephant exhibiting a gleeful chuckle since they've got mahouts and occasionally tourists to bathe them. The stunning view of Thekkady's hills, spice plantations and tribal settlements makes elephant ride an activity worth checking out. That and they also trigger dreams of good memories in Thekkady, featuring elephants!!!
A word of caution: Elephants, although strong, are inherently social creatures and usually not given to violent outburts unless provoked. We would advise against straying away from rules and precautions given by the mahouts and the Kerala Forest Department which organizes elephant rides (no, Hotel Tigers Roare' does not own elephants but provides all the necessary assistance in setting you up for a ride). These elephants amuse us and carry us on their backs, so it wouldn't be unfair to give them some respect.
Bonus Tip - Elephants have legendary memories. So don't be surprised if you return to Thekkady and to Tigers Roare' someday and an elephant starts showing you some love for all the bananas you fed it during your earlier visit- you get a chance to feed them too. Excited?