Namaste Y’all!
Oh, where do we even start? We’re bursting with stories and we simply can’t wait to share one of our most heartwarming adventures. We had spent our lives dreaming – dreaming of the perfect place where we could meet elephants. Not just any elephants, but those cared for with respect and love, those living as close to their natural ways as possible in a sanctuary. Our hearts were set not just on seeing them, but on feeling the gentle touch of their wisdom-worn skin. After a year of painstaking research, we settled on a little piece of heaven just outside Jaipur, in Amer, Rajasthan.
From the moment we exchanged that final confirmation email, our excitement was palpable. We didn’t just want a fleeting visit; we craved a deep, meaningful experience. We booked a two-day stay which—spoiler alert—quickly turned into a week. It was love at first sight, both with the place and its soulful inhabitants.
Waking up on that first morning in our glamorous tent, we stepped out into a serene natural haven. Puppies frolicking around, a cow lazily grazing, chickens pecking at the ground, and oh, a beautiful Marwari horse that instantly captivated us with those enchantingly curled ears. And breakfast? There we were, sitting outside, diving into our first Indian breakfast in India! The colors, the smells, the sounds – it was all so vividly new yet strangely comforting.
But then, the moment of moments happened. The gates swung open and in strolled Shaku, the most magnificent creature we had ever laid eyes on walked into our lives. Just recounting this, is giving us chills. She ambled over, and with such grace, she extended her trunk as if to say, “Hello, I’ve been expecting you.” The tears that streamed down our faces were pure joy!
The hours that followed felt surreal. We fed Shaku, hugged her, and trust me when we say we were in constant awe. Her gentle nature, her patient demeanor – she didn’t mind the continuous affection we showered upon her.
The ensuing days were a blur of pure elephant euphoria. We walked with them, bathed them, and yes, even danced around them! The elephants were our silent, amiable partners as we clumsily moved to the rhythm of Rajasthani music under the evening sky. We laughed, we ate mouth-watering food, and we were simply, profoundly happy.
As the days passed, the sanctuary became our world. We ventured into Jaipur, sure, but our minds were always with the elephants, especially Shaku and her best friend, Sambah. Watching their reunion was a sight to behold – their dinosaur-like roars, the ground trembling under their weight as they joyously charged towards each other. It was pure magic.
Our time there wasn’t just fun and games; it was educational, too. We learned about elephants – about their friendships, their emotions, and their incredible intelligence. The folks at Elefantastic treated over 20 elephants with such care and compassion, and it was evident in every interaction.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, India whispered her timeless mantra into our hearts, “Anything is possible.” Two months later, we returned to Elefantastic. This time, not just as visitors, We celebrated our ninth wedding to each other with the first-ever Elefantastic wedding, and none other than Shaku gracing our special day!
Forever grateful, we left with hearts brimming with joy. Our dream had not just come true; it had been transcended. The elephants of Elefantastic, the incredible people who became family, the culture that embraced us, the starlit dances, and the cricket games – these memories are etched into our very souls.
And as for Shaku? She remains a majestic, unforgettable part of our story.
