Parade of Elephants
Witness the grandeur of elephants, from majestic festival parades to awe-inspiring natural formations and vast wildlife herds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and get best views
Parade of Elephants
Best Time
Beat the crowds and get best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the grandeur of elephants, from majestic festival parades to awe-inspiring natural formations and vast wildlife herds.
"From regal processions to nature's sculptures, the 'Parade of Elephants' offers unforgettable sights."
🎯 Arrive Before 8:15 AM
Get there early to avoid long queues and secure a good viewing spot for parades.
🗺️ Identify Your 'Parade'
Distinguish between natural formations and actual elephant parades for your trip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mysuru Dasara Elephant Parade
Mysuru, India
Majestic elephants adorned in regal attire, parading through the streets during the vibrant Dasara festival.
Elephant Rock Formation
Arches National Park, Utah, USA
A natural rock formation that strikingly resembles a parade of elephants walking towards Double Arch.
Chobe National Park Elephants
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Witnessing large herds of elephants in their natural habitat, often seen in impressive numbers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Your 'Parade'
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 8:15 AM
Get there early to avoid long queues and secure a good viewing spot for parades.
🗺️ Identify Your 'Parade'
Distinguish between natural formations and actual elephant parades for your trip.
🍌 Bring Snacks for Elephants
If visiting during a festival, locals might offer bananas to the elephants.
📸 Capture the Majesty
Great photo opportunities, especially during festivals or in national parks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 8:15 AM
Get there early to avoid long queues and secure a good viewing spot for parades.
🗺️ Identify Your 'Parade'
Distinguish between natural formations and actual elephant parades for your trip.
🍌 Bring Snacks for Elephants
If visiting during a festival, locals might offer bananas to the elephants.
📸 Capture the Majesty
Great photo opportunities, especially during festivals or in national parks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the visual spectacle of elephant parades, whether it's the majestic adornments during Mysuru Dasara or the striking natural rock formations in Arches National Park. The sheer scale of elephant herds in places like Chobe National Park also leaves a lasting impression. Some find the crowds during festivals challenging, and the natural formations require a keen eye to appreciate fully.
"I would highly reccomend hiking up and into Turret Arch to see the best perspective of Elephants in these rocks. Apt name!"
Raynor Blom
"Special rock formation next to double arch inside arch national park. From the double arch parking lot, this rock formation looks like a group of elephants that’s walking toward the double arch"
Janice Chen
"Really cool to view those rock formations at this site. They indeed look like a parade of elephants."
Urban Knight
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Elephant Rock Formation is located within Arches National Park, Utah. You can access it from the Double Arch parking lot. The hike to Turret Arch offers a great perspective.
Mysuru is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is in Bengaluru, with regular bus and train services to Mysuru. Book accommodations and travel well in advance for the festival.
During Dasara, roads can be crowded. Auto-rickshaws and local buses are common. Consider walking for shorter distances or using ride-sharing apps if available.
Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant populations. Safaris, particularly boat safaris on the Chobe River, offer excellent opportunities to see them.
Yes, designated viewing areas are set up along the parade route. Arrive very early to secure a good spot, as they fill up quickly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Elephant Rock Formation is a natural feature within Arches National Park. You will need to pay the park entrance fee, which is valid for 7 days.
Entry to the general public areas for the Mysuru Dasara procession is usually free, but premium viewing stands might require tickets. Check local authorities for specific details closer to the event.
The main elephant parade, known as Jamboo Savari, is held on the final day of the 10-day Mysuru Dasara festival. Dates vary annually based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Yes, there are entry fees for Chobe National Park. These fees vary for international visitors and residents. Safari operators typically include these in their package prices.
While you can see the elephants clearly from designated viewing areas, maintaining a safe distance is crucial for both visitor and animal safety.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing the Elephant Rock Formation. Golden hour can bring out the textures and colors beautifully.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture details of the adorned elephants from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the overall festive atmosphere.
Tripod usage might be restricted in crowded areas for safety. It's best to check local regulations or opt for a monopod for stability.
The banks of the Chobe River are prime locations for wildlife photography, especially for elephants. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best light.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other spectators and avoid using flash directly at the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is interested in the Mysuru Dasara festival, it's a vibrant and exciting cultural immersion. While the crowds can be intense, the sheer spectacle of the decorated elephants and the festive atmosphere are captivating for all ages.
Consider booking accommodation with good viewing access or arriving extremely early to manage the crowds with children. Bringing small, easy-to-eat snacks like bananas can be a hit if you encounter any local interactions. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Mysuru Dasara elephant parade demands a telephoto lens to capture the intricate details of the elephants' adornments from a distance.
Be prepared for challenging lighting conditions and crowds. Consider a camera with good low-light performance or a fast prime lens. For Chobe National Park, early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best opportunities for capturing elephants in their natural environment, with soft, directional light. 🌍 Culture & Festival Seekers
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, witness the elaborate rituals, and experience the city's festive spirit. Booking accommodation and travel well in advance is crucial due to high demand.For a different kind of cultural encounter, consider the wildlife-focused 'parades' in Chobe National Park. While not a human-organized event, witnessing large herds of elephants moving across the landscape is a profound experience that connects you with the raw beauty of the natural world.
This offers a unique perspective on the 'parade' concept, emphasizing the power and majesty of nature.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'Parade of Elephants'
Elsewhere, particularly in Mysuru, India, the 'Parade of Elephants' is a central and deeply cultural event during the Mysuru Dasara festival. Here, real elephants, often named and highly trained, are adorned in elaborate costumes and walk in a grand procession through the city streets.
This is a vibrant celebration steeped in tradition, attracting thousands of spectators eager to witness the majestic sight. It's crucial to distinguish between these two vastly different experiences when planning your visit.For those interested in wildlife, Chobe National Park in Botswana offers another incredible 'parade' of elephants, though it's a natural, unscripted event. The park is famous for its massive elephant herds, and witnessing them gather along the Chobe River, especially during the dry season, is an unforgettable sight.
This experience focuses on observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, a stark contrast to the organized processions of Mysuru.Experiencing the Mysuru Dasara Elephant Parade
They carry the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari on a golden howdah, leading a procession that includes other decorated elephants, tableaux, folk dancers, and musicians.To witness this spectacle, early arrival is paramount. Many travelers and locals recommend being at the designated viewing spots well before 8:15 AM to secure a good vantage point, as crowds can be immense.
Beyond the main parade, the entire Dasara period in Mysuru is filled with cultural events, exhibitions, and a festive ambiance. It's an immersive experience that offers a deep dive into South Indian traditions and the unique bond between humans and elephants in this region.
The Natural 'Parade' in Arches National Park
The formation is a product of millions of years of erosion, where wind and water have sculpted the Entrada Sandstone into its distinctive shapes. It’s a fantastic example of how natural forces can create art that rivals human imagination.
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