Jalpaiguri: Tourists visiting Gorumara Wildlife Division in Jalpaiguri will soon enjoy a unique opportunity to take selfies with Kumki elephants at Dhupjhora Elephant Camp for just Rs 20. The initiative, aptly named ‘Elfie’, combines the words “elephant” and “selfie” to highlight this one-of-a-kind experience.
The ‘Elfie Zone’, located at the elephant rest shade (Pilkhana) of Dhupjhora, will allow visitors to spend up to an hour and a half taking selfies with elephants such as Jenny, Hillary, Madhuri, and Diana under the supervision of the Forest department. According to forest officials, the Elfie Zone will be officially inaugurated this winter season.
The Dhupjhora Elephant Camp, part of the Gorumara Wildlife Division, is home to Kumki elephants who are cared for by the department’s mahouts and caretakers. These elephants patrol the forest daily, forage for food such as banana trees, and bathe in the nearby river. Previously, tourists were allowed to visit the elephants’ bathing area and even participate in bathing them, but this service was discontinued. The new Elfie Zone has been introduced to fill this gap and enhance tourist experiences.
Speaking about the initiative, Dwija Pratim Sen, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Gorumara Wildlife Division, said, “This Elfie Zone will be opened for tourists very soon. Preparations are in full swing to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.”
To ensure safety, a barricade has been set up near the Pilkhana, maintaining a secure distance between tourists and elephants, even when the animals are tied. Several selfie zones are being created in front of the barricade, where visitors can take photos with the elephants in the background. The Forest department is still finalizing details regarding the schedule and the number of visitors allowed at a time, with announcements expected soon.
Dibyendu Dev, President of the Dooars Tourism Development Welfare Society, expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “This initiative by the Forest department is a brilliant idea. How many tourists can say they’ve had the chance to take a selfie in front of the majestic Kumki elephants at Dhupjhora, that too for an entry fee of just Rs 20?”