Enjoy the Fascinating Game of Elephant Polo in Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is the only place in this whole wide world where this unique sport of elephant polo is organized
. Jaipur has a long association with the elephants and over here, there is no festival, no religious ceremony and no formal occasion, which is ever complete without the inclusion of the vibrantly decorated elephants. 

History

The sport was every much popular among the royals, who once ruled this region. That is why the game is also regarded as the ‘Game of Kings’. It is believed that the sport was first originated in China and Persia around 2,000 years back. The name of this game is said to have been derived from the word “pholo”, which means ‘ball’ or ‘ball game’ in the Balti language of Tibet. Similar version of the game is also played in countries like Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka, but in Jaipur, the sport is played almost throughout the year.

Mughal dynasty was responsible for introducing this game gamed in the East from Persia. The Mughal emperor Babur was the one who introduced the sport in India. The British tea planters discovered the game in Manipur, in the 1850s and hence they founded the world’s first polo club at Silchar, located at the west of Manipur. Other clubs were founded later on, among which, the oldest one in the world is the Calcutta Club, which was founded in the year 1862.

The Rajputs who were very good in horse riding made the game their own during the Mughal period and also added some extra features to the game.  Polo is regarded as a royal game in Rajasthan. At this place, the game is not just played on horses, but also on camels, elephants and even on bicycle. Elephant Polo competitions are held yearly at Jaipur’s Chaugan Stadium during the festival of Holi, which falls during the months of February to March. The competition is participated by various Polo teams in Rajasthan. These polo teams have won several awards and its players have also have earned international acclaim. 

The Sport

The sight of the game being played in itself is an unforgettable experience. The first timers will certainly be awe-struck with the huge size of the elephants, which are quite gentle in nature. Though the elephants lack the speed and agility as compared to the polo horses, it is a fascinating sight to watch these majestic animals moving around gracefully around the field after the ball.  In this particular sport, the elephants are guided by their mahouts, who in turn are instructed by the polo players. The pitch on which this sport is played is two-thirds in size in comparison to the standard polo pitch. This is to compensate the slower pace of the elephants. The ball used in the sport is the same as the one used in the standard the standard polo sport, which is moved around with the help of the 6 to 10 ft of cane or bamboo stick.  

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jaipur in order to witness this fascinating game is during the festival of Holi, which falls during the months of February to March. 

Accommodation

Jaipur being the capital of Rajasthan has plenty of options available for quality accommodation. The place is dotted with hotels, lodges and resorts that are ranged between luxury and budget class. Also that, most luxurious hotels in Rajasthan can arrange viewing and participation in the friendly Polo matches. 

How to Reach

By Air: The Jaipur Airport is located at a distance of about 13 km from the main city. The airport is well connected with major cities in India, like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Udaipur, Raipur, Jodhpur and others. Apart from this, the airport also conducts regular flights to international cities like Kathmandu, Dubai, Muscat, Kuwait, Bangkok etc. 

By Train: The Jaipur Railway Station is well linked with various major cities in India like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Indore, Mysore, Howrah, Bikaner, Udaipur, Kota and many more. 

  

By Road:  Jaipur has very good network of roads that connects the place with various major cities in India. Regular public and private buses ply from these places to Jaipur. Jaipur is also well connected by road with the major cities in Rajasthan.