Located on the banks of the Kaveri River, Dubare Elephant Camp is one of the most popular attractions in Coorg (Kodagu). Originally a training site for the famous Mysuru Dasara elephants, Dubare is today an eco-tourism project run by the Karnataka Forest Department and Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR). It offers visitors an up-close opportunity to observe, learn about, and interact with Asian elephants in a natural setting.
Here is your complete guide on timings, costs, activities, and tips for planning a trip to Dubare Elephant Camp!
📍 Quick Overview
- Location: Nanjarayapatna, near Kushalnagar (approx. 30 km from Madikeri town)
- Best For: Families, nature enthusiasts, and animal lovers
- Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Nearest Towns: Kushalnagar (15 km) and Madikeri (30 km)
⏰ Timings & Key Activities
Dubare Elephant Camp operates in two main time slots each day. The morning slot is strongly recommended if you want to participate in elephant bathing and feeding.
| Slot | Timings | Major Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Session | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Boat crossing, watching/participating in elephant bathing, elephant feeding, interactions |
| Evening Session | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Elephant viewing, short walks, and nature photography |
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Pro Tip: Arrive at the river bank by 8:00 AM. Queues for the boat crossing fill up quickly, and the elephant bathing session typically wraps up by 10:30 AM.
🎟️ Entry Fee & Activity Charges
To reach the camp, you must cross the Kaveri River via a boat (or walk across on foot/rocks during dry summer months when water levels are low).
- River Boat Crossing: ~₹30 – ₹50 per person (round trip)
- Camp Entry Fee: ~₹20 – ₹50 per person
- Elephant Bathing Activity: ~₹100 – ₹200 per person
- Elephant Feeding Activity: ~₹50 – ₹100 per person (pay for feed bundles like sugarcane/hay)
(Note: Pricing and official ticketing can vary slightly depending on seasonal forest department updates and JLR packages.)
🐘 Top Things to Do at Dubare
- Watch & Help Bathing the Elephants: Watch the giant mammals lie down in the Kaveri River while handlers (mahouts) scrub them. Visitors who buy the activity ticket can join in and splash water/scrub with the supervision of mahouts.
- Elephant Interaction & Feeding: Learn about elephant behavior, daily dietary routines, and ecology directly from the naturalists and mahouts while feeding them sugarcane or grain balls.
- River Rafting (Seasonal): During the monsoon and immediate post-monsoon months (July to October), local operators offer still-water or mild white-water river rafting (1 km to 7 km stretches) along the Kaveri River near the camp.
💡 Practical Travel Tips
- Wear Clothes You Don’t Mind Getting Wet: If you participate in elephant bathing or river crossing, you will get wet and muddy. Bring a spare change of clothes and a small towel.
- Wear Non-Slip Footwear: The river bank and rocks can be slippery and moss-covered. Waterproof floaters, sandals, or water shoes are ideal.
- Be Mindful & Respectful: Always follow instructions given by the mahouts and forest officials. Do not make loud noises or approach the elephants from behind.
- Combine with Nearby Attractions:
- Cauvery Nisargadhama (12 km away): A 64-acre natural island with bamboo groves and deer park.
- Namdroling Monastery / Golden Temple (20 km away): The famous Tibetan monastery in Bylakuppe.