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Just a scenic drive from Kushalnagar lies the extraordinary Dubare Elephant Camp, a one-of-a-kind wildlife encounter on the banks of the majestic Kaveri River. Managed by the Karnataka Forest Department, this former elephant training camp has evolved into a premier Coorg tourist place where visitors can get up close and personal with gentle giants. From scrubbing an elephant’s back in the shallow river to feeding them sugarcane sticks and watching mahouts demonstrate their deep bond with these intelligent creatures, every moment at Dubare is unforgettable. The camp is not just an attraction; it’s a conservation initiative that educates visitors about Asian elephants and their habitat. Coupled with lush deciduous forests, the sound of gushing water, and the thrill of a coracle ride, Dubare Elephant Camp promises a day of pure, unadulterated joy for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
History & Significance of Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare's association with elephants dates back to the era of the Kodagu kings and later the British, who recognized the strategic importance of elephants for logging and military operations. The camp was officially established by the Karnataka Forest Department as a training ground for elephants captured during the khedda operations (a traditional method of capturing wild elephants). Until the practice was banned, Dubare served as the main center where wild elephants were tamed and trained by skilled mahouts from the Koruba tribe, who possess centuries-old knowledge of elephant behaviour.
Today, the camp houses several elephants that are either retired logging elephants or those rescued from conflict situations. The mahouts here are not just caretakers; they share an almost familial bond with the elephants. The camp has transformed into an eco-tourism hub where the revenue generated directly supports the welfare of the elephants and the local tribal community. The riverine ecosystem of the Dubare Reserve Forest also shelters spotted deer, sambar, langurs, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds, making it a biodiversity hotspot in Kodagu.
Exciting Activities at Dubare Elephant Camp
Scrub the elephants in the Kaveri river
Feed the gentle giants their favourite treats
Traditional round boat ride on the river
White-water rafting on Barapole river
- Elephant Grooming & Bathing: The most iconic experience. Wearing shorts and water-friendly footwear, you can enter the river and help the mahouts scrub the elephants. The elephants clearly enjoy the cool water and the attention.
- Feeding Session: Under supervision, you can feed the elephants large bundles of sugarcane, bananas, and jaggery balls. It's incredible to see their trunks delicately pick up food.
- Mahout Interaction: Learn how mahouts communicate with elephants through unique verbal commands and gestures. You can even try sitting on an elephant under strict guidance (photography point).
- Coracle Ride: Glide on the Kaveri in a traditional coracle (a circular wicker boat). The ride offers beautiful views of the forested banks and is completely safe with life jackets.
- Nature Walk & Bird Watching: The surrounding forest trails are excellent for spotting exotic birds like the Malabar pied hornbill, kingfishers, and drongos.
Dubare Elephant Camp Timings, Entry Fee & Packages
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Morning Session | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Afternoon Session | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Elephant Interaction Package (Indian) | ₹670 per person |
| Elephant Interaction Package (Foreign) | ₹1,200 per person |
| Additional Coracle Ride | ₹100 per person (approx.) |
| River Rafting (Seasonal) | ₹800 – ₹1,200 per person |
| Camera Fee | ₹50 (still), ₹200 (video) |
| Parking | ₹20 (two-wheeler), ₹40 (car) |
| Ideal Duration | 3 – 4 hours (including coracle ride) |
Note: Prices are indicative and subject to change. The elephant interaction package usually includes the coracle ride to the camp. Confirm with the ticket counter. It is recommended to carry cash as UPI may be intermittent due to forest location.
How to Reach Dubare Elephant Camp from Madikeri & Other Cities
| Starting Point | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Madikeri | 35 km | 50–60 min |
| Kushalnagar | 15 km | 20–25 min |
| Mysore | 100 km | 2.5 hours |
| Bangalore | 240 km | 5 hours |
| Mangalore | 155 km | 3.5 hours |
The most common route is Madikeri → Kushalnagar → Guddehosur → Dubare. From Kushalnagar, take the road towards the Kaveri Nisargadhama and follow signs for Dubare. The final stretch winds through coffee estates and a reserve forest. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available from Kushalnagar. If driving, watch for elephant crossing signs; the area is a known elephant corridor.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Dubare
River island with deer park
Tibetan monastery with giant Buddha statues
Scenic reservoir and garden
Iconic Coorg waterfall
Best Time to Visit Dubare Elephant Camp
The camp is open year-round, but the experience varies by season. October to March is ideal with pleasant weather and clear skies. The river is calm, making elephant bathing and coracle rides comfortable. June to September brings heavy monsoon rain – the landscape turns brilliantly green and river rafting becomes available, but elephant interactions may be shortened during very heavy downpours. Summer (April–May) can be warm, but the morning session is still enjoyable; the water level is lower, revealing more of the riverbed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubare Elephant Camp
What are the timings for Dubare Elephant Camp?
The camp operates in two sessions: morning 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and afternoon 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The elephant bathing and feeding activities happen only during these hours, so plan your arrival accordingly.
What is the entry fee and what does it include?
The elephant interaction package costs approximately ₹670 for Indians and ₹1,200 for foreign nationals. This usually includes the coracle ride to the camp, elephant bathing, feeding, and interaction with the mahouts. Separate fees apply for additional coracle rides and camera.
Can children participate in elephant bathing?
Yes, children are welcome and usually love the experience. However, parents must accompany them in the water at all times. Life jackets are available, and the river is shallow near the bathing area. It's a completely safe and supervised activity.
Is river rafting available at Dubare?
Yes, white-water river rafting is available during the monsoon season (typically June to September) on the Barapole River near Dubare. The cost ranges from ₹800 to ₹1,200 per person and must be booked through licensed operators. This is not part of the standard elephant camp ticket.
What should we wear to Dubare Elephant Camp?
Wear comfortable shorts or quick-dry clothing that you don't mind getting wet. Water sandals or flip-flops are ideal. Avoid heavy cotton clothes that take long to dry. Carry an extra set of clothes and a towel. A waterproof bag for your phone and camera is highly recommended.
How far is Dubare from Madikeri and Kushalnagar?
Dubare Elephant Camp is 35 km from Madikeri (about 50-60 minutes by road) and only 15 km from Kushalnagar (20-25 minutes). It's very accessible for a day trip from either town.
What Visitors Say About Dubare
"Bathing the elephants was a dream come true! Our Parrotvacations package included Dubare and the entire experience was seamless. The guide even arranged a private coracle ride for sunset. Highly, highly recommended!"
"Dubare was the highlight of our Coorg trip. The mahouts were so friendly and taught us how to communicate with the elephants. The kids didn't want to leave. Thanks CoorgTourPackage by Parrotvacations for the perfect itinerary."
Coorg Tour Packages Including Dubare Elephant Camp
Best Seller4 Days Coorg & Mysore
🕒 4 Days / 3 Nights
Includes Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, Golden Temple & Mysore Palace.
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Premium5 Days Coorg & Ooty
🕒 5 Days / 4 Nights
Dubare, Talakaveri, Ooty lake, tea gardens & Doddabetta Peak.
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Grand Tour6 Days Mysore, Ooty & Coorg
🕒 6 Days / 5 Nights
Ultimate South India trip covering Dubare, Mysore, Ooty & Coorg highlights.
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2 Days Coorg & Mysore
🕒 2 Days / 1 Night
Quick escape covering Dubare (morning session) & Mysore Palace.
View Package →Dubare Elephant Camp Location Map
Latitude: 12.3670° N | Longitude: 75.8770° E