Dubare Elephant Camp, Coorg - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

About Dubare Elephant Camp

At a distance of 15 km from Kushalnagar, and 29 km from Madikeri, Dubare Elephant Camp is an elephant training center situated on the banks of the river Cauvery in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Coorg, and also one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg packages.

Dubare is a natural island formed by Cauvery River. It is an important base for the Karnataka Forest Department's elephants and among the must include places in India wildlife tour packages.

History of Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp is a project undertaken by the forest department and jungle lodges & resorts. This camp has plenty of elephants which are trained under naturalists. The elephants used for Mysore Dussehra are trained at this camp. The trainers explain the various aspects of elephant history, ecology, and biology. Visitors can also participate in various activities involving elephants like feeding the elephants with ragi, jaggery, sugarcane, banana, and coconuts. Tourists can also watch elephants being given a scrub-bath in the river and also watch how oil is applied on their forehead, tusks, etc.

Things to do at Dubare Elephant Camp

Elephant interaction like Elephant bathing, feeding, elephant rides are main attractions at Dubare. Other activities include coracle ride, bird watching, trekking and river rafting. The forest department conducts trekking into the forest surrounding the camp along the Cauvery River. Visitors also have an option of going on a coracle boat ride on the River Cauvery here. Do not forget to watch out for the crocodiles sunning on the river banks while enjoying the coracle rides. Fishing is allowed with prior permission from the wildlife society.

River Rafting at Dubare

River rafting at Dubare is one of the top things to do in Coorg. There are several rafting routes ranging from 1 hour trip to 3 hours. Usually beginners can choose 1 hour rafting session while the long sessions are suitable for experienced rafters. Children below 14 years of age are usually not allowed for rafting. One hour rafting session costs around INR 1200 and may go up in peak season. If you are planning rafting at Dubare, October to December is the best season. Rafting is generally closed in summer season due to lack of water flow in Kaveri river.

Dubare Forest

The forests of Dubare are home to many wild animals and birds. The sighting of wild Asiatic elephants is regular and there is a possibility of spotting sambar, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and gaur. Bears are also seen in these forests. The forest is also home to many non-venomous snakes and reptiles. Kingfishers, peacocks, woodpeckers, and peacocks can also be found in the forest.

Best time to visit Dubare

The best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp is between the months of October and March. During heavy rains, the island may not be accessible and activities would be cancelled. In addition to Dubare, Nisargadhama and Veerabhoomi are the other main attractions near by. Jungle Lodges and Resorts maintain cottages at the camp and also organizes Jeep safari for those stay at the camp. If you are planning rafting at Dubare, October to December is the best season.

Dubare Elephant Camp Timings

Monday:9 AM - 11 AM & 4.30 PM - 5.30 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 11 AM & 4.30 PM - 5.30 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 11 AM & 4.30 PM - 5.30 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 11 AM & 4.30 PM - 5.30 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 11 AM & 4.30 PM - 5.30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 11 AM & 4.30 PM - 5.30 PM
Sunday: 9 AM - 11 AM & 4.30 PM - 5.30 PM

Day Visit (8.30 AM to 2.30 PM): Rs. 1600 (includes Elephant Interaction, Nature Walk, Breakfast & Lunch).

Dubare Elephant Camp Entry Fee

For Indians:

Entry: Rs. 20 per Person
Boat: Rs. 30 per Person
Elephant Bathing: Rs. 100 per Person
Elephant Feeding: Rs. 50 per Person
Elephant Ride: Rs. 100 per Person
Day Visit: Rs. 1600 per Person (inclusive of camp activities, lunch, tea/coffee)

For Foreigners:

Entry: Rs. 50 per Person
Boat: Rs. 30 per Person
Elephant Bathing: Rs. 200 per Person
Elephant Ride: Rs. 200 per Person
Elephant Interaction: Rs. 885 per person

How to Reach Dubare

Dubare is about 19km from Madikeri town and well connected by road with different parts of Coorg like Kushalnagar, Virajpet and Gonikoppal. It is situated between Kushalnagar and Siddapura. From parking area, visitors needs to cross Kaveri river by boat or walk to access the main area where the activities are available.