Dubare Elephant Camp

Wildlife | Lake / Backwaters

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Coorg): 29 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2-3 Hours

Place Location: Near Kushalnagar

Transportation Options: Bus / Cab

Travel Tips: Valnoor is about 3.5 Kms from Dubare Elephant Camp and can be visited together.

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.

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Most Asked Questions on Dubare Elephant Camp


  • What is the best season to visit Dubare Elephant Camp?

    Post monsoon and winter are best times to visit Dubare as the water level in Kaveri is at optimal level to access the island and participate in activities at Dubare. Summer is usally the busiest season in Coorg and often hotels run full and tourist places are crowded.

  • How much time is required to visit Dubare Elephant Camp?

    Dubare is about 29km from Madikeri and takes about 45 minutes each way. Visiting the camp may take anywhere between 1-2 hours depending on the crowd. Elephant bathing, feeding and boating in Kaveri usually take time and you need to wait for your turn. It is better to dedicate half day for Dubare including travel.

  • What are few things to do in & around Dubare?

    Apart from Boating, Elephant Bathing and feeding activities, one can indulge in adventure activities at Dubare like Water Rafting. Usally rafting is operated from post monsoon months (around October) till the month of Feb depending on water level. One can stay in Jungle Lodge at Dubare and avail additional activities like Jeep safari.

  • What are the timings of Dubare Elephant Camp?

    Dubare camp is open from 9 AM to 11 AM and 4.30 PM to 5.40 PM. However, the activities may be closed in case of heavy rains in monsoon season.


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