The Mathigodu elephant Camp near Thithimathi in the Coorg/Kodagu district of Karnataka, calls for amusement with the elephants. The elephant camp welcomes tourists from a short distance away from the Anechowkur Gate while entering the Coorg district from Mysore. It allows tourists to observe and interact with the gigantic creatures.
What’s exciting about the Mathigodu elephant camp?
- Next to Dubare elephant camp and Sakrebyle elephant camp in Karnataka, the state has allowed tourists to access the elephant camp at Mathigodu.
- Situated inside a jungle in the precincts of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, the elephant camp at Mathigodu serves as an added attraction to the reserve.
- In the Mathigodu elephant camp, tourists not only gain a glimpse into the daily life of the elephants but also get to commune with nature.
- Once a habitat to tame, train and nurture elephants, the Mathigodu camp invites the public to watch the elephants and gain an insight into their routine life and behaviour.
- So far, the Mathigodu camp boasts 17 tamed elephants. It has feeding stations, an elephant shelter, an information centre, a parking lot, a walking path to the elephant viewing zone, and some recreational facilities. It also has basic amenities for the visitors’ convenience.
- The forest department has spent about one crore revamping the Mathigodu camp carefully and prioritising safety measures. A railway track barrier gate protects the visitors and elephants to prevent unsafe proximity while interacting.
- Besides watching the elephants, visitors also get informed about the significance of elephant camps, elephant capturing methods, the role of Kumki elephants, differences between the Asian and African elephants, feeding elephants, etc.
- Undoubtedly, the elephant camp at Mathigodu has become a tourist attraction where people can learn about the efforts invested in conserving these majestic creatures.
Quick facts
- Mathigodu elephant camp timings: 9 AM to 10:30 AM and 4 PM to 5:30 PM.
- Entry fee: Adults Rs. 100 and children Rs. 50
- Duration of the visit: 2 to 3 hours
- Best time to visit: All through the year
The Mathigodu Elephants in Mysore Dasara
A significant feature of the Mathigodu Elephant Camp is that the camp provides shelter to the elephants participating in the Dasara celebration in the royal city of Mysore. An elephant from the Mathigodu camp named Abhimanyu was the leader among the others in the 2022 Dasara celebrations. Abhimanyu is famous for carrying the 750 kg Golden Howdah with two female elephants during the Dasara celebrations. Furthermore, Arjuna, another elephant from the camp, was the eldest of the other elephants in the Dasara celebration.
How to reach the Mathigodu elephant camp?
The Mathigodu camp to view and interact with the elephants is 57.7 KM from Madikeri, Coorg and 72.3 KM from Mysore. People who pass by Mysore-Gonikoppal Road also visit the Mathigodu camp to see the elephants. The distance from Bangalore to the elephant camp at Mathigodu is 211 KM and can be reached by car.
Where should you stay while visiting the Mathigodu camp?
Since the camp is situated inside the jungle, there is no option for accommodations in the elephant habitat. Tourists can stay in Coorg or Mysore and visit the elephant camp.
In conclusion, apart from the Dubare elephant camp and Sakrebyle elephant camp in Karnataka, the Mathigodu camp also immerses the visitors in joy with the elephants.