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 from the Anechowkur Gate, where the Coorg district begins from Mysore. It lets tourists observe and interact with these 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 key feature of the Mathigodu Elephant Camp is that it shelters the elephants that participate in the Dasara celebration in Mysore’s royal city. An elephant from the Mathigodu camp, Abhimanyu, led 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 in the Dasara celebration.
How to reach the Mathigodu elephant camp?
The Mathigodu camp, where you can view and interact with the elephants, is 57.7 km from Madikeri, Coorg, and 72.3 km from Mysore. People passing by the Mysore-Gonikoppal Road also visit the Mathigodu camp to see the elephants. The distance from Bangalore to the Mathigodu elephant camp is 211 KM, and you can reach it by car.
Where should you stay while visiting the Mathigodu camp?
Since the camp is situated inside the jungle, there are no accommodation options in the elephant habitat. Tourists can stay in Coorg or Mysore and visit the elephant camp.
In conclusion, along with the Dubare Elephant Camp and Sakrebyle Elephant Camp in Karnataka, the Mathigodu camp also immerses visitors in joy with the elephants.
