Dubare elephant camp, Coorg is one of the major elephant camps among the others in Karnataka, which deals with about 150 elephants. Dubare elephant camp, on the banks of River Kaveri, is in the Kodagu/Coorg district of Karnataka. Once a place to train the elephants for Dussehra in Mysore, now has a new and enhanced calling for the world to explore.
In Dubare elephant camp, you could get close to these gigantic creatures and interact with them, apart from indulging in other adventure activities. Dubare elephant camp is the property of the Karnataka government-owned Jungle Lodges and resorts. It is one of the important places to visit while holidaying in Coorg.
Activities in Dubare Elephant Camp
Interaction with elephants
In Dubare elephant camp, tourists not only get to watch the elephants but get to interact with them as well. A trained naturalist explains the elephant’s history, biology and ecology. Tourists can also engage in bathing the elephants and feeding them in order to get an intimate experience with these animals in the presence of well-trained mahouts. Visitors can caress and closely interact with the elephants with the assigned mahouts or simply watch their activities from afar. Tourists can bathe the elephants, which gather around 9 AM by the river banks of Kaveri for their usual ritual of bathing for about 45 minutes.
Elephant Safari
An elephant safari into the jungle is always an interesting activity for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. Dubare elephant camp organises elephant safaris for its visitors on well-trained elephants, escorted by specialists. Elephant safari timings in the Dubare elephant camp are from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 5 PM, respectively. The elephant ride lasts for about 45 to 60 minutes in and around the jungle.
Jeep Safari
Jeep safari into the Dubare forest can be a thrilling experience for the guests who accommodate themselves in the Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Guests can spot animals like Sambar, spotted deer, gaur, wild elephants, sloth bears, tigers, bison, crocodiles, etc which infest the forest. The jeep safari is an exciting one for bird lovers as well, for the Dubare forest is home to a variety of bird species like Parakeets, Barbets, Hornbills, Peacocks, Kingfishers, Partridges and others.
Camping
Dubare elephant camp has something for all. It doesn’t disappoint the nature lovers as well. Apart from engaging with elephants and taking part in wildlife activities, camping is also an option to spend a worthwhile weekend. The picnic spots and camping areas are safely fenced with electric fences to dissuade the intrusion of wild animals.
River Rafting and Coracle Riding
Tourists can also engage themselves in river rafting and coracle riding in the Kaveri river, which provides an exhilarating experience. If lucky, tourists may also get to spot some wild animals on the river banks. The wide river has fewer rapids and hence is convenient for rafting.
Rafting Info
Location: Dubare elephant camp
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Minimum age: 14 years
Trekking
Tourists can trek their way through Dubare, exploring it further deeply. The trek into the forest and climbing the Deddakalbetta or the Big Stone Hill is worthwhile, as one can get splendid views of the sunset.
Joy Fishing
Joy fishing in the Valnur fishing camp near Dubare also calls for an enjoyable experience. Rohu and Mahsheer fishes inhabit the Kaveri waters. The catch is allowed solely for taking photographs as the fishes ought to be tossed back into the water.
Best time to visit Dubare elephant camp
The best time to visit Dubare elephant camp is the post-monsoon period between mid September and beginning of March as the weather is pleasant. Monsoons between July to mid September are heavy and the river runs full, but the surrounding is lush green and vibrant. Since Dubare elephant camp is in the Coorg district, it always enjoys idyllic weather.
Where to stay in Dubare elephant camp?
Since Dubare elephant camp is the property of Jungle Lodges and Resorts, tourists can find suitable accommodation in the same. Jungle Lodges and Resorts also offers a day visit package.
How to reach Dubare Elephant Camp
By Air
Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport to Dubare (180 km). Tourists can reach Dubare by road from here.
By Rail
Mysore railway station is the nearest to Dubare (100km)
By Road
Dubare elephant camp can be reached from Bangalore via Mysore, Kushalnagar and Siddhapura.
Madikeri to Dubare elephant camp distance
Since most of the people consider Dubare as a part of Coorg tourism, it’s important to know the distance from Madikeri to Dubare elephant camp, which is about 37 km.
Quick facts
Dubare elephant camp timings: 9.00 AM – 11.00 AM, 4.30 PM – 5.30 PM
Dubare elephant camp entry fee: Rs 20/- per person