Elephant Encounters: A Day at Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg

Nestled along the banks of the Kaveri River in Karnataka’s Kodagu (Coorg) district, Dubare Elephant Camp offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families alike. Managed by the Karnataka Forest Department and Jungle Lodges & Resorts, this eco-tourism destination is famous for its interactive elephant activities. Unlike a regular zoo or safari, Dubare gives visitors the rare opportunity to bathe, feed, and bond with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The camp is also set in one of the most scenic regions of South India, surrounded by lush forests, coffee plantations, and the soothing flow of the Kaveri.

Close Encounters with Elephants
The main highlight is the hands-on elephant experience. Visitors can participate in activities such as:

• Elephant Bathing – Stand in the shallow waters of the Kaveri and scrub the elephants using coir brushes while they enjoy a playful soak.
• Feeding Sessions – Offer freshly cut sugarcane, coconuts, or ragi balls directly to the elephants.
• Learning Experience – Mahouts share fascinating facts about elephant behavior, history, and conservation.

Natural Beauty
The camp’s riverside location provides a stunning backdrop, with misty mornings, the sound of flowing water, and abundant birdlife. It’s ideal for nature photography and peaceful walks.

Adventure Opportunities
Beyond the elephant interactions, Dubare also offers:

• River rafting in the Kaveri
• Trekking trails through Coorg’s forests
• Bird watching expeditions

By Air
The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport (about 85 km away). Mangalore Airport (180 km) and Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (260 km) are also options. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Coorg.

By Train
The nearest railway stations are Mysuru (100 km) and Hassan (105 km). From there, taxis and buses are available to reach the camp.

By Road
Dubare is about 240 km from Bangalore, 120 km from Mysuru, and 35 km from Madikeri. Roads are scenic and well-maintained, making self-driving a good option. KSRTC and private buses also connect major cities to Coorg.

The ideal time to visit is October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Monsoons (June–September) add lush greenery but can cause river levels to rise, sometimes limiting activities. Summers are warmer but still manageable due to the shaded forest surroundings.

Jungle Lodges – Dubare Elephant Camp

• Cost: Around ₹8,000–₹10,000 per couple per night (includes meals and activities).
• Riverside cottages and tents with scenic views.
• Guided tours and elephant activities included.

Nearby Resorts & Homestays

• Budget homestays in Coorg: ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night.
• Mid-range resorts: ₹3,000–₹5,000 per night.
• Luxury stays in Madikeri: ₹8,000–₹15,000 per night.

Staying near the camp allows you to enjoy the morning elephant bathing session without rushing from far-off hotels.

At the Camp

• The Jungle Lodges property serves buffet-style meals featuring South Indian and continental dishes.
• Meals are often included in the stay package.

Nearby Options

• Madikeri and Kushalnagar towns have plenty of eateries serving Kodava cuisine, such as pandi curry (pork curry), akki rotti (rice roti), and bamboo shoot curry.
• Meals at local restaurants: ₹200–₹500 per person.

Book in Advance

• Dubare gets busy during weekends and holidays. Booking your slot online via Jungle Lodges or Karnataka Forest Department ensures you won’t miss activities.

Carry Essentials

• Comfortable clothes, sandals for water activities, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag for gadgets.

Respect Wildlife

• Follow mahout instructions during elephant interactions.
• Avoid feeding anything not provided by the camp.

River Safety

• During monsoons, river currents can be strong. Check safety advisories before entering the water.

Cash & Connectivity

• Mobile signal can be patchy. Carry some cash as digital payments may not always work.

Final Thoughts

A day at Dubare Elephant Camp isn’t just a sightseeing trip—it’s a chance to connect with nature and experience elephants up close in a way that few other destinations allow. Whether you’re scrubbing a giant tusker in the Kaveri River, learning fascinating elephant trivia from mahouts, or simply soaking in the beauty of Coorg’s wilderness, Dubare leaves you with memories worth cherishing. With good planning, you can enjoy this adventure on any budget and return home with stories to tell and photographs to treasure.