Dubare Elephant Camp, Coorg: How to Reach, Best Time, Activities | Trippyigloo

Dubare Elephant Camp, Coorg — The Heart of Coorg’s Wildlife Experience

About Dubare Elephant Camp

Set along the calm banks of the River Kaveri, Dubare Elephant Camp is one of Coorg’s most distinctive wildlife experiences. Managed by Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), this eco-tourism project offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe and interact with elephants in a natural riverside setting.

Unlike typical sightseeing destinations, Dubare invites guests to participate in the daily routine of the elephants—bathing them in the river, feeding them fruits, and learning from the mahouts who have cared for these gentle giants for generations. The setting is surrounded by dense forests and coffee plantations, where the sounds of the river and the calls of birds create a sense of complete harmony with nature.

Why Visit Dubare Elephant Camp

A visit to Dubare is not just an activity; it is an experience that connects you to Coorg’s ecological heritage. Watching elephants being cared for by mahouts offers a glimpse into a traditional way of life that balances respect, discipline, and compassion. Visitors can also explore the surrounding Dubare forest, home to deer, gaur, peacocks, and a variety of bird species.

Highlights

Hands-on elephant interactions: bathing, feeding, and observation
Guided forest walks and wildlife viewing
Riverside camping and photography opportunities
Jeep safaris and short treks through Dubare forest

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp is from September to March, when the climate in Coorg is pleasant and the forest is lush after the monsoon.

Summer (March–May): Best for early morning elephant activities.
Monsoon (June–August): Rich greenery but trails may be slippery.
Winter (November–February): Cool weather, ideal for safaris and overnight stays.

Timings and Entry Fee

Visiting Hours
Morning: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Entry Fees for Indians

Entry: ₹20
Boat Ride: ₹30
Elephant Bathing: ₹100
Elephant Feeding: ₹50
Elephant Ride: ₹100
Day Visit Package (including lunch, activities): ₹1600

Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals

Entry: ₹50
Boat Ride: ₹30
Elephant Bathing: ₹200
Elephant Ride: ₹200
Elephant Interaction: ₹885

Things to Do at Dubare Elephant Camp

Bathe and Feed the Elephants

Assist the mahouts in bathing the elephants in the Kaveri River. This is one of the most memorable experiences for visitors, offering insight into the care routines and the trust built between elephants and their handlers.

Jeep Safari and Wildlife Viewing

Take a guided safari through the surrounding forest to spot deer, peacocks, gaur, and occasionally wild elephants. The area is also rich in birdlife, including parakeets, barbets, and hornbills.

Riverside Camping

Spend a night in the peaceful riverside camps managed by Jungle Lodges. The sounds of the forest and the flowing river create a truly immersive nature experience.

Wildlife Film Screening

After your safari, relax at the Gol Ghar pavilion and watch a wildlife documentary that explores the biodiversity of Coorg and the conservation efforts at Dubare.

Elephant Safari

An elephant-back ride through the forest offers a unique perspective of the landscape and an unforgettable sense of calm and majesty.

Places to Visit Near Dubare Elephant Camp

Kaveri River

The lifeline of Coorg and Karnataka, the Kaveri River flows gently beside the camp. Its banks are ideal for peaceful walks and scenic photography.

Nisargadhama

A short drive from Dubare, Kaveri Nisargadhama is a forested island surrounded by bamboo groves, offering activities like boating and deer watching.

Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple)

Located in Bylakuppe, around 20 km from Dubare, this serene monastery is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India and features beautifully gilded Buddha statues.

Kushalnagar

Just 15 km away, Kushalnagar offers local markets, cafes, and authentic Kodava cuisine, making it a good stopover on the way to or from Dubare.

Abbey Falls

Around an hour’s drive from the camp, Abbey Falls is one of Coorg’s most visited natural landmarks, surrounded by coffee estates and lush forests.

Chikliholi Reservoir

A peaceful and lesser-known spot near Dubare, perfect for solitude and photography.

How to Reach Dubare Elephant Camp

By Air: The nearest airports are Mysore (120 km), Kannur (120 km), and Mangalore (180 km). From there, taxis and buses are available to Madikeri or Kushalnagar.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction (100 km). Regular taxis and buses operate from Mysore to Dubare.
By Road: Dubare is 30 km from Madikeri and 15 km from Kushalnagar, connected by well-maintained roads and regular KSRTC and private buses.

Experience Dubare — The Soul of Coorg

At its essence, Dubare Elephant Camp is more than a tourist attraction. It is a place that embodies Coorg’s respect for nature and its long-standing bond with wildlife. Whether you come to learn, observe, or simply reconnect with the rhythms of the forest, Dubare leaves every visitor with a sense of wonder and humility.

Visit Dubare Elephant Camp and experience the timeless spirit of Coorg — where elephants, rivers, and people coexist in quiet harmony.