What to expect
Highlights
- Watching and helping bathe and feed the camp elephants.
- Crossing the Kaveri by boat to reach the camp.
- Coracle rides and the riverside forest setting.
Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp sits on the far bank of the Kaveri near Kushalnagar, a forest camp once used to train elephants for the Mysuru Dasara. Visitors cross the river to watch the camp’s elephants being scrubbed, fed and cared for by their mahouts.
Practical guide
Plan Dubare Elephant Camp
Typewildlife
Nearest baseKushalnagar
Best timeOctober to May
Time needed2 to 3 hours including travel and the river crossing
EntryEntry + boat + interaction fees apply
Nearest town/baseKushalnagar
DistrictKodagu
Place typewildlife
Time needed2 to 3 hours including travel and the river crossing.
Dubare Elephant Camp sits on the far bank of the Kaveri near Kushalnagar, a forest camp once used to train elephants for the Mysuru Dasara. Visitors cross the river to watch the camp’s elephants being scrubbed, fed and cared for by their mahouts.
Run with the Forest Department, the camp offers elephant interaction sessions, coracle rides and riverside walks, and adjoins forest where wild elephants and birds are sometimes seen.
Visiting
Dubare Elephant Camp — at a glance
TimingsMorning session ~8:30 - 11:00 AM (river crossing subject to water level)
Best timeOctober to May; morning
Entry: Entry + boat + interaction fees apply
Getting here
How to reach Dubare Elephant Camp
~15 km from Kushalnagar; reached by a Kaveri crossing
Go for the morning elephant session; monsoon flow can suspend the crossing.
Getting there
How to visit
- About 15 km from Kushalnagar and ~40 km from Madikeri; the camp is reached by a river crossing.
- Go for the morning session (roughly 8:30–11 am) when the elephant activities happen; river crossing depends on water levels.
Distance by road
- Mysuru120 km
- Bengaluru260 km
- Mangaluru135 km
- Kannur115 km
- Ooty210 km
Road km to Kodagu; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to May; the morning interaction session. High monsoon flow can suspend the river crossing.
Weather in Dubare Elephant CampSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
- Entry, boat and interaction fees apply; timings depend on river levels — confirm before travelling.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Dubare Elephant Camp is
Photos
Dubare Elephant Camp in pictures
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What’s near Dubare Elephant Camp
Good to know
Dubare Elephant Camp — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp?
October to May; the morning interaction session. High monsoon flow can suspend the river crossing.
What are the entry fee and timings at Dubare Elephant Camp?
Entry: Entry + boat + interaction fees apply. Timings: Morning session ~8:30 - 11:00 AM (river crossing subject to water level). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Dubare Elephant Camp?
About 15 km from Kushalnagar and ~40 km from Madikeri; the camp is reached by a river crossing. Go for the morning session (roughly 8:30–11 am) when the elephant activities happen; river crossing depends on water levels.
How much time do I need for Dubare Elephant Camp?
2 to 3 hours including travel and the river crossing.
What else is near Dubare Elephant Camp?
Nearby you can pair Namdroling Monastery (6.0 km), Nisargadhama (8.3 km), Harangi Dam (15.4 km), Gaddige Raja's Tomb (25.4 km).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Kodagu
Image credits
- Dubare Elephant Camp:BHARATHESHA ALASANDEMAJALU, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0