Dubare Elephant Camp is one of Coorg's most loved attractions — a working camp on the banks of the river Cauvery where trained elephants are cared for by their mahouts. Once part of the team that captured and trained elephants for the famous Mysore Dasara, the camp today lets visitors get close to these gentle animals in a natural riverside setting.
Reached by a short coracle crossing of the Cauvery, the camp makes an easy and memorable half-day. This guide covers the camp itself, elephant interaction and bathing, timings, entry, the coracle crossing and how to reach it. See also our places to visit in Coorg and things to do in Coorg guides.
The camp on the Cauvery
The camp sits on the far bank of the Cauvery, surrounded by forest on the edge of the Dubare reserve. A herd of elephants lives here under the care of mahouts, and the riverside setting — shallow, clear water and shaded sandy banks — is part of the charm.
The Karnataka Forest Department runs the camp, and a naturalist explains how the elephants are looked after, including their diet, daily routine and the bond between each elephant and its mahout. It is an unhurried, low-key experience rather than a show.
Elephant interaction and bathing
The main draw is the morning session, when the elephants are brought to the river to be scrubbed and bathed. Depending on the day and the camp's rules, visitors may be able to help wash an elephant, watch the feeding, and learn how the mahouts prepare the elephants' food balls of ragi, jaggery and minerals.
Activities can vary with the season, water levels and animal welfare guidelines, so it is best to check on the day. Photography is allowed, and the gentle, close-up contact with the elephants is what most visitors remember.
The coracle crossing
To reach the camp you cross the Cauvery from the near bank, usually by a traditional round coracle (a basket-like boat) or a motorboat when the river is high. The short ride over the water is a small adventure in itself and sets the tone for the visit.
When the river is low in the dry season you may be able to wade or walk across more easily; in the monsoon the crossing depends on water levels and safety, so timings can change.
Timings, entry and how to reach
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Morning session | Roughly 9:00–11:00 am (the main bathing/interaction window) |
| Evening session | Roughly 4:30–5:30 pm (subject to change) |
| Entry fee | A modest camp/forest ticket per person, plus charges for the coracle crossing |
| Distance from Kushalnagar | About 15 km |
| Distance from Madikeri | About 30 km (around 1 hour by road) |
| Best time to go | Arrive for the morning session; post-monsoon for pleasant weather |
How to reach Dubare
Dubare is on the Cauvery near Kushalnagar, in the eastern part of Coorg. It is about 15 km from Kushalnagar and roughly 30 km from Madikeri (around an hour by road). Most visitors come by car, taxi or auto from either town.
Because it sits in the eastern cluster of sights, Dubare pairs well with the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe and Nisargadhama river island. Aim to arrive in time for the morning session, when interaction is most likely.
Tips for your visit
Arrive early — the morning bathing session is the highlight and the camp is quieter before tour groups arrive. Wear sandals or shoes that can get wet for the coracle crossing and riverbank, and carry water and sun protection.
Activities depend on the elephants' welfare and the day's schedule, so keep plans flexible. Treat the animals and mahouts with respect and follow the camp staff's instructions at all times.
Frequently asked
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