Nestled amid the picturesque forested mountains of Western Ghats, Coorg (or Kodagu) has lots to boast of—sprawling coffee plantations, a rich heritage, and stunning weather that enhances all outdoor activities. One such experience that is touted to be highly memorable is exploring Dubare Elephant Camp, which is located by River Cauvery’s banks. It is among the most popular tourist spots in the area and functions as a conservatory-cum-training camp for elephants. Visitors are allowed to spend time in the company of majestic elephants and indulge in several activities with them. Use our guide to Dubare Elephant Camp, Coorg, to learn everything you need to know before planning an amazing getaway to this retreat.
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Things to do / Highlights
Join an elephant safari
How about exploring the scenic area on an elephant’s back? This is probably the most popular activity around here. You will be made to sit atop an elephant’s back and will be taken through designated routes. The entire safari is a guided activity, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. Just remember to hold tight and follow any instructions that the trainer may have. Also, don’t forget to admire the beauty and serenity of the jungle around and the various birds, filling the atmosphere with their sing-songy birdcalls! You can hang a pair of binoculars around your neck and use it for bird-watching.
Spend time with the elephants
If the safari isn’t your thing, you can simply spend time interacting with the elephants. This is a great way to observe the lovely and gentle creatures, feed them, massage or scrub them, and play with them too. The trainers will let you know what the elephants can eat (which are mostly bananas and pieces of jaggery or sugarcane). However, remember that you can only feed by hand. As for scrubbing or massaging, oils and other necessary stuff are provided by the trainers themselves.
Indulge in adventure sports
There are a host of adventure activities, such as kayaking, river rafting, trekking, and coracle rides, that are permitted in the region. All you need is to look into the dos and don'ts of each activity and pay the respective fees. Additionally, fishing is allowed in the river—it is packed with mahseer and rohu species. Although, you’ll need to carry your own equipment and obtain necessary permits before proceeding. Also worth remembering is that you have to release your catch back into the waters. Most importantly, hunting is strictly prohibited.
Go for a trek
If you enjoy nature treks, the areas around the camp make for a fantastic trail. This is a great way to admire the local flora and fauna of the region and even the natural landscape. While you can hike along unassisted, getting a guide is still recommended. These guides are available at the camp.
Go camping
While all of the above activities indeed sound exciting, you can also consider spending a night or two here. Dubare Elephant Camp is a venture of Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd. that offers an excellent experience. You can reserve one of the camps that make for a comfortable space to stay and then spend your time in leisure! The resort offers several tour packages as well, including elephant tours, jeep safaris, sailing tours, and guided treks.
Travel tips
Spend adequate time
If you’re planning a day visit, it takes about three hours to explore the area and the many activities here, so make sure to set aside enough time. This way, you’re not rushing through things.
Follow camp rules
If you’re going for an overnight stay, it is expected that you will follow the camp’s rules. The camp prohibits guests from venturing outside of the campgrounds past sunset without prior intimation.
Do not annoy elephants
While the elephants in the camp are trained and trainers are present everywhere to ensure nothing untoward happens, kindly do not irritate the animals. This may cause serious damage.
Go prepared
The activities here will need you to rough it a bit. Remember to carry along some first aid items, change of clothes, insect repellants, sunblock cream, hat/cap, sunglasses, and flashlights. It is advised that you opt for muted shades to blend well with the forested surroundings—this will also help with not scaring away the animals.
Choose the right season
While the camp is open year-round, some of the activities are best enjoyed in specific seasons. Monsoon season (July to mid-September) is considered the best time to enjoy the vivacious foliage around, although river activities may be impacted. Mid-September to early March is touted to be the best months in terms of enjoying all activities holistically.
How to get there
Train
The closest railway station to Dubare Elephant Camp is Mysore Railway Station. It is about 100 km (62 miles) away, and you can easily hitch a cab ride to the camp. The journey on the road can take up to three hours via NH 275.
Flight
Most visitors choose to fly into Mangalore Airport, about 180 km (112 miles) from the camp. You’ll find several cab operators at the airport itself that arrange tours to Dubare Elephant Camp. You also have the option of using Mysore Domestic Airport, about 120 km (75 miles) away. Cab and bus services are available at this airport too.
Car
You can get to the camp in a self-driven or rented private vehicle. Most tourists prefer to make nearby towns (Mysore, Sidhhapura, and Khushalnagar) as their starting base. Just consult Google Maps for the shortest and quickest route, and you should be good to go.
How to get tickets
If you’re not booking a pre-planned tour package offered by Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd. or third-party companies, the only way to purchase admission tickets is on-site. Note that each activity requires a separate fee. It is best that you carry cash as paying via electronic means may not always be possible.
Where to stay
Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd.’s Bandipur Safari Lodge is the safest bet in terms of accommodation. Contemporary-style camp cottages are built for guests to spend their time in the area comfortable. However, don’t expect these camp cottages to have all the amenities of a hotel—for one, you’ll not have television sets. Although there are about four air-conditioned cottages that you can choose to reserve. Check out the resort’s official website for further details.
Bandipur Safari Lodge
Address: Angala Post, Gundlupet Taluk Chamarajanagar District, Melukamanahalli, Mysuru - Ooty Rd, Gundlepete, Karnataka 571126, India
Website: Bandipur Safari Lodge
Dubare Elephant Camp information
Dubare Elephant Camp
Address: Kushalanagar, Coorg District, Nanjarayapatna, Karnataka 571234, India
Opening hours: 9am - 11am, 4:30pm - 5:30pm (daily)
Cost: 0.2 USD
Official website: Dubare Elephant Camp
Department of tourism: Coorg Tourism
News & updates for Dubare Elephant Camp: Elephants’ day out in Coorg
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