Dubare, popularly known as “the land of elephants” is an untamed beauty, popular for its elephant training camp where visitors can watch, learn about, and get involved in a number of activities with the elephants creating a unique, enjoyable and memorable experience. It has a hilly terrain with backwaters which are also the host of a number of activities such as trekking, fishing and rafting. Two most popular attractions are the Dubare Elephant Camp and Nisargadama. A natural island nestled by the Cauvery river, amidst forest and wildlife and a number of adventure activities, Dubare is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Location and places to visit near Dubare
Located on the banks of River Cauvery in Coorg, Dubare is one of the most popular tourist spots in Coorg. It attracts hordes of tourists from everywhere. Dubare is in Kushalanagar, Nanjarayapatna, Karnataka. It is known for its elephant camp, a forest camp on the banks of the river Kaveri in the district of Kodagu, Karnataka. It is an important base for the Karnataka Forest Department’s elephants. There are opportunities for trekking, elephant interaction, and stay. These are hosted by Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. (JLR). JLR is the ecotourism wing of the Tourism Department of Karnataka. In addition to the elephant training camp, Nisargadhama and Veerabhoomi are the other main attractions of the forest area.
Dubare Elephant Camp
These elephants are in fact, highly trained by the naturalists or the Mahouts—the person who is in charge of taking care of tuskers and other elephants. In fact, these naturalists are very well aware of the history and biology of the elephants. Visitors from across the globe get to know more about these elephants’ lives, eating habits, rules and regulations, etc. Apart from that, the Dubare Elephant Camp is also home to plentiful of flora and fauna, namely the animals like tigers, deers, and gaurs. And that is why this project is highly monitored and is under the control of JLR. Innovative ways have also been introduced by these authorities for the betterment of the camp’s life led by these animals. Some of these ways are interactions of the tourists with the elephant, opportunity to bathe them and then feed them. Also touring the whole forest area around in the Jungle Safari is another delight. Multiple activities like trekking and camping are regularly hosted around the Dubare Elephant Camp by highly trained professionals.
Activities in and near Dubare Elephant Camp
Camping: Despite exploring the Elephant Camp for tuskers, camping on the bank of river Kaveri is an excellent way to spend the weekend for nature lovers. There are certain picnic and camping spots nearby, embraced with the electric fences, so to keep the campers protected from the tuskers and other elephants. The whole area has a great flora for coffee plantations and other exotic plants. So, the travelers can take in the smell of fresh fruits and veggies too. And at night, travelers can sit, chat, and read or watch something under the mesmerizing sheet of bare stars.
Elephant Safari: From 10 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 5 PM, elephant rides can be booked in the Dubare Elephant Camp. The ride lasts for about 45 to 60 minutes in and around the forest. Every traveler can view the great perimeter of the jungle from atop of the elephant, while the trained specialists, walking side by side, will guide you about everything and anything.
Elephant Interaction: Mahouts help you feed the elephants with ragi, jaggery, bananas, coconuts, and other food items. Travelers can embrace and caress the skin of the elephants or watch them carry on their daily activities from afar. Also, the elephants are specially trained by these mahouts, so there is no need to worry about any harm while interacting with the elephants.
Bathe an Elephant: By the Kaveri riverbank, tuskers gather around 9 AM for bathing or drinking the water. And the mahout is also present with them. So, travelers are given a chance for about 45 minutes to bathe the elephants. Travelers are also advised to take off their shoes and steer clear from pebbles hidden beneath the water.
Best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp
Though the camp is open for the whole year, the best time to visit would be after the monsoon has surpassed. Around September to March, the weather is quite pleasant and apt for touring around. Due to lesser rainfall, travelers would not have to go through slippery, sticky, or muddy pathways.
Otherwise, visiting in summers can be plentiful fun too because of the clear weather and no scope of heavy rainfall as such.
How to reach Dubare?
Government Bus: This bus drops travelers to the nearby towns. The ticket costs Rs 80-100. After the final stop, a traveler can always try out an auto or local town bus.
Auto: Travelers can hail an auto from Kushalanagar town, which is 17 km away from Dubare. The total cost of this auto might be around Rs 200-300.
Town Bus: The town bus might be a bit cheaper than the auto, but it will be crowded and more congested.
Taxi- One can reach Dubare directly from Coorg by hiring a taxi.
