Dubare Elephant Camp: Timings, Tips and How to Visit from Kushalnagar
Photo: BHARATHESHA ALASANDEMAJALU, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dubare Elephant Camp is a forest department elephant camp on the banks of the Kaveri, about 12 km from Kushalnagar in Coorg. Visitors cross the river by boat to watch the elephants being bathed, fed and trained by their mahouts. The best time to go is the morning session, roughly 9 am to 11 am, when the elephants come down to the river. It is 25 minutes by road from Amanvana, so you can be there before the crowds and back in time for a late breakfast.
Dubare Elephant Camp at a glance
| Where | Dubare, on the Kaveri, near Kushalnagar in Kodagu (Coorg) |
|---|---|
| Run by | Karnataka Forest Department, with Jungle Lodges and Resorts, the state government's eco-tourism company |
| Timings | Usually about 9 am to 11 am and 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm (source: trawell.in and karnataka.com, checked October 2026). Confirm on the day. |
| Fees | A small entry fee, with separate charges for the boat crossing, elephant bathing and feeding. Rafting is charged separately. Rates change, so check at the counter. |
| Best time | Early morning, mid-September to early March |
| From Amanvana | 12 km, about 25 minutes |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
What to expect at Dubare
You park on the near bank and cross the Kaveri by boat to reach the camp. In the morning the mahouts bring the elephants down to the water and scrub them, and visitors can help under their eye. After the bath the elephants are fed. It is a working camp, so the routine depends on the elephants and the day.
Photo: BHARATHESHA ALASANDEMAJALU, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dubare Elephant Camp timings
The camp has two visiting sessions for elephant activities, about 9 am to 11 am and 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm. The bathing takes place in the morning, so plan for the first session if that is what you want to see. Weekends and school holidays are busy, and you may have to wait your turn at the river. In heavy rain the river crossing can be stopped, so call ahead in the monsoon.
River rafting at Dubare
Photo: BHARATHESHA ALASANDEMAJALU, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rafting on the Kaveri near Dubare is one of the easier rafting trips in Coorg, with short stretches of rapids. A trip usually lasts about an hour. It runs when the water level allows, usually from about October to February, and stops when the river is too full or too low. The usual minimum age is 14. See our guide to things to do in Coorg from Kushalnagar for more adventure options.
Tips for your visit
- Leave early. Arriving by 9 am gives you the bathing and fewer people.
- Wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting wet, and carry a change.
- Keep children close at the river and on the boat.
- Follow the mahouts' instructions. These are large animals and they set the pace.
Combine Dubare with nearby places
Dubare fits easily into a half day from Kushalnagar. Pair it with the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, 15 minutes from the resort, or with Harangi Dam, 9 km away. Nisargadhama, the bamboo island on the Kaveri, is less than a kilometre from our gate and makes a good late afternoon walk. For a full list, see our guide to places to visit in Coorg, or follow our Coorg itinerary for 3 days.
Stay near Dubare Elephant Camp
Amanvana is a riverside resort in Coorg, in Kushalnagar, 25 minutes from Dubare. Each private bungalow is a standalone 540 sq ft garden bungalow with a lotus pond courtyard and a sunken stone bathtub. After the elephants, have lunch by the river at the Rainbow Room, or book a massage at the Sunken Spa. Families can see our family resort in Coorg page. Our team can arrange a cab to Dubare. Check dates on our booking page, or call reservations on +91 94806 96070.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Dubare Elephant Camp timings?
Elephant activities usually run in two sessions, about 9 am to 11 am and 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm. The morning session is the one to choose, because that is when the elephants are bathed in the river. Timings can change, so check on the day.
How far is Dubare Elephant Camp from Kushalnagar?
Dubare is about 12 km from Amanvana in Kushalnagar, a 25 minute drive. From Madikeri it is a longer drive of roughly an hour.
Can you do river rafting at Dubare?
Yes, when the river level allows. Rafting on the Kaveri near Dubare usually runs from about October to February. It stops when the water is too high in the monsoon or too low in summer. The usual minimum age is 14.
What is the best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp?
Go early in the morning, between mid-September and early March. In the monsoon the river runs full and activities can be cancelled.
Is Dubare good for children?
Yes. Children enjoy watching the elephants being bathed and fed. Keep a close eye on them near the river and on the boat, and note that rafting is usually for ages 14 and up.