Dubbare Elephant Camp, also commonly spelled Dubare Elephant Camp, is one of the better-known places to visit around Kushalnagar in Karnataka’s Kodagu (Coorg) district. Located on the banks of the River Cauvery, the camp offers visitors an opportunity to see elephants up close and learn about their care, training and daily routines.

The place was historically associated with the elephants used in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. Over the years, Dubbare has evolved into a visitor attraction where travellers can learn more about elephants while enjoying the forested surroundings of the Cauvery River.

One thing to keep in mind while planning a visit is that Dubbare is not simply an elephant-viewing attraction. The experience has traditionally centred around observing and learning about the elephants and their care, although the activities and access available to visitors can change over time. It is therefore worth checking the current arrangements before your visit.

The location itself is part of the attraction. The camp lies beside the Cauvery, surrounded by the greenery of the Kodagu countryside. Depending on the season and water levels, the river also provides opportunities for activities such as rafting.

If you are exploring the Kushalnagar and northern Coorg region, Dubbare can also be combined with nearby attractions such as Bylakuppe’s Golden Temple and Cauvery Nisargadhama, making it easy to include in a wider day trip.

Visiting the Elephants at Dubbare

The main reason most travellers come to Dubbare is, of course, the elephants. The experience here is quite different from visiting a conventional zoo or wildlife park. Instead of seeing elephants from a distant viewing area, visitors may get an opportunity to observe them at close quarters and learn about how they are cared for.

The elephants at the camp have traditionally been associated with the forest department and their handlers. During a visit, you may see the elephants being fed, bathed or otherwise cared for, depending on the day’s activities and the arrangements in place.

The elephant bathing experience has historically been one of the most popular activities at Dubbare. Watching the elephants enter the river and interact with their handlers can be an interesting experience, particularly for visitors travelling with children.

A Place to Learn About Elephants

One of the things that makes Dubbare interesting is the opportunity to learn about elephants rather than simply photograph them.

The handlers and staff can explain aspects of elephant care, their daily routines and their relationship with the people who look after them. Spending some time observing the animals and listening to the people caring for them can make the visit considerably more meaningful than simply arriving, taking a few photographs and leaving.

If you visit, remember that these are large, powerful animals. Follow the instructions given by the handlers, maintain an appropriate distance when asked to do so and avoid disturbing the elephants for photographs.

A note about the experience: Dubbare’s elephant-related activities and visitor access have changed over the years. Older travel articles and photographs may therefore describe experiences that are no longer available. It is best to check the current arrangements before travelling.

A Little History

Dubbare was historically used as an elephant training camp, and its elephants were associated with the famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations. The tradition of working with elephants is an important part of the identity of the place.

Today, however, you don’t need to be visiting during Dasara to appreciate Dubbare. The camp and its riverside setting have made it a popular stop for travellers exploring the northern part of Coorg.

River Cauvery at Dubbare

One of the nicest aspects of Dubbare is its setting beside the River Cauvery. The river flows through the forested landscape of Kodagu, with stretches of greenery and rocky riverbanks surrounding the camp.

The riverside also makes Dubbare more than just an elephant camp. After spending time at the camp, you can explore the area around the river, enjoy the scenery and take a break from sightseeing.

The appearance of the river changes considerably with the season. During periods of higher water levels, the river can be quite different from what you may see during the drier months. This seasonal variation also affects activities such as rafting.

River Rafting at Dubbare

River rafting is another popular activity associated with Dubbare. The rafting experience takes place on the Cauvery and can be combined with a visit to the elephant camp when operating.

The rafting around Dubbare is generally suited to visitors looking for a relatively easy introduction to river rafting rather than an extreme white-water adventure. The experience is influenced by rainfall and river conditions, so the nature of the rafting can vary considerably depending on when you visit.

For first-time rafters, this can be a fun way to experience the Cauvery while also seeing the surrounding landscape from the river. The combination of flowing water, forested banks and hills makes the experience quite different from simply visiting the riverside.

However, don’t plan your Dubbare visit around rafting without checking whether it is operating on the day of your visit. Water levels, weather and local operating conditions can affect availability.

Dubbare and Cauvery Nisargadhama

Dubbare is also useful to know about because of its proximity to Cauvery Nisargadhama. The two attractions can be combined into a single day when planning a trip around Kushalnagar.

The two places offer quite different experiences. Dubbare is centred around elephants and the Cauvery riverside, while Nisargadhama is a more relaxed nature and picnic destination. Visiting both can therefore give you a good mix of experiences without having to travel long distances between attractions.

How to Reach Dubbare Elephant Camp

Dubbare Elephant Camp is located near Kushalnagar in Karnataka’s Kodagu (Coorg) district. This makes Kushalnagar the most convenient base if you want to explore Dubbare along with other attractions in the northern part of Coorg.

From Kushalnagar, the camp is roughly 10 km away by road, although the exact distance depends on where you start and the route used.

If you are travelling from Madikeri, Dubbare is farther away, but it can still be included as part of a day trip covering several attractions around Kushalnagar.

From Bengaluru, you can travel towards Kushalnagar by road or take a bus to Kushalnagar and arrange local transport for the remaining journey. If you are travelling around Coorg by car or motorcycle, Dubbare is relatively easy to combine with other places in the region.

Dubbare Elephant Camp Timings

The visitor timings and activities at Dubbare can change, so it is better to check the latest timings before your visit rather than relying on older travel information.

This is particularly important because many older articles mention a morning-only visitor window. If you are specifically interested in seeing the elephants or participating in activities at the camp, arriving early is generally the safer approach.

I would recommend planning Dubbare as a morning visit, leaving enough time for the elephant-related activities and for enjoying the Cauvery riverside.

How Much Time Do You Need?

You don’t necessarily need an entire day for Dubbare itself.

A few hours can be sufficient for the elephant camp and riverside, particularly if your main purpose is to see the elephants. However, if rafting is operating and you want to combine it with the visit, you should allow considerably more time.

The best way to plan the day is therefore to treat Dubbare as one stop in a Kushalnagar-area sightseeing circuit rather than as a standalone full-day attraction.

Best Way to Plan the Day

If you are staying around Kushalnagar, a practical combination could be:

Morning → Dubbare Elephant Camp → Cauvery Nisargadhama → Bylakuppe / Golden Temple

This works particularly well because these attractions are all in the same general part of Kodagu.

Alternatively, if you are travelling from Madikeri, you can make Dubbare part of a longer northern-Coorg day trip.

And if you’re interested in rafting, check its availability before finalising the day’s sequence. You don’t want to build the entire itinerary around an activity that may not operate because of river conditions.

Dubbare Elephant Camp: Distances from Nearby Places

If you’re planning several Coorg attractions together, these approximate distances can help:

Dubbare as Part of a Coorg Itinerary

Dubbare works particularly well when combined with other attractions around Kushalnagar. Rather than travelling to Dubbare solely for the elephant camp and returning, you can build a full day around several nearby places.

One of the easiest combinations is Dubbare + Cauvery Nisargadhama + Bylakuppe. These three places offer very different experiences: elephants and the Cauvery at Dubbare, a relaxed riverside nature experience at Nisargadhama, and Tibetan Buddhist culture at Bylakuppe.

If you are staying in Madikeri, you can also make Dubbare part of a longer northern-Coorg circuit. This can work well if you have a full day available and want to explore beyond the usual Madikeri attractions.

Dubbare and Bylakuppe Golden Temple

The Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, officially the Namdroling Monastery, is one of the most interesting places to combine with Dubbare.

The two attractions are quite different. Dubbare gives you an opportunity to experience the natural surroundings of the Cauvery and learn about elephants, while Bylakuppe introduces you to the Tibetan Buddhist settlement and its monasteries.

If you are staying around Kushalnagar, visiting both on the same day can make good use of your time.

You can read more about the experience in my guide to Bylakuppe and the Golden Temple.

Dubbare and Cauvery Nisargadhama

Cauvery Nisargadhama is another natural companion to Dubbare.

Nisargadhama is a small river island surrounded by the Cauvery and is more suited to a relaxed walk and spending time outdoors. After the relatively activity-oriented experience at Dubbare, it can be a nice place to slow down for a while.

You can read my complete guide to Cauvery Nisargadhama before planning the combination.

Dubbare and Madikeri

If you are staying in Madikeri, Dubbare can be included as part of a northern-Coorg day trip.

However, I wouldn’t recommend combining it with too many Madikeri attractions on the same day. Dubbare is some distance from Madikeri, and adding Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat and other attractions can turn the day into little more than a checklist.

A better approach is to combine Dubbare with attractions around Kushalnagar and Bylakuppe, and keep the main Madikeri sights for another day.

Dubbare, Abbey Falls and Talacauvery

It is technically possible to combine Dubbare with places such as Abbey Falls and Talacauvery, but I would treat this as a longer itinerary rather than a natural one-day combination.

The distances become significant, particularly if Talacauvery is included. If you have several days in Coorg, it makes much more sense to divide the attractions geographically.

A simple way of thinking about your Coorg itinerary is:

• Kushalnagar / northern Coorg: Dubbare, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Bylakuppe
• Madikeri: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat and attractions around the town
• Western / southern Coorg: Talacauvery and other attractions depending on your route
• Wildlife side: Nagarhole and Irupu Falls can form another separate excursion

This approach will save you from spending several hours travelling back and forth between attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dubbare Elephant Camp located?

Dubbare Elephant Camp is located near Kushalnagar in Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka, on the banks of the River Cauvery. Kushalnagar is the nearest major town and a convenient base for visiting Dubbare and other attractions in northern Coorg.

How far is Dubbare Elephant Camp from Kushalnagar?

Dubbare is approximately 10 km from Kushalnagar by road, although the exact distance can vary depending on the starting point and route.

How far is Dubbare from Cauvery Nisargadhama?

Dubbare and Cauvery Nisargadhama are roughly 20–25 km apart by road. The two attractions can be combined into the same sightseeing day when planning a trip around Kushalnagar.

How far is Dubbare from Bylakuppe Golden Temple?

The Golden Temple at Bylakuppe is roughly 15–20 km from Dubbare, making the two places convenient to combine in a northern-Coorg itinerary.

What are the timings of Dubbare Elephant Camp?

Visitor timings can change, so it is advisable to check the latest timings before visiting. If your primary purpose is to see the elephants and participate in the available activities, planning a morning visit is a good idea.

How much time is required to visit Dubbare Elephant Camp?

Allow around 2–3 hours for the elephant camp and surrounding riverside. If you also plan to go rafting or combine Dubbare with other nearby attractions, you should allow more time.

Can I see elephants at Dubbare?

Yes. Seeing and learning about elephants is the main reason many visitors come to Dubbare. The exact activities and level of visitor interaction can vary, so don’t assume that every activity described in older travel articles is still available.

Is elephant bathing available at Dubbare?

Elephant bathing has historically been one of Dubbare’s best-known experiences. However, activities and visitor access can change, so check the current arrangements before your visit rather than relying on older information.

Is river rafting available at Dubbare?

River rafting is an activity associated with Dubbare and takes place on the River Cauvery. Availability depends on factors such as water levels, rainfall and local operating conditions, so it is best to confirm before planning your visit around rafting.

Is Dubbare worth visiting?

Yes, particularly if you are exploring the Kushalnagar side of Coorg. Dubbare offers a combination of elephant-related experiences, the Cauvery riverside and the surrounding greenery. It is especially convenient to combine with Bylakuppe and Cauvery Nisargadhama.

Can Dubbare and Bylakuppe be visited on the same day?

Yes. The two attractions are relatively close to each other and make a good combination. You can visit Dubbare in the morning and then continue towards Bylakuppe and the Golden Temple.

Is Dubbare suitable for children?

Dubbare can be an interesting place for families because children can learn about elephants and observe them at relatively close quarters. As with any elephant-related experience, children should follow the instructions of the handlers and avoid disturbing the animals.