Dubare Elephant Camp: what you actually get
Dubare Elephant Camp charges ₹400–₹500 for entry. Elephant bathing—the main draw—costs ₹1,500–₹2,000 per person for 20–30 minutes. Camp operates 6am–6pm daily. Arrive by 7am if you want a bathing slot without a 2–3 hour wait. The camp manages 3–4 elephants. Monsoon (June–September) is most reliable for animal interactions; dry season often sees no bathing due to low river levels. This is not a sanctuary; it's a working camp with mixed welfare standards.
What are the actual opening hours?
Dubare opens at 6am and closes at 6pm year-round. Morning (6am–9am) is best for activity and smaller crowds. By 10am, groups pile in. Afternoons (2pm–5pm) are quieter but elephants are often resting. The site closes promptly at 6pm—don't arrive after 5pm expecting a full experience.
How much does entry and bathing cost?
Entry ticket: ₹400–₹500 per person (verified August 2026). Elephant bathing: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per person. Mahout ride (if available): ₹1,000–₹1,500. Photography add-on: often included, but confirm. Food at the site is basic (tea, snacks); bring your own lunch or eat in nearby Kushalpur village. Total cost per person for a bathing session: roughly ₹2,000–₹2,500 including entry and bathing.
Is the experience worth it? Honest assessment
Dubare is not a sanctuary. It's a mahout training centre where elephants are part of working herds. Many visitors find the bathing experience memorable; some find the welfare concerns hard to ignore. Expect:
Positives: Genuine close contact with elephants. Water and mud therapy is real, not theatre. Mahouts are experienced and mostly safe handlers. No artificial performances—no tricks, no chains visible during bathing.
Negatives: Elephants work 8–10 hours daily, year-round. Facility standards are basic (muddy paths, no shade queuing areas, squat toilets). Bathing sessions are rushed. On busy days, queues exceed 100 people. River bathing relies on water levels; dry season (March–May) often cancels the experience entirely. The camp prioritises throughput over comfort.
Verdict: Worth visiting once for the direct contact. Don't expect luxury, animal-first ethics, or a full day of interaction. Go during monsoon (June–September) when water is guaranteed and animals are less heat-stressed.
How to beat the queues
Arrive at 6am when gates open. Bathing slots fill within 90 minutes in peak season. Book in advance via the camp's phone line (local operators can arrange this; hotel staff help). Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Monsoon weekday mornings (say, Tuesday–Thursday, 6:30–8am) offer the smoothest experience.
When should you visit?
Monsoon (June–September): River has water. Elephants are active. Most reliable. Weather is wet; bring a poncho.
Autumn (October–November): Comfortable temperature. River still flows. Good window.
Winter (December–February): Pleasant weather but river levels drop by January. Bathing may be unavailable. Crowds peak.
Summer (March–May): River dries. Bathing cancelled most days. High heat. Avoid unless specifically told bathing is happening.
Where to stay near Dubare
Dubare is 45km from Madikeri town, 30km from Coorg's main resorts. Most hotels are in Madikeri itself.
Mid-range in town: Indo Asia Heritage Madikeri – Formerly Hotel Coorg International (3 stars, 8.3/10, ₹2,500–₹4,000/night) is central, 35km from Dubare. KSTDC Hotel Mayura Valley View Madikeri (2 stars, 8.3/10, ₹1,500–₹2,500/night) is budget, reliable.
Resort luxury: Purple Palms Resort and Spa (5 stars, 8.7/10, ₹8,000–₹12,000/night) and Montrose Golf Resort And Spa (5 stars, 8.7/10, ₹7,500–₹11,000/night) are 50km away but offer comfort if you're based in Coorg proper. Amanvana Spa Resort - Coorg (4 stars, 9.1/10, ₹5,500–₹8,500/night) is quieter and highly rated.
Budget: Avadale Coorg (2 stars, 9.3/10, ₹1,200–₹2,000/night) suits tight budgets.
Dubare itself has no accommodation. Stay in Madikeri or a resort, drive or arrange pickup in the morning.
Getting there
From Madikeri: 45km, 90 minutes by car. Rough forest road; standard vehicle OK, rough ride. Hire a local driver or join a camp-arranged pickup (₹1,000–₹1,500 per group return). Public buses are infrequent. Self-drive is possible but roads are poorly marked.
From Bangalore: 260km, 5–6 hours via Mysore and Hassan. Not a same-day trip unless you start early.
What to bring
- Swimwear and change of clothes (you will get wet and muddy)
- Towel and flip-flops
- Waterproof phone case if filming
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Drinking water and snacks
- ₹2,000–₹2,500 cash (limited card payment)
Related reading
For broader Coorg planning, see our best time to visit Coorg guide and main Coorg travel guide.
FAQ
Can you bathe elephants without pre-booking? Yes, but expect a 2–3 hour queue in peak season. Pre-booking via phone (through your hotel or direct) guarantees a faster slot. Arrive by 7am regardless.
Are the elephants treated well? Dubare is not a sanctuary. Elephants work 8–10 hours daily. Standards are better than some camps but below leading wildlife facilities. If ethical concerns matter heavily to you, skip this and visit a proper sanctuary instead.
What if there's no water for bathing? March–May, the river often dries. Camp cancels bathing and only offers feeding (₹200–₹300). Monsoon (June–September) guarantees water. Always confirm before driving out.
How long does a bathing session take? Usually 20–30 minutes. You wash the elephant with mud and water, feed it, take photos. Not leisurely; the camp runs shifts to process multiple groups daily.