Dubare Elephant Camp: Full Operating Hours & What to Expect
Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg opens 6 AM to 6 PM daily, 365 days a year. Peak activity happens early morning (6–9 AM for elephant bathing). Afternoon sessions run 2–5 PM. Advance booking is essential during October–May; walk-ins work only in off-season (June–September). Each activity takes 45 minutes to 2 hours; plan 3–4 hours for a full visit.
What Are the Main Activity Timings?
Elephant bathing: 6–8 AM (most popular, book the night before during peak season).
Mahout rides: 9 AM–12 PM and 2–5 PM (30–45 minutes per ride).
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Feeding & interaction: Available 10 AM–4 PM (30 minutes, ₹500).
Rope training demonstration: 11 AM–1 PM (45 minutes, ₹300).
Morning slots fill fastest. Evening activities (4–6 PM) rarely run unless pre-booked. The camp closes kitchen and main office by 5:30 PM.
When Should You Visit—Season, Not Just Time?
Visit October–May for the best experience. Weather is dry, roads are navigable, and elephants are more active. June–September is monsoon season; roads flood, activities reduce, and timings become erratic. Avoid late May (extreme heat).
Booking window:
- Peak season (October–May): Book 2–7 days ahead via phone or WhatsApp (+91 8277 258 100).
- Off-season (June–September): Walk-ins accepted; costs drop 20–30%.
- Festivals (Diwali, Christmas): Book 3 weeks ahead; expect crowds until 2 PM.
How Much Does It Cost by Activity?
| Activity | Duration | Cost (₹) | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elephant bathing | 1–1.5 hrs | 800–1,000 | 6–7 AM |
| Mahout ride | 30–45 min | 500–800 | 9–11 AM |
| Feeding | 30 min | 500 | 10 AM–2 PM |
| Rope training | 45 min | 300–500 | 11 AM–1 PM |
| Photo session | 15–20 min | 200–300 | 3–4 PM |
Total cost for a half-day visit (bathing + 1 ride + feeding): ₹1,800–2,300 per person. Group discounts (6+ people) apply; confirm when booking.
Getting There: Distance & Road Conditions
Dubare is near Kushalnagar, Coorg.
- From Coorg town (Madikeri): 45 km, 1.5–2 hours via Kushalnagar road. Paved, hilly.
- From Mysore: 90 km, 2.5–3 hours via NH 275 to Kushalnagar, then local road.
- From Bangalore: 260 km, 5–6 hours. Take Mysore road; last 40 km is hilly.
Road quality: Fair to good October–May; poor June–September (landslips, potholes). Avoid visiting solo late afternoon; nearest town (Kushalnagar) is 8 km away. Arrive by 2 PM if booking late-afternoon activities.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Timing tricks:
- Arrive 30 minutes early to complete entry forms and safety briefing.
- Early morning (6 AM start) means you finish by 10 AM and avoid heat and crowds.
- If traffic delays you, inform staff; some flexibility exists for late arrivals (rare).
What to bring:
- Spare clothes or swimwear for elephant bathing (you get soaked).
- Flip-flops only (no laces around elephants' feet).
- Sunscreen, hat, water bottle.
- Cash; card payments unreliable.
Safety rules (non-negotiable, monitored at entry):
- Children under 5 not allowed on mahout rides.
- Pregnant women should skip rides; bathing is fine.
- No alcohol before or during activities.
- Follow mahout instructions exactly; disobedience results in ejection.
How to Book in Advance
Phone: +91 8277 258 100 (WhatsApp preferred; English spoken).
In person: Walk to the camp between 9 AM–5 PM for same-day or next-day booking (off-season only).
Payment: Upfront via bank transfer or cash at entry. No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours.
Confirm your booking 1 day before via text to avoid double-bookings during peak season. Ask for mahout recommendations; experienced mahouts make rides safer and more educational.
Is Dubare Worth the Timing & Cost?
Yes, if you arrive with the right expectations. Elephant bathing is genuinely interactive and educational (you scrub and play with a real working elephant). Mahout rides are tame, slow-paced (mostly flat terrain), and suitable for ages 5–70. The experience is ethical compared to chain-circus camps elsewhere in India—these are working elephants, not performance animals.
Skip if: You expect adrenaline-rush rides, want close-up Instagram shots with tusked bulls, or cannot commit 3+ hours. Dubare prioritises elephant welfare; photography is restricted, and rides are short.
Coorg Overall: What Else to Visit Nearby?
While you're in the region, add:
- Abbey Falls (15 km, 20 min from Dubare): Waterfall walk, ₹50 entry. Best 8–10 AM before crowds.
- Talacauvery Temple (35 km, 1 hour): High-altitude temple, chilly mornings, good views.
- Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km, 2 hours): Trekking, spotting, permits required.
Read more: Best time to visit Coorg, Things to do in Coorg.
FAQ
Q: Can I visit Dubare without booking in advance? A: June–September, yes (walk-ins welcome, shorter queues). October–May, no; all slots fill by midday. Book 2–7 days ahead.
Q: Are mahout rides safe for children? A: Yes, for ages 5+. Under-5s can watch and feed but not ride. Riders sit high; risk of falls is very low if you follow safety rules. Avoid if your child has a fear of heights.
Q: What's the best time of day to visit? A: 6–9 AM for elephant bathing (cooler, fewer crowds, best photos). 9 AM–12 PM for rides if you missed bathing. Avoid 1–3 PM (peak heat, minimal activity).
Q: What happens if it rains on my visit day? A: Bathing activities continue (elephants work rain or shine). Rope training and demonstrations shift indoors or cancel. Reschedule without penalty if the camp closes due to landslips (rare). Check road conditions if you're coming from Mysore or Bangalore; monsoon season (June–September) can block routes for 2–3 hours.