The short answer
Dubare Elephant Camp: what visitors should know first
Yes, a memorable experience if you respect animal welfare and have realistic expectations. You won't ride or touch the elephants, but you will watch them bathing in the river, walk near them on the ground and see how they are cared for. It is quieter and less staged than some camps.
Useful facts
Dubare Elephant Camp facts at a glance
- Location
- On the Kabini River, roughly 50–60 km south of Madikeri, near the Nagarhole boundary
- Type
- Experience
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- Early morning, when it is cooler and the elephants are most active; afternoon visits are possible but hotter
Why it matters
Why Dubare Elephant Camp is worth your time
Dubare is a model for ethical elephant tourism in India. Rather than offering rides, which puts stress on the animal's back and legs, the camp focuses on care, feeding and the elephants' natural behaviour. It is run by a NGO and the Forest Department rather than private operators, which reduces profit pressure and prioritises animal welfare.
For visitors, it offers genuine contact with elephants without the guilt of riding or forcing them to perform. The experience centres on the animal's comfort, not the tourist's convenience.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Arrive in the early morning when the camp is busiest. You are given a small orientation by staff, then taken to the riverbank where the elephants are bathed and watered. You watch from the sand as handlers wash them, sometimes using river water and sometimes with soap. The elephants are calm and accustomed to visitors.
After bathing, you may walk slowly alongside an elephant on the path back from the river, with handlers on either side. The aim is to feel the size and presence of the animal without riding or rough contact. Afterwards, the camp sometimes allows visitors to feed them cut fruits or vegetables by hand, which is memorable.
You can also watch the elephants in the camp compound and learn about their histories from the handlers. Some were rescued from circuses or abusive situations; others are retired working animals. Staff explain their individual names, ages and personalities.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go early morning; the light and the elephants' mood are better
- Wear clothes you do not mind getting wet; river water may splash
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water; there is little shade on the riverbank
- Wear shoes with grip; the sand can be slippery
- Listen to the handlers; they know how to move safely near the animals
- Photography is allowed but do not use flash or sudden movements
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- On the Kabini River, roughly 50–60 km south of Madikeri, near the Nagarhole boundary
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- Early morning, when it is cooler and the elephants are most active; afternoon visits are possible but hotter
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Walking on sandy riverbanks near the elephants is flat and easy, but the terrain is loose and uneven. Assistance is available for those who need it. The visit involves standing and walking slowly for 1–2 hours.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is ticketed. The camp is run by the Karnataka Forest Department. Fees are modest. No rides are offered, which reflects better animal welfare practice. Book ahead, especially in peak season.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Dubare Elephant Camp
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Walking on sandy riverbanks near the elephants is flat and easy, but the terrain is loose and uneven. Assistance is available for those who need it. The visit involves standing and walking slowly for 1–2 hours.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can you ride the elephants at Dubare?
No. Dubare does not offer rides. The focus is on watching the elephants bathe and walk freely, not on riding.
Is it safe to walk near the elephants?
Yes, with handlers present and your attention on their instructions. The elephants are used to visitors and calm.
What time is best to visit?
Early morning, when it is cooler and the elephants are most active in the water.
Will you get wet?
Possibly. Sit back from the water, but river spray and excitement can catch you.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.