Photo spot in Coorg (Madikeri)
Dubare Elephant Camp
Coorg (Madikeri), Karnataka
A riverside forest camp on the Cauvery where you can meet, feed and bathe elephants, reached by a short coracle or wade across.
Best time
Morning, when the elephants are out by the river and the light on the water is soft.
Best angle
Stand at the front of the viewing area and take a zoomed photo of the elephants with the river and forest behind them.
Entry fee
Nominal + activities
Opening hours
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (sessions)
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp
Morning, when the elephants are out by the river and the light on the water is soft. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Dubare Elephant Camp
Stand at the front of the viewing area and take a zoomed photo of the elephants with the river and forest behind them. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the river with elephants
On the coracle crossing
Outfit guide
What to wear at Dubare Elephant Camp
For photos at Dubare Elephant Camp, khaki, white and forest green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Coorg (Madikeri).
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Coorg (Madikeri).
Eat nearby
Food near Dubare Elephant Camp
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for coorg coffee nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Check the latest rules and timings before you travel, as they changed in 2026.
Arrive early to get a morning viewing slot.
Stay inside the marked viewing area at all times.
Do not try to feed, touch or call the elephants.
Bring a zoom lens or use your phone's zoom for photos.
Expect the camp to pause visits after heavy rain or high water in the river.
Combine your visit with the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, on the same side of Kushalnagar.
About Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp is a Forest Department camp on the banks of the River Kaveri, about 15 km from Kushalnagar and about 30 km from Madikeri. It is home to trained elephants that are cared for by mahouts, and it sits at the edge of the Dubare forest.
Visits changed in 2026. After a tourist was killed during a bathing session in May 2026, the camp was closed, and it reopened on 20 September 2026 with strict new rules. Visitors now watch the elephants from barricaded viewing areas, in timed batches, and feeding, bathing, touching the elephants and selfies with them are no longer allowed. The rules may keep changing, so check before you go.
Questions
Dubare Elephant Camp — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp?
Morning, when the elephants are out by the river and the light on the water is soft. Stand at the front of the viewing area and take a zoomed photo of the elephants with the river and forest behind them.
Is there an entry fee at Dubare Elephant Camp?
Entry to Dubare Elephant Camp is nominal + activities.
What are the opening hours of Dubare Elephant Camp?
Dubare Elephant Camp is open 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (sessions).
What should I wear at Dubare Elephant Camp?
Khaki, white and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Dubare Elephant Camp get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, when the elephants are out by the river and the light on the water is soft.
What food should I try near Dubare Elephant Camp?
Try coorg coffee at spots close by.
What is Dubare Elephant Camp famous for?
Dubare is famous for its trained elephants living on the banks of the River Kaveri. It is one of the best-known elephant camps in Karnataka.
Can you still bathe or feed the elephants at Dubare?
No. Since the camp reopened in September 2026, visitors watch from a barricaded area at a safe distance. Bathing, feeding, touching and selfies with the elephants are not allowed.
How do I reach Dubare Elephant Camp?
Dubare is about 15 km from Kushalnagar and about 30 km from Madikeri by road. Most visitors come by car or taxi, often on the same day as the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe.
How much time do I need at Dubare Elephant Camp?
Plan for 1–2 hours, including waiting for your batch. A viewing session usually lasts under an hour.