Dubare Elephant Camp

                                                 

A forest camp on the banks of river Kaveri in Coorg district of Karnataka, Dubare has the distinction of training elephants which take part in the Mysore Dussehra festival. The camp and forest surrounding it were once part of the princely state of Mysore and have been sending pachyderms for the festival since the days of the Maharajas.

The eco-tourism project is administered by Jungle Lodges and Resorts, a venture of the Karnataka government.

The elephants are trained in natural surroundings at Dubare with the help of expert mahouts (elephant rider). The elephants were used to transport heavy logs from the forest but once the logging activities stopped, they were harnessed for joy rides. However, Dubare also offers tourists a chance to come close to the pachyderms and learn about them.

Visitors can learn from naturalists about elephant ecology and conservation activities. Keeping the huge animals under control has always been a fascination for human beings and visitors can learn tricks of the trade from mahouts. If visitors find all the learning very boring, then they can head to the river to give the elephants a scrub-bath or watch them being a given oil massage. Visitors can also participate in the feeding of the animals. Visitors are also offered elephant rides and learn how howdahs are mounted on the gentle beasts.

Tourists can enjoy trekking, white water rafting, elephant rides and fishing during the visit to the Dubare camp. The forest department conducts treks on some of the most thrilling trekking trails in Karnataka. Coracle ride on the river Kaveri is another popular activity with the tourists. Do not forget to watch out for the crocodiles sunning on the river banks while enjoying the coracle rides.

The woods around Dubare are home to many birds and animals. The animals that can be seen very easily are the Asiatic elephant, sambhars, gaurs, tigers, leopards, bears and wild dogs. The river is There are many crocodiles that can be seen in the river. The forest is also home to many non-venomous snakes and reptiles. Kingfishers, peacocks, woodpeckers and peacocks can be seen in the forest.

Nisargdham Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerbhoomi, a theme resort based on Karnataka’s culture and history set in a village, Nagarhole National Park and Harangi Dam.

About Mysore Dassara

Dassara or Dussehra as it is called in other parts of India marks the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravan of Lanka. It is the state festival of Karnataka and comes after the nine-day Navratri festival. A spectacular procession is held on Dassara day at Mysore.

The Dasara festivities in Mysore are an elaborate affair, attracting a large number of tourists. The Dasara festival completed 400th anniversary in 2010. The idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a decorated elephant. Colourful tableaux, folk artists, music bands and decorated elephants form part of the procession.

Jungle Lodges and Resorts maintains cottages at the camp. The cottages are high on comfort and adds to your eco-tourism experience. Tourists often club their visit to Dubare Elephant Camp with their trip to Coorg and Mysore. Coorg (30 km) and Mysore (100 km) offer various types of accommodation.

The best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp is between the months of September and March.