Top 7 Best Elephant Camps in South India - A Comprehensive Guide

by Avathi Outdoors | Elephant Camps in South India

Top 7 Best Elephant Camps in South India - A Comprehensive Guide

South India is blessed with awe-inspiring landscapes and a vibrant cultural heritage. But what truly touches the heart is its deep-rooted connection with elephants. Elephant camps in this region offer a unique chance to experience the majestic creatures up close. These camps serve as sanctuaries where elephants are cared for, protected, and, in some cases, rehabilitated. 

Elephant camps in South India have become essential centres for conservation and rescue efforts. These camps often house elephants that have been rescued from injury due to accidents, traps, or being orphaned at a young age. State Forest Departments play a vital role in implementing broad measures to safeguard elephants and prevent unlawful activities that endanger elephant numbers. These gentle giants hold a special place in the hearts of the local communities. The Oscar-winning documentary "The Elephant Whisperers" tells the captivating story of Bomman and Bellie, an indigenous couple entrusted with the care of Raghu, an orphaned infant Indian elephant. The documentary is set in India's stunning Mudumalai National Park, which is located on the border of the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Are you ready to embark on a mesmerising journey into the world of gentle giants? In this article, we explore the elephant camps of South India in detail. At these camps, tourists have the freedom to observe and interact with elephants up close, under the supervision of trained mahouts. 

 

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1. Sakrebyle Elephant Camp, Shivamogga

Sakrebyle Elephant Camp, located 14 km from Shivamogga on the Shivamogga-Thirthahalli main road, is a dedicated elephant training and conservation camp. It offers visitors an opportunity to interact with the elephants on a personal level. The camp is situated near the Tunga River, where elephants bathe on the banks of the Gajanur Dam Backwaters. It is recommended to arrive early to watch the elephants indulge in a river bath. You can scrub and wash them with water and brushes. This bathing session can be enjoyed for a generous duration of 2 to 3 hours. Elephants are nurtured and cared for by skilled mahouts who have dedicated their lives to them. 

Elephant interactions allow visitors to admire the beauty of these majestic creatures. Kids will have an unforgettable day at Sakrebyle! The camp also offers a variety of accommodation options, including wooden cottages, tent cottages, and dormitories. These eco-friendly accommodations are managed by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Rooms with a private bathroom, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, elephant interaction at the camp, a nature walk in the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, bird watching, and forest entry charges are included in the package, providing guests with a peaceful stay in nature. Call us at +91 8971202915 to book your stay at Sakrebyle Elephant Camp. 

The camp is open from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM on all days of the week. Entry charges are ₹50 per head. If you wish to partake in bathing these jumbos, an additional fee of ₹100 per individual applies. 

 

2. Dubare Elephant Camp, Coorg

Dubare Elephant Camp, located in the scenic Dubare Forest on the banks of the river Kaveri, plays a vital role in conserving and protecting elephants in Karnataka. Historically, the trained elephants of Dubare participated in the grand Mysore Dussehra festival, representing the rich heritage and culture of the region. Elephant interaction, feeding, bathing, and taking pictures are the activities at the camp. Visitors can get up close to these majestic creatures, learn about their behaviour, and participate in activities like bathing and feeding them. In the evening, guests can gear up for a Jeep Safari arranged by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Accommodation options like the River View cottage and the Forest View cottage are provided to guests who would like an overnight stay amidst nature. Call us at +91 8971202915 to book your stay at Dubare Elephant Camp. 

Camp opening times for tourists are from 9 AM to 11 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The entry charge is ₹100 per person. There is an extra cost of ₹250 if you want to participate in the elephant bathing activity. Additionally, there is also a ₹50 charge for people who want to feed the elephants. The best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp is during the post-monsoon season, which runs from October to March.

 

3. Phansoli Elephant Camp, Kali Tiger Reserve

Phansoli Elephant Camp is situated within the Kali Tiger Reserve in Phansoli. The camp is around 14 kilometres from Dandeli, South India's Adventure Capital. The camp's skilled and experienced mahouts share unique elephant insights, making the trip even more enjoyable.  

The camp is a beautiful place to spend some quality time with these jumbos. Entry timings are from 8 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 6 PM. During other times, the elephants go into the forest for feeding. Visitors' safety is ensured since the elephants are well-trained. This excellent opportunity is accessible for an entry charge of ₹ 50 for adults and ₹ 25 for children. This elephant camp is regarded as a great tourist attraction in Phansoli. Kali Adventure Camp by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, which is only 11 kilometres away, would be an excellent place to stay. The resort offers River Rafting and a Jungle Safari.  

 

4. Balle Elephant Camp, Balle

The charming Balle Elephant Camp is situated in Balle, amid the beautiful Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka. This extraordinary camp gives visitors a chance to interact with majestic elephants in their natural habitat. Every morning, at about 9 AM, the elephants get bathed and fed, making for a lovely show as they gobble up their snacks. The gentle giants are then released into the untamed forests, where they can roam freely until called back in the evening. This camp is only 10.5 kilometres from the famed Kabini River Lodges, making it the finest option for your stay in Kabini. 

The elephants in the camp are very impressive, notably the massive Arjuna. Arjuna is the Asian elephant who is known for carrying the Golden Ambari at the procession of the Mysore Dasara festival. The mahouts at the camp are incredibly kind and concerned about the elephants' well-being. These gentle giants are properly cared for, with frequent baths, nutritious food, and the freedom to roam the beautiful forest, only to return in the evening. Currently, the camp is home to 12 elephants. A visit to Balle Elephant Camp is a must for wildlife enthusiasts vacationing in Kabini.

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5. Harangi Elephant Camp and Tree Park, Kushalnagar

Harangi Elephant Camp, situated in Kushalnagar, Karnataka, is a recently established facility inaugurated in 2022. Spanning 40 acres within the forest department, this new elephant camp is nestled alongside the Harangi reservoir. The camp currently houses a limited number of elephants, which were shifted from Dubare. One of the highlights is the breathtaking view of the River Kaveri that overlooks the camp. The sunset viewpoint gives you an immersive sunset experience.

This place provides a serene and less-crowded alternative to the popular Dubare Elephant Camp. The camp is open in the morning from 9 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM. If you arrive early, there's a chance to witness the delightful sight of elephants bathing. Visitors are required to purchase an entry ticket for ₹50, as well as a parking ticket for their vehicle. From the main gate, a pleasant 800-metre walk leads to the elephant camp. To feed the elephants, you can purchase a bundle of hay for ₹50 each. Along the way, you can enjoy paddle boating in the backwater for ten minutes for ₹100. Children can also enjoy the small games provided at the park. Within the park, visitors can also indulge in a captivating musical fountain, commencing at 7 PM. Harangi Elephant Camp offers a serene and enriching experience, inviting you to connect with nature and witness the majestic elephants. 

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6. Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Mudumalai National Park

Theppakadu Elephant Camp, located in Mudumalai National Park, is a popular tourist spot owing to the Academy Award-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers'. Established in 1923, the camp houses 24 elephants at present and serves as a training and rehabilitation centre for these majestic creatures. The camp was initially founded to manage and train elephants used for forestry tasks like logging and timber transportation. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nilgiri District and spans Tamil Nadu and its neighbouring state, Karnataka. 

Mahouts play a crucial role in being emotionally available for their elephants, bathing them, feeding them, and allowing them to graze and rest. The camp's daily routine includes an hour-long bath at the Moyar River, followed by breakfast and a relaxing day at the camp. The respective mahouts provide a balanced diet to elephants using millet balls made from ragi, rice, jaggery, and dried coconut, following a ration chart. On special occasions, elephant calves are taken to seek their blessings from Lord Ganesha (in the temple inside the camp).

Visitors can visit the camp from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:30 to 6:00 PM, with an entry fee of INR 25 per person. The camp offers tourists the opportunity to witness elephants being fed and bathed by the mahouts. It provides training programs for mahouts and there's a small education centre for visitors. 

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7. Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, Thrissur

Punnathur Kotta is located near Guruvayoor temple in the district of Thrissur, Kerala. It is an elephant sanctuary that offers food, treatment, and proper care for elephants. Managed by the Guruvayur Devasam Board, the camp is a peaceful and beautiful place for elephant lovers. With around 40 elephants, visitors can observe them cleaning and feeding, as well as take photos and videos. The walkway for tourists is well-maintained, and the Elephant Kotta is kept clean and tidy. It is located 3–4 km from the Guruvayoor temple. The premises have many trees, so elephants can enjoy the shade and breeze during the summer. Kids will love this place.

Visitors can purchase tickets for ₹ 20 for one adult and ₹ 30 for parking. Mobile photography is charged at ₹ 25. You can click pictures of elephants from a distance. The timings for the camp are from 8 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week. If you go early in the morning, you can see how the mahouts bathe the jumbos. You can spend around an hour inside, which makes it a must-visit destination for families and children. The park is a sanctuary for elephants belonging to Guruvayur Devasam, providing a safe and nurturing environment for feeding and resting them. It is a treat to see these elephants eating, bathing, and just lazing around.

 

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FAQ(s)

Which is the No. 1 elephant camp in India?

While opinions may vary, one of the most renowned and well-loved elephant camps in India is the Dubare Elephant Camp. Located in Karnataka, amidst the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats, Dubare Elephant Camp offers a unique and immersive experience with these majestic creatures.

Managed by the Karnataka Forest Department, Dubare Elephant Camp focuses on both conservation and responsible tourism. Here, you can engage in a range of activities that allow you to closely interact with elephants while respecting their natural behaviors. Some highlights of the Dubare Elephant Camp experience include:

  1. Bathing and Feeding: Visitors have the opportunity to participate in the daily bathing ritual of the elephants in the nearby river. This hands-on experience allows you to connect with these gentle giants and learn about their care.

  2. Elephant Interaction: You can observe and engage with elephants as they are fed, groomed, and tended to by their mahouts (caretakers). This provides insight into the close bond between the mahouts and their elephants.

  3. Elephant Rides: While riding elephants is a common activity, Dubare focuses on making these rides more responsible and comfortable for the animals. You can enjoy a serene ride through the scenic forest trails.

  4. Learning and Awareness: The camp offers educational programs that emphasize elephant conservation and the importance of their protection in the wild. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these animals face and how to contribute to their well-being.

  5. Natural Setting: Set against the backdrop of the Dubare Reserve Forest, the camp provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region while being in close proximity to the elephants.

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