Dubare River Rafting Kushalnagar
Experience thrilling river rafting and heartwarming elephant encounters at Dubare, nestled by the scenic Kaveri River in Kushalnagar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the wildest rapids!
Dubare River Rafting Kushalnagar
Best Time
For the wildest rapids!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling river rafting and heartwarming elephant encounters at Dubare, nestled by the scenic Kaveri River in Kushalnagar.
"A fun and thrilling rafting experience! The location is scenic and well-maintained."
🎯 Beat the Weekend Rush
Arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues for tickets and parking. Groups should stick together when buying tickets!
📸 Capture the Memories
Opt for the photo/video package (around ₹1200) for professional shots of your rafting adventure. It's worth it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
River Rafting Adventure
Kaveri River
Experience thrilling white-water rapids or a serene float, depending on the season. A must-do for adventure seekers!
Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Island
Interact with majestic elephants, feed them, and learn about their care. A heartwarming experience for all ages.
Coracle Ride
Kaveri River
Enjoy a unique ride in a traditional round boat, offering a different perspective of the river and its surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Thrills
What to Bring (and Not Bring!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Weekend Rush
Arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues for tickets and parking. Groups should stick together when buying tickets!
📸 Capture the Memories
Opt for the photo/video package (around ₹1200) for professional shots of your rafting adventure. It's worth it!
👟 Leave Shoes Behind
Phones and shoes are not allowed on the rafting boats. Secure them before you head out for the ride.
🌊 Monsoon for Thrills
For the most exciting rapids, visit during the monsoon season. Otherwise, it's a more gentle experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Weekend Rush
Arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues for tickets and parking. Groups should stick together when buying tickets!
📸 Capture the Memories
Opt for the photo/video package (around ₹1200) for professional shots of your rafting adventure. It's worth it!
👟 Leave Shoes Behind
Phones and shoes are not allowed on the rafting boats. Secure them before you head out for the ride.
🌊 Monsoon for Thrills
For the most exciting rapids, visit during the monsoon season. Otherwise, it's a more gentle experience.
💰 Smart Parking
Many shops offer parking. Try to get as close as possible to the rafting point to minimize walking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the thrilling river rafting and the heartwarming experience at the Dubare Elephant Camp. The scenic beauty of the Kaveri River and the professional guides enhance the adventure. However, some note that rafting is best during monsoon for true rapids, and parking can be a challenge on busy weekends.
"Great location for rafting and visiting elephant Camp. Well maintained. Elephant boat and Rafting available here. Good parking available but difficult to find parking during weekends. Lot of food joints. Shoes and phones not allowed for rafting. Lot of shops enroute pull you for parking facility. Try to go as near as possible to avoid walking."
Sudhakar Kalwapalli
"I visited this at the fag end of the rafting season.
While the reacting was quite decent and the first timers definitely enjoyed the experience, one should come when the monsoon is in full swing to enjoy the rapids.
Our guide, Mr. Harish was really good and ensured that we have a wonderful time despite the rapids being very timid (for lack of a better word).
The facilities are quite decent for rafting and our guide was knowledgeable and knew the river and his job well.
From what he said, all the guides have to undergo rigorous training and evaluation before they get their licences.
I will recommend this place, but do visit during the rafting season only."
Ck Prabhaker
"A fun and thrilling rafting experience! The stretch is around 7 km long and packed with excitement. It costs ₹800 for the ride, and ₹1200 if you opt for photos and videos—which are totally worth it for the memories. The location is scenic and well-maintained, with a strong water flow that adds to the adventure. They also allow you to swim, making it even more enjoyable. A perfect blend of adrenaline and fun—highly recommended!"
Rakshit Bhat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dubare River Rafting is located near Kushalnagar, about 15 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the Dubare Elephant Camp, which is the starting point for rafting and elephant interactions.
From Madikeri, Dubare is approximately 30 km away. Taxis are readily available, or you can opt for local buses heading towards Kushalnagar and then transfer to a bus or taxi for Dubare.
Yes, local buses frequently ply between Kushalnagar and Dubare. However, for convenience, especially if you have luggage or are in a group, hiring a taxi is often recommended.
Yes, you can drive your own vehicle. There is parking available, but it can get crowded and difficult to find on weekends. Arriving early is advised.
From Kushalnagar, expect a 20-30 minute drive. From Madikeri, it typically takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost for river rafting is approximately ₹800 per person for a 7 km stretch. If you opt for photos and videos, it's an additional ₹1200.
There's a boat ride fee of ₹100 per person to reach the Dubare Elephant Camp. Once there, activities like elephant interaction and feeding have separate charges.
To avoid long queues, it's highly recommended to arrive at least half an hour before ticketing starts, especially on weekends and holidays.
Currently, online booking options for Dubare River Rafting are not widely advertised. It's best to purchase tickets on-site.
The standard rafting ticket covers the rafting experience itself. Additional costs apply for professional photos and videos taken during the ride.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Besides rafting, you can interact with elephants, feed them, and learn about their care. Coracle rides, bird watching, and trekking are also available.
Yes, you can jump into the river during the rafting trip, especially if you know how to swim, which adds to the fun.
No, phones and shoes are not allowed on the rafting boats for safety reasons. Waterproof pouches are recommended if you wish to carry your phone.
Elephant bathing is not allowed during the monsoon season due to the raised river levels. It's typically available during other times of the year.
The river rafting stretch is approximately 7 km long, offering a good amount of time for adventure and enjoyment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are numerous food joints and shops located en route to Dubare and near the elephant camp, offering various local and popular cuisines.
You can buy bundles of dry grass with paddy to feed the elephants. The Mahouts (elephant handlers) usually sell these bundles.
Kushalnagar offers a range of dining options, from local Kodagu cuisine to North Indian and continental dishes. You'll find everything from small eateries to more established restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you can take photos during the elephant interaction. There's also an option to pay a small fee for a photo with an elephant.
Yes, a professional photography and videography service is available during the rafting trip for an additional cost of around ₹1200.
The riverbanks, the elephant camp itself, and the scenic views during the coracle ride offer excellent photography opportunities. The surrounding forest also provides beautiful backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a gentler water experience, consider the coracle ride or the calmer rafting during non-monsoon months. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially near the water. The overall atmosphere is engaging and educational, making it a memorable trip for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on transport, utilize local buses from Kushalnagar. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid higher prices at tourist spots. For accommodation, consider staying in Kushalnagar or nearby areas, which often have more budget-friendly options than Coorg's main tourist hubs.
❤️ Couples & Adventure Seekers
Consider visiting during the week to enjoy a more intimate experience with fewer crowds. The opportunity to interact with elephants also adds a unique and memorable element to a romantic getaway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dubare Elephant Experience
While elephant bathing is a popular activity, it's important to note that it's not permitted during the monsoon season due to the increased river levels. During other times of the year, it's a truly immersive experience to participate in bathing the elephants. The camp is well-maintained and provides a responsible way to engage with wildlife.
Navigating River Rafting Seasonality
Outside of the monsoon, the river flow is significantly calmer. This makes for a more relaxed and scenic rafting experience, perfect for first-timers or those who prefer a gentler adventure. While the rapids might be timid, the beautiful natural surroundings and the fun of paddling with friends still make it a worthwhile activity.
Practicalities for a Smooth Visit
When heading for rafting, remember that phones and shoes are not permitted on the boats for safety. It's advisable to leave them securely with a friend or at a designated spot. If you wish to capture your adventure, consider opting for the professional photo and video package, which is often praised for being worth the cost.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit