Rafting ban in Dubare jumbo camp hits tourist inflow

The ban on river rafting at Dubare elephant camp here has come as a disappointment for tourists and adventure enthusiasts alike.

The British started the elephant camp at Dubare in 1897. Now, it is known across the world. Even wild elephants that are captured in the forests are tamed at the camp. The camp has 35 elephants and two calves.

Hundreds of tourists visit the camp daily. A visitor can not only observe and learn, but also participate in various activities involving elephants.

River rafting, adventure water sports and boat rides, horse riding, studying the lifestyle of tribals and the beauty of nature are the main attractions at Dubare. Unfortunately, the ban on rafting by the district administration has disappointed the tourists. With this, all other activities have come to a standstill.

The number of visitors visiting Dubare has reduced drastically. Only a few visitors are seen playing in the water.

Over hundred labourers have lost their livelihood with the ban on river rafting, said local residents.

The Tourism department concreted the connecting road to Dubare at a cost of Rs 1 crore. Even after 15 days of its completion, the road is yet to open for vehicles. This has caused inconvenience to the tourists.

As a result, the visitors, including senior citizens and children, have to walk from the main road to Dubare, covering a distance of 1.5 km.

The tourists are also facing parking problems at Dubare. Private landowners are charging a hefty fee for parking. As a result, the vehicles are parked on either side of the road, causing inconvenience. GP PDO Shruthi said that no permits were availed for the parking.

The residents have been demanding that a hanging bridge be built across River Cauvery in Dubare for the last several years.

If the bridge is built, then visitors can reach the elephant camp easily and also help the 40 to 50 tribal families.