The best time to visit is early morning, especially between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM, when elephants are brought to the river for bathing and daily care.

No prior booking is required for general visitors. However, special activities, educational tours, or group visits may require prior permission from forest authorities.

Visitors are allowed to touch during bathing the elephants. Observing from a safe distance ensures both visitor safety and elephant welfare.

Visitors can watch elephant bathing, feeding routines, and interactions between elephants and their mahouts (kavadis).

Yes, the camp is suitable for all age groups. However, visitors are advised to follow safety instructions and avoid crowded areas during elephant movement.

Yes, photography is allowed. However, the use of flash, drones, or loud equipment is strictly prohibited.

Visitors who wish to capture photos or videos inside the camp are required to pay a nominal camera fee, as per Karnataka Forest Department rules.

• DSLR Camera: ~₹100 per camera
• Handicam / Handycam: ~₹150 per device
• GoPro / Action Cameras: Usually treated as handheld cameras; fees may vary (~₹150)
• Video Camera / Camcorder: ~₹300 per device

Important Notes:

• Flash photography and drones are not allowed inside the camp.
• Camera charges are in addition to entry and activity fees.
• All equipment use is subject to forest staff supervision for safety and elephant welfare.
• Fees may change, so visitors are advised to confirm at the ticket counter before use.

Yes, a nominal entry fee is charged. Charges may vary for adults, children, and cameras as per Forest Department regulations

Entry Fee:
A nominal entry fee is charged at the gate as per Karnataka Forest Department rules.

• Adults: ₹50 per person
• Children: ₹20 per person (5yrs to 9 yrs)
• Foreign visitors: ₹100 per person

Parking Charges:
Parking facilities are available near the camp.

• Two-wheelers / Autos: ₹10
• Cars / Jeeps: ₹30
• Buses / Tempo Travellers: ₹100

Elephant Bathing (Optional Activity):
Visitors may be allowed to participate in elephant bathing under staff supervision between 8.30 AM to 10.30AM.

• Approximate fee: ₹100 per person (Subject to elephant availability and safety regulations)

Boating Charges (If Available):
Boating facilities by JLR, when operational, are offered at a separate cost.

• Charges vary depending on the type of boat and duration
• Tickets are issued at the boating counter

Visitors must maintain silence, avoid feeding animals, follow designated paths, and strictly obey instructions given by forest staff.

Basic restroom facilities are available near the camp. Visitors are advised to carry drinking water and avoid littering.

Yes, elephant adoption programs are available through authorized forest department schemes, supporting elephant care and conservation.

Yes, the camp is generally open year-round, but access may be restricted during heavy monsoon or special forest operations.

A typical visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing visitors to comfortably observe elephant activities and explore the surroundings.

Yes, guided explanations may be provided by forest staff or mahouts during peak hours, especially for educational or group visits.

The camp has limited accessibility due to natural terrain. Visitors with mobility challenges are advised to seek assistance from staff.

No, pets are strictly not allowed inside the elephant camp for safety and hygiene reasons.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking on natural paths. Bright or noisy accessories should be avoided.

Yes, the camp is safe when visitors follow all safety instructions and maintain a safe distance from elephants.

Yes, educational visits by schools and colleges are encouraged, but prior permission from the Forest Department is recommended. Identity cards are mandatory.

Outside food is generally discouraged. Feeding elephants or littering is strictly prohibited.

Informational boards are available inside the camp. Souvenirs may be available at designated counters during peak seasons.

During heavy monsoon, certain activities may be limited, and visitor access may be restricted for safety reasons.

The camp is managed by the Karnataka Forest Department, focusing on elephant welfare, conservation, and training.

Volunteer opportunities are limited and subject to approval by the Forest Department. Interested individuals should contact authorities in advance.

Yes. Special entry fee concessions are available for students visiting Sakrebylu Elephant Camp. Students must carry a valid school or college identity card and may be required to visit in organized groups. Concessions are provided as per Karnataka Forest Department rules and guidelines.

Yes. Schools and colleges visiting for educational purposes may receive concessional rates with prior permission from the Forest Department.

For individual students, on-spot verification may be sufficient. For group visits, prior intimation or written permission is recommended.

Yes. Educational explanations about elephant behavior, conservation, and camp activities may be arranged on request.

Yes, basic accommodations and forest guest houses are available nearby. Visitors can also find hotels and homestays in Thirthahalli and Shivamogga. There is JLR opposite to Elephant camp which shall be booked through online.

There are several accommodation options near Sakrebylu Elephant Camp, ranging from basic forest guest houses to comfortable hotels and homestays in nearby towns.

Visitors can stay in:

• Jungle Lodges & Resort / Eco-lodges close to the camp (managed by the JLR)
• Hotels and Resorts in Thirthahalli
• Hotels, lodges, and homestays in Shivamogga (Shimoga)

Yes, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season and weekends, to ensure availability and better rates.

Yes, budget hotels, lodges, and homestays are available in Thirthahalli and Shivamogga, suitable for students, families, and solo travelers.

Yes, there are mid-range and some premium hotels and resorts in Shivamogga and Thirthahalli offering additional amenities like restaurants, parking, and travel assistance.

Most accommodations in Thirthahalli are approximately 30–45 minutes’ drive from the elephant camp, while those in Shivamogga are about 1–1.5 hours’ drive (depending on traffic).

JLR rooms may be booked through official tourism portals. Other private hotels can be booked via online travel websites or directly with the property.

Yes, most hotels and lodges offer in-house dining or are located close to local eateries serving regional cuisine.

Sakrebylu Elephant Camp is well connected by road, rail, and air. It is located about 14 km from Shimoga (Shivamogga) and lies on the Shivamogga–Thirthahalli road (NH-169).

The closest airport is Shivamogga Airport (SMG), approximately 20 km (about 30 minutes by road) from the camp.

The Shivamogga Railway Station is the closest railhead, around 14–16 km from the camp, with frequent taxis or autos available for the onward journey.

Yes. Shimoga is well connected by government (KSRTC) and private buses from major cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Hubli. From Shimoga bus stand, you can take a local bus, shared taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cab to reach the camp (about 20–30 minutes drive).

Yes. Local buses and shared vehicles run between Shimoga and nearby stops early in the morning — buses may run every 30 minutes or more frequently during peak hours, and autorickshaws/taxis are also available

Yes, private taxis and car rental services are available in Shimoga. These can be booked for a round trip from Shimoga, Thirthahalli, or nearby towns, offering flexibility for your visit and other sightseeing.

Yes, parking is available on site for private vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers.

Yes — many visitors prefer a self-drive trip by car or bike from Shimoga or Bangalore. The roads are generally good, and the scenic drive through countryside adds to the experience.

From Bangalore it’s about 280–300 km (~6–7 hours), and from Mangalore around 190–210 km (~5–6 hours) by road.

Official shuttle services from towns are generally not provided by the camp. For group visits or special needs, visitors are advised to contact the Forest Department or local tour operators for arrangements.

Sakrebylu Elephant Camp provides essential visitor facilities to ensure a safe, informative, and comfortable experience. These include:

• Designated viewing areas to observe elephants during bathing, feeding, and daily routines
• Parking facilities for two-wheelers, cars, and buses
• Basic restroom facilities for visitors
• Drinking water facility at designated points
• Ticket counter for entry and activity passes
• Trained forest staff and mahouts (kavadis) for visitor guidance and safety
• Information boards explaining elephant care, conservation, and camp rules
• Boating facility (seasonal and subject to availability)
• First-aid support for emergencies
• Waste bins to promote cleanliness and eco-friendly tourism

Note:
Facilities are basic and eco-friendly in nature, in keeping with forest conservation norms. Visitors are advised to follow all rules and cooperate with forest staff.