Sakrebyle Elephant Camp — Attraction in Karnataka

This is a must visit place if you are in the vicinity of Shivamogga. It is just about 18 kms from town, and just beyond the village of Hosahalli. Gajanur Dam is another attraction nearby.

Twenty-one elephants are brought into the camp at around 8:30 am from the forest and given a bath in the river and then fed and released back in the forest. It is interesting to see the elephants being scrubbed down. Some of them are also trained to receive cash and bestow a blessing in return by placing their trunk on your head. A young one called Dhanush quickly became our favourite because of his antics.

There is an entry fee of Rs. 50 per person and a camera fee for DSLRs. Entry timings are 8:30 to 11:30 only. There is a little shop selling curios, and a couple of stalls which offer steamed corn and tea/coffee/snacks.

If there was some way to unchain these elephants and still make it possible for them to be cared for, that would be ideal.

The village of Hosahalli, a few kms away, is interesting for a couple of reasons - 1. The art form of Gamaka, which is a musical form of story telling with suitable ragas being employed. A very popular exponent of this art form - Shri. H R Keshavamurthy, hails from this village and he has trained several students. He has been honoured with the Padmashri in 2022 by the Government of India. A Gamaka Bhavana has been set up here. We were fortunate to visit his house and sought his blessings.

Most of the residents here can speak in Sanskrit. This village, with its sister village across the river - Mattur, are two places where you can hear Sanskrit on the streets.

With scenic views of the Tunga river, this is a...

Sakrebyle Elephant Camp – A Unique and Memorable Experience

Sakrebyle Elephant Camp is truly one of its kind. Interacting with these majestic animals in their natural habitat is something everyone should experience at least once.

The camp starts around 8:30 AM, when all the elephants are brought to the river for their daily bath. Visitors can either watch from a distance or take part in bathing the elephants by purchasing a separate ticket. When we visited, there were around 10 elephants, including two adorable baby elephants, which made the experience even more delightful.

The elephants were incredibly friendly , splashing water playfully on us, posing for photos with their trunks, and standing calmly even when we were close to them.

After about 10:30 AM, the elephants leave the river and head back to the camp area. The camp remains open till 1:30 PM, where visitors can enjoy an elephant ride, click beautiful photographs, or simply observe them up close.

There’s also a small canteen serving snacks and drinks, and a kids’ play area, making it a perfect outing for families. Even boating is also available .

Overall, it was a wonderful experience peaceful, educational, and memorable. The camp is located just 14 km from Shivamogga, making it easily accessible for a short trip.

Tip-

Try to visit max by 8.30 am so that crowd will be less, climate also will be pleasant. The river water was quite muddy due to the elephants’ natural waste during the bathing session. Wear comfortable clothes that you can easily roll...

A Unique Elephant Experience in Nature

We were lucky to visit it on Elephants day on 12- aug and all the elephants were decked up..

Camp, is a rare and special destination where visitors can observe and interact with elephants in a natural, forested setting. Unlike conventional zoos or commercial elephant attractions, this government-run camp focuses on the care, training, and rehabilitation of elephants, many of whom are rescued from the wild or brought in for treatment.

Truly unique is the opportunity it offers to see elephants up close in their natural habitat. Visiting Sakrebyle on World Elephant Day made the experience even more meaningful. It’s one of the few places where you can watch elephants up close — bathing, being fed, and cared for — all in a natural, open setting.

What stood out was how calm and authentic it felt. No performances, no crowds — just gentle interactions and a strong focus on conservation.

If you're looking for a genuine, respectful elephant experience, Sakrebyle is truly something special. Note elephant ride are permanently cancelled and only elephant bathing feeding are allowed..

Entrance fee- 50 for adults and 20 for kids... 100 for bathing ..

Wait at the entrance around 11:30 to 1 pm when all elephants leave the camp as it's worth seeing the majestic...