Sakrebyle elephant camp , Shimoga - awesome destination for elephant lovers

Located about 14 km from Shimoga city, on the banks of the Tunga River amidst the scenic forest area , the Sakrebyle camp is managed by the Karnataka Forest Department and is designed as an elephant training/rehabilitation centre. The camp houses elephants that need specialized care (due to behavioral issues, nutritional deficiencies or rescue) and offers visitors a chance to observe them being bathed, fed and cared for.

 

Centre is open from morning 8.00 AM till 1.30 PM.  Below is the regular routine followed 

• Trained elephants are left to the adjacent forest everyday after attending the specialized care centre at noon.
• Early morning starting from 5 AM Mahouts who take care of their respective elephants visit the forest and go in search of their elephants
• After spotting them , they ride on them and visit the centre
• At the centre , they bath them in Tunga river adjacent which usually completes before 10.30 AM , feed them with nutritious food later
• Post that around  12.30 PM they are again taken to the river for them to drink water 
• Then they are again left to the forest to spend time , roam around have food with their families 

 

 

Officials say there are 25 such elephants at the camp. When we visited around 15 were present , rest were at the forest. For each elephant its details are mentioned for visitors to get to know about it - its name , age , size , gender details are mentioned.  We spotted elephants of age from 6 months till 12 years.

 

 

Entry fee of Rs.50 per head . For elephant bath before 10.30 AM , Rs.100 per person. Post 10.30 AM all elephants will be out from river and one can observe spending time at the spot by watching how the Mahouts feed them , pack foods for them to feed them occasionally . Earlier there was facility for elephant rides which officials informed have stopped some time back.

 

 

There is speed boating facility arranged by Jungle resorts at Rs.200 per head who take visitors to the middle of the Tunga river , explain about the dam adjacent to it . They say at the other end during specific seasons , crocodiles can be spotted. Safety jackets are provided when boarding the boat.

 

There is ample parking space , refreshments and hotels near this spot making it a perfect picnic destination. Its recommended to arrive at this spot between 8 to 9 AM and enjoy the whole journey till 1 to 2 PM . Gates get closed around 1.30 PM. There is a children play park within the campus. Do visit this spot and share your experience.