Location: Coorg, India

Duration: Minimum 2 weeks time commitment

Cost: 320 Euros per week - Includes all food, accommodation, 24/7 support, airport pickup and programme activities.

Travel: You will be met at Bangalore airport by a project representative, and taken by bus to start your placement.

Introduction

Help look after Elephants in a wonderful Indian town. Get intimate with Indian culture and learn how important these animals have been throughout Indian history, but how they are now becoming neglected.

The Karnataka Forest Department has about 100 Elephants in various camps and Dubare has historically been an important camp for keeping and maintaining Elephants. The Elephants for the famous Mysore Dassehra were trained at Dubare elephant camp.

However, presently after logging operations have ceased, the Forest Department does not really know what to do with all its elephants! They (the elephants) have been practically retired except for giving some rides to tourists. At the same time, the Forest Department spends a large part of its budget to maintain them and their Mahouts (traditional Elephant handlers).


Daily Life

At the Dubare Elephant Camp, you can spend hours simply watching Elephants and of course, learning more about them. A trained Naturalist is at hand to explain the various aspects of Elephant history, ecology and biology. You can  also participate in various activities involving the Elephants, including:

Elephant Grooming: You can watch the Elephants being given a scrub-bath in the River and also watch how oil is applied on their forehead, tusks along with other aspects of Elephant grooming.

Elephant feeding: You can watch the food being prepared for the Elephants and see how they are fed.

Commands: The Mahouts (elephant handlers) will then demonstrate the various commands the Elephants can obey. This can be vividly portrayed by making Elephants perform some mock logging operations.
Naturalist: While you are watching all these activities, a Naturalist will explain to you about all aspects of Elephant ecology, history, conservation etc. Your interaction with the Elephants will be as participatory as possible.

Elephant Ride: You will be taken on an Elephant ride into the Dubare Reserve Forest.

Coracle Ride: You wll have the option of going on a coracle boat ride (native boats, circular in shape made of bamboo and hide) on the River Cauvery.

Monsoon River Rafting: During the months of July, Aug and September, there are river rafts on the River Cauvery along the stretch adjacent to the Elephant Camp. Rafting on the Cauvery - a gorgeous yet wild river during the rains, is an exhilarating and unforgetable experience.

Type of work you can get involved in include;

* Cleaning work in elephant enclosures
* Cleaning of the Garden and assisting in landscape work
* Assistance in enclosure arrangements
* Assistance in behavioral enrichment programmes
* You can attend various lectures discussion seminars related to the Elephants and their sanctuary

Accommodation

Your new home will be in a family home stay, which is walking distance to the Centre. All food is included during your stay. The meals will be typical Indian fare, including plenty of rice dishes. Vegetarian options available. You will be well looked after!


Requirements

* Min age 18
* Minimum 2 weeks commitment
* Basic English
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas 
* Don;t forget to bring;
   -  insect repellent
   -  long trousers
   - sturdy walking shoes
   - a sleeping bag

In order to guarantee your place on this project, you will need to pay a 20% non-refundable deposit (paid securely via Paypal). The remaining balance must be paid upon your arrival to the project. There is NO Commission added or Placement fee required.

Send us an email enquiry to find out more, or click the 'Join this Project' button below if you are ready to get involved.