No Selfies, No Feeding, No Bathing: 10 Elephant Camp Rules In Karnataka Tourists Must Follow

Almost a month after a tourist was killed at Dubare Elephant Camp, Karnataka, the state Forest Department has now introduced a new set of safety rules that will change how elephant camps are operated across the state. Want to know more about it? Read on!

Karnataka To Introduce New Rules At Dubare Elephant Camp

As per a report by News18, the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) highlight the detailed rules on visitor conduct, crowd management, elephant welfare and emergency preparedness at all 14 elephant camps in Karnataka.

The move comes in the wake of the death of 33-year-old Chennai resident Tulasi on May 18. She was fatally trampled during a public elephant bathing session in the Cauvery River after two captive elephants suddenly turned aggressive and began fighting. In the chaos, one elephant lost its balance and fell on her. Her husband was injured while trying to save her, while their daughter escaped unharmed.

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The incident sparked concerns over tourist safety, crowd control measures and emergency response systems at elephant camps. It also prompted questions about how closely visitors are allowed to interact with elephants.

What Are The New Rules?

Under the new protocol, Karnataka is shifting away from close-contact elephant tourism and towards an observation-based model focused on conservation, education and responsible interaction. Tourists will now be required to maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres from elephants, while activities such as feeding, bathing, touching or taking selfies with the animals have been banned.

Visitors who cross barricades, enter restricted areas or engage in risky photography will be removed from the premises. Officials say the measures are designed to safeguard both tourists and elephants.

The SOP also reiterates that elephants, despite being trained and managed by mahouts, remain wild animals capable of unpredictable behaviour. Factors such as loud noises, large crowds, flash photography and physical interaction can cause stress and increase the risk of aggression.

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Have you ever visited Karnataka? If yes, what do you enjoy doing there?

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia  Commons

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