The Mathigodu elephant camp in the Nagarahole Wildlife Division has become a popular tourist attractiondespite strong opposition from farmers’ associations and environmentalists.
The farmers’ associations had claimed that if the elephant camp is converted into a tourist destination, it will affect wild animals inside Nagarahole.
The Forest Department has invested Rs 1 crore to develop the camp as a tourist attraction. The camp now features an attractive entrance arch, ticket counter, parking area, barricade made of railway track for viewing elephants, a large pool for elephants to bathe in and walking paths.
Visitors can watch various activities, including observing elephants’ food habits and training. They enjoy taking selfies in front of elephants and closely observing them while maintaining a safe distance.
The Forest Department also plans to further develop the camp by utilizing existing natural resources in an eco-friendly manner, said elephant camp RFO Devaraju.
Among the 15 elephants in the camp, the star attraction is Abhimanyu. Other elephants include Ekalavya, Ramayya, Somasekhara, Partha, Bhuvaneshwari, Chamundeshwari, Maasti, Ravi, Khyata, Harsha, Bhima, Srikanta, Mahendra and Ashoka.
District Raitha Sangha President Manu Somaiah said they would continue their fight against the Mathigodu elephant camp being converted into a tourist destination. “Already, farmers and growers are incurring losses due to wild animals from Nagarahole National Park. Our fight will continue,” he added.
