Words speak for themselves...my family inspired me to write...from the person u brought u into this world...my 'Amma'...my mother who has written over 1000 poems and articles....my dad who is an ardent blogger...my parents are Authors of multiple books...my brother does excellent copywriting....my hubby who gives food for thought and my son who offers a new perspective on life...travelling has taken me places and helped me explore new possibilities with my family members...Wanna sneak a peek ??
Cauvery, Camping and Crocodiles
-Aparna Chandra
February 13, 2023
An unplanned impromptu decision to drive down to Bheemeeshwari Jungle lodge and resort made us pack a small bag with clothes for an overnight stay, Dad sped on the Mysore road at the maximum speed limit of 100 km/hour and we had to break away from the expressway at some points. We crossed Chennipatna where he traditional ‘Golu’ toys are made. ‘Kamat’ restaurant reminded me of meddu vada and filter coffee.
The roads were picturesque, lush green and surrounded by palm trees. The barricade into the Cauvery forest reserve is like a typical Jungle barricade – with no Fastta. One has to get down, write the car details, pay the entry fee and then drive in. The roads become narrow and curved, and one has to drive in a zig-zig manner through slopes. There is thick vegetation on both sides and one can spot monkeys on the road
Few minutes of a scenic ride makes you drive to the iron gate (painted to resemble like bamboo sticks) straight into the Jungle lodge and resort .The reception is filled with photos of leopards and remnants of fish jaws. This place was actually a fishing camp earlier but the government took over and bannedd fishing around a decade back.
A sip of the pleasant lemonade as the welcome drink is indeed very refreshing. We traversed through the sandy river bank to reach a log huts. We were told that during the rainy season, small boats are used to ferry guests from the reception to the huts as the route is filled with river water then.
The tranquil huts are located amidst wilderness with the Cauvery river flowing passed through few metres away. Wooden logs as walls, wooden furniture, a hardcover book on forest trees, a balcony with a sit- in area are indeed very inviting. We reached the restaurant which had a buffet lunch with ample varieties of food, copper tumblers to drink water and a friendly staff. Salad with groundnuts and dals, white creamy pasta, cucumber, tomatoes etc. were sumptuous. Typical South Indian payasam made of lentils was very tasty too.
We relaxed a bit and then enrolled in the adventure activities. I took the lead, put on a safety harness and crossed the Elephant walk, the Burma bridge through the ropes above the riverside, then walked with weight balanced in the front on a thin single parallel roll – this being an uphill task .
The next adventure was whizzing past zip lines in 5 parts, spread over an area of approx. 1.5 kms. This was very interesting, thrilling and the view from the top of the river was surreal. My mom was trying to shoot a video from it difficult to keep track of me and my hubby as we moved from one point to another. This experience made me relive my school and college days – it made me feel exhilarated. I loved experience thrilling rides and activities after a gap of many years.
We then headed for the boat ride and kayaking on the Cauvery river. I was told was the water is 30 feet deep .As we reached the rocky terrain on the river, we were scared and shocked to notice crocodiles few feet away from the Coracle boat. Their colour was similar to the rocks and the guide told us that Crocodiles attacks swimmers but not boat riders. We were then motivated by the resort staff to try Kayaking under their supervision. This was the new experience, with our feet placed in a 90 degree angle and rowing the boat in pairs on our own.
Evening time as fun-filled with barbeque tikka and tandoori food on the platter next to a bonfire, A fake alarm in the car app made my dad and hubby check the car. When they were returning back, they were lucky to watch of a flock of deer inside the camp, with one deer inside the reception en route to the huts. My hubby was quick to flash the torch behind our rooms to help me see new numerous green flickering eyes of deer nearby. Nature at its best !!
The Jungle lodges are comfortable and cosy, yet not very commercialised with limited number of huts and tents, natural environments and commitment to conserve the environment. The warm bonfire was followed with a beautiful film on the LED screen in the restaurant - it showcased the tranquil beauty of the Jungle Lodges and resorts. My urge to create a travel blog like this one pushed me to write this article.
The sun-kissed forest, bathing elephants at the Dubbare elephant camp, watching crocodiles on the Cauvery waterfront etc. was shown in a realistic manner I decided to experience one disordering were shown in a realistic manner. I vowed to experience one resort in Karnataka every time I visit Bangalore in the future.
Negligible mobile network enables one to completely cut off from one’s routine. Natural surrounding calm one’s soul and makes you unwind fully. Next morning, we went on a guided tour on a nature walk through the surrounding Forest. We were pleased to hear the chirping of numerous wild birds and mobile apps like Merlyn app. Deers, snakes were spotted on our walk too. As we were on our way back, we saw a stone temple where snakes are worshipped.
Continental, South Indian, North Indian variety all encompassed the food menu including breakfast tested our food intake capacity. Food was very tasty, simple and warm.
The brief stay here was full of natural beauty, rustic surroundings, clean and green environment, interesting experiences and a gut feeling to come back and camp here again !! Au revoir !!
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