Bheemeshwari- Resort on the Cauvery

A part of the 9 or 10 Jungle Lodges and Resorts that Karnataka government runs across various places in the state, Bheemeswari is one (others include Kabini, near Mysore, and one at Devbagh near Karwar). Set on the banks of river Cauvery, this is also known as Cauvery Fishing and Nature camp. But there is no fishing allowed here now.

What is available is a guided trek, and many other activities like the rope climbing, river walk a hundred feet above the stream (Burma loop), parallel walk on a rope with another for hand-holding you through it, and such. I personally liked the slide down the steel rope- it is great fun.

There is also a longish coracle (circular) boat ride, over rapids which were mild compared to what I had tried out in Hogenakkal some time ago. Rafting is also there, but payable extra. But the Cauvery river and the forest through which it flows is breathtakingly beautiful, and if you so choose, you can just lie around in a hammock and gaze at it, or doze off, and it would still be worth it. The food and service are both excellent, a rarity in government-run places. There was also an evening barbecue around a campfire. The stars were out, and there was a near-full moon, which we savoured sitting beside the river, and there was some singing and horsing around as well.

How do you get there? Take the Kanakapura road from Bangalore and take a left towards Bheemeshwari after crossing Kanakapura. Follow directions. In all, around 100 kms. From Bangalore. Booking should be available online. The log huts are right on the river banks, and have a great view from the room. There are also tents which are slightly offset, but close by.

Meditative and relaxing, even without the (chargeable) Ayurvedic massage that is given on the premises. Kids would love the place too. The company counts, and this was a sort of 31^st year reunion of some engineering college-mates from Osmania university, that made it especially good. And the spouses who came also had great fun.