Jungle lodges was always on our list of to-be-tried-out destinations, so one weekend we just decided to go to Bheemeshwari along with another couple. We noted down the phone numbers from the website and just started early Saturday morning. We thought there would be other resorts too in the vicinity and we will just stay in whichever one we like – that was the biggest mistake, we later realized.
It was not very difficult to find the place with the map and occasional halts to ask for directions. Once we reached there, the gatekeeper did not even let us enter the property and said that we should have booking to enter. There are no other places to stay anywhere nearby. To top it, there was no telephone signal there. We thought of returning back to Bangalore, but after driving for a while the telephone signal returned and we called the phone numbers we had luckily noted down. After a long requesting session, the person said he would check if there is anything available. It turned out that all the tents and log-huts were already occupied, but since we were really desperate, he arranged for pop-up camping tents for us for sleeping in the verandah. We were extremely happy that we finally got to go inside.
The package was for Rs.2, 500 per couple including coracle ride, trekking, meals – lunch, evening barbeque, dinner, and breakfast. We had lunch and settled down near the Kaveri riverbank with our feet dipped in water. After relaxing the guide took us to the place where the coracle ride started and we had great fun during the ride. The boatman took us over small rapids, which was slightly risky, but we enjoyed.
We came back and laid-back in the hammocks, which were there in front of all the tents and huts. The evening barbeque and campfire was arranged by then. By far, that is the best BBQ chicken that I have ever tasted. The guys had beer, while there were no ladies’ drinks available – so we settled down with coke. The dinner was arranged at the Gol Ghar and it was a lavish spread of tasty veg and non-veg dishes – considering it was in the middle of the jungle. We ate a little too much and moved on to our camping tents for sleeping. This was a new experience for us – almost like sleeping in the wild with sounds of insects, monkeys, and running animals waking you up every once in a while.
After a night of adventure, we went for nature trek in the morning. The guide showed us a lot of interesting trees, birds, and insects. After returning we got ready, had our lunch, and moved on to Bangalore.
Overall, I would say an amazing place to unwind in the middle of busy city life. The drive takes up to 2 hours and it is well worth the effort. Go there just to soak nature – sit at the side of the river, lie on the hammock and observe the sunlight streaming through the lovely tree leaves, eat green tamarind from the trees, watch the antics of the monkeys, eat scrumptious food, and sleep in a natural environment – far away from the humdrum.