If you want a break from the urban madness of Chennai, you’d probably drive along the East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram. If you want to run away from Bangalore similarly, you probably have an even better option: Bheemeshwari.
Hop onto your car and drive just about 100 kilometres to reach this village on the banks of the Cauvery. This place is not far from Mysore too.
While there may be other accommodation, the Cauvery Fishing Camp of Jungle Lodges Ltd. (run by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation) might be your best bet. If you’ve stayed at some other Jungle Lodges resort, you’ll find the setup very similar here.
The lunch-to-breakfast package deal is neither unreasonable nor too affordable. Tent-like cottages and log-huts are the two options; also included are all meals, coracle ride, safari, etc. Hammocks and nets provide varied relaxation. A dark night in the calm jungle surroundings can be quite romantic. Like most properties of Jungle Lodges, this place could even serve as an inexpensive honeymoon option.
A safari in the night can be thrilling in the rocky route. But one can’t expect to see many animals at any time of the day. A short trek to the nearby peak is a good way to start the day. It will take you to an interesting view-point and then you can trek back to breakfast.
Cauvery is misleadingly quiet here; the current can pull you away. Hence, swimming is not advisable beyond a few metres from the banks. The speciality here though is fishing.
On my recent second trip, I saw quite a few fishing-lovers enjoying their days here. Water-rafting too is possible; but for that, you might need to go in the rainy season when the river is flowing at its best.
Minor problems in Cauvery Fishing Camp include delay in food getting ready and the high cost for an extra meal. Food is just about fine, if you don’t go in with high expectations.
Also, it’s better you book in advance from Bangalore. Kanakapura Road is the road to take; your car will enjoy speeding. Later, as you enter the final 16-kilometre village road, your patience will be tested.
Cell-phones don’t work here. The facilities available are bare minimum. The drive from Bangalore is not at all difficult -- you even have the option of taking a bus. All these coupled with closeness to nature make this an ideal week-end escapade. Don’t believe rumours that Veerappan might be around though!