If you are looking at packing an adventure holiday in a 1-day trip out of Bangalore, Bheemeshwari is the place to go. It offers white water rafting, trekking, and bird watching facilities at an easy 3-hour drive out of Bangalore.
Bheemeshwari is 100 km from Bangalore off the Kanakapura‑Kollegal Highway. The major landmarks along this route are Kanakapura, Sathnur, and Muthathi . The last 10-km run through a dense forest, and the road is pretty rocky. There are many tour operators offering white water and fishing facilities at this site.
The Cauvery Fishing Camp, Doddamakkali Nature Camp, Galibore Fishing Camp, and the Jungle Lodges and Resorts are the popular ones ‑ all of which require advance booking. The camps are set on the banks of the River Cauvery amidst the backdrop of the Western Ghats . Large groups can avail of discounts offered by tour operators.
White Water Rafting Facilities
For the most part, the river Cauvery is a gently flowing river. At some places along its course, the river drops at a gradient. The fall of the water along a gradient on submerged rocks creates a frothy stretch of water with a swift, changing current. This stretch of water is very difficult to navigate and provides spills and thrills to the adventure seeker.
The rafting facilities are best enjoyed from June-September when the monsoons turn the River Cauvery into a roaring torrent.
Rapids are graded as per international standards according to ascending degree of difficulty. The rapids at Bheemeshwari are of medium difficulty at grade 3. Stringent safety measures are followed by all tour operators at Bheemeshwari and safety equipment and craft are well-maintained.
Inflatable rafts, each seating 6 people, are launched into calm waters, and guests are allowed to paddle the calm stretches. The guides are seasoned at navigating the white water stretches. At the end of the 8-km stretch, the inflatables are beached and guests are ferried back to camp in a jeep.
Other Activities At Bheemeshwari
- Wildlife treks: The Bheemeshwari Sanctuary offers the traveller a chance to spot over 200 species of birds and animals. This sanctuary is the natural habitat of the Giant Malabar Squirrel, Jackals and spotted deer and forms a part of the migratory corridor for elephants
- Angling: Mahseeer abound in the Cauvery at stretches near Bheemeshwari. For those interested in fishing, angling equipment is available on hire at these camps.
- Kayaking: Kayaking in single or two-seater kayaks in calm stretches of the Cauvery provide an adrenaline rush to tourists
- Coracle Rides: Coracle rides are available for adventure seekers. Coracles are basket-shaped rafts designed to seat one or two. The boatmen steer these flimsy craft in the swift current and are adept at thrilling the guests by moving the craft round and round in the choppy waters.
Bheemeshwari is a place where time seems to stand still. One can laze around in hammocks along the riverbank, take leisurely walks along the river, or listen to the birdcalls and be at peace.
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