Cauvery Fishing Camp, Mysore

Introduction :
Cauvery, the very name resonates in your body and creates an inner peace. That’s what you will find at the Cauvery Fishing Camp. Cauvery is one of the longest rivers in South India. Its importance is seen in Indian mythology as well as being a life supporter for providing water to almost the whole of South India. 

The Cauvery Fishing Camps cover an area of 12 kms through the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary. This area is divided into three camps, each having its own facilities and activities. They are Bheemeswari, Doddamakali: set six kms upstream from Bheemeswari and Gallibore: sixteen kms downstream from Bheemeswari. 

But no matter where you go in Cauvery, you will see one regular visitor. The great Indian Masheer, the largest tropical sporting fish known to man. Masheer’s weighing 1000 pounds have been caught here and immediately released. Foreign tourists are very fond of fishing here particularly due to the Masheer. Apart from fishing, this place offers a beautiful setting for wilderness lovers to come and relax by the riverside, or go trekking through the hilly terrain from one camp to another. 

Cauvery fishing camp is located 120 kms from Bangalore city. The average travel time is about 3 hours and is accessible by road via Kanakapura. The camp is set in on the banks of the river, ideally tucked amidst steep hills. 
 

The Lodge

Accommodation comes in the option of tented cottages or Log huts. Both the options are well furnished and overlooking the river. At Bheemeswari there are nine tented cottages and eight log huts. Five tented cottages are available at Doddamakali and Gallibore each. 

All the above accommodations are very well furnished and have attached toilets. They are kept clean at all times and Linen is changed daily.

‘GOLGHAR’, the dining area is located facing the river, where the guests can converge for Breakfast, lunch and dinner while visually enjoying the beauty of the river. Indian and Continental Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian food is prepared in a homely and hygienic manner.

 Itinerary

We would recommend a stay for at least three nights. The actual number of nights is left to the guest to decide. Check In: 1200, Check Out: 1100.

Day 1: As soon as you check in, you are left with the option to try every activity. After unpacking, you are welcome to lunch at the GOLGHAR by 1300 hrs. After lunch, you are given time to rest a little. At 1600 hrs, tea/coffee is served, after which you can go on a short bird watching expedition. By 1900 hrs you return to your respective camps. A short while to freshen up and you are at the barbeque under a million stars. You can choose to have a beer while enjoying the rhythm of the river, before you dig into your dinner. Lights off by 2200 hrs. 

Day 2: Wake up at 0600 to the orchestra of the jungle birds. Tea/Coffee is served. Start the morning with an expedition to the river for some lessons in angling. Try your hand from various points in the river bank. You are sure to catch one sooner or latter, and when you do, don’t forget to capture it on camera. All fishes caught here are released immediately. To prove your catch was not a fluke, try once again. By 1000 hrs you would have wandered deeper into the river. Time to come back and pack for the next part. Freshen up, after which you have an elaborate breakfast. Check out at 1100 hrs. Pack your bags and head for Doddamakali. A short trek later, you check in at the camps in Doddamakali. By the time you unpack, lunch will be served at 1300 hrs. You must be extremely tired by now and we suggest you take the day off relaxing with a good book. Sitting by the riverbed you can see an extra special sunset. Dinner is served at 2000 hrs. Exchange your ideas about the place with other guest around the Campfire. Lights off by 2200 hrs. 

Day 3: Get up early morning to get bashing with water sports. Rafting facilities are available for the much daring at extra cost. For the leisurely, coracle rides are offered. Time is spent to explore the nearby ecosystem. By 1000 hrs you reach base camp. After packing, freshen up, have breakfast and check out. Check out is at 1100 hrs. The next stop, Gallibore can be reached by trekking or by jeep. If you trek, then you will reach there by 1700 hrs. The rest of the day can be taken off to relax. If you prefer jeep safari, you will reach there by 1200 hrs and you are left with time to spend by the river. Swimming is allowed here under the watchful eyes of professionals. Dinner is served at 2100 hrs.

Day 4: Morning get up and head for an open jeep safari in to the woods to spot some animals. Return by 1000 hrs in time for breakfast. Freshen up and have a sumptuous breakfast. Check out by 1100 hrs. 

You have two options, to pack and check out by 1100 hrs or to continue stay for a couple of days more, of which, we suggest the latter. After all this is a once in a lifetime experience. 

 What to Expect

Activities: Professional and Leisure angling, Trekking, Rafting, Swimming, Open Jeep safari, Bird watching, Outdoor Camping, Coracle rides etc. 

Flora: Dry deciduous forests. The area is covered by hundreds of species of plants and trees, with patches of evergreen trees surrounded by grassy blanks.

Wildlife: Spotted Deer, Elephant, Monkey, Wild boar, Crocodiles etc.

Birds: Pied Kingfisher, River Tern, Grey Heron, Grey Hornbill, Large Indian Egret.

Fish: Two species of Masheer is found here. The ‘TOR KHUDREE’ and ‘TOR MUSSULLAH’.

Best Season: For professionals, the best time would be between November and June. Nature lovers and trekkers are welcome year round. 
 

 More Information

It would be ideal to carry along general items like a water bottle, Torch, Insect repellant, sunscreen, lightweight long sleeve shirts, extra pair of trousers, shoes, boots, extra socks (no bright colors), sweater, shawl, hats or caps, binoculars, watch, compass, book of Indian wild life and birds and antiseptic cream. Don’t carry plastic bags and covers into the park. Don’t wear strong deodorants or perfumes as it can scare and disturb the fishes as well as the animals.