Cauvery gurgled its way beside the cottages with green hills in the background. The recent rains had swelled the river and green was the predominant colour. A few macaques monkeyed around as I sat in oblivion gazing at the flowing waters through the canopy in the foreground.
Galibore Nature camp, run by Jungle Lodges and resorts off Kanakapura main road is quite cut away from the main access road. The last stretch of 9 Kms is an enjoyable off- roading experience on an undulated mud road and puddles with Cauvery appearing intermittently along with odd wildlife sightings. This nature camp was earlier quite popular for its angling of Mahseer which were let off the hook once they were caught. Angling is presently banned here, however, the serene wilderness by the Cauvery is definitely a reason to head to this camp.
The activities began with a light trek to the top of a hill behind the property premises. One can either opt for this guided trek uphill or go for a nature walk. The guide waded his way through the tall grasses, and I like a dutiful pupil followed him. Half way up an aerial view of Cauvery through the canopy was visible, and the higher we went, the vistas turned panoramic. A sambar whizzed past us, a few meters away as it heard human intrusion. Hardly had a glimpse as it ran through the tall grasses. We waited patiently for it to return, but it scampered off further. In a while we were on top of the hill with magnificent panoramic vistas all over. It is a beautiful frame as Cauvery meanders peacefully through the thick foliage. The watch tower here offers more aerial vistas. We trudged down shortly after gazing at the views for a while. More tall grasses and slippery trail with stones made it a slightly precarious trek down. Back on the mud road in a while, we crossed over to rest and have lunch at the resort a few feet away from Cauvery.
Though fishing is no more allowed, coracle rides are a nice way to understand the river better. After a sumptuous lunch I got onto one of the coracles to go down the stream. Cauvery flowed beautifully as my boatman kept searching for crocodiles to frame. The bright sun, clear skies and the wedged Cauvery between the verdant green hills made a nice frame as the search for crocodiles continued. We spotted a quite a few by the banks. They were quite vigil despite their laid back sunbath and quietly slipped into the waters, the moment our coracle went closer. Birds in various hues and sizes were also seen fluttering all over and it included kingfishers, cormorants, lapwings and many more. There are more than hundreds of species of birds found near this camp as per my boatman.
An hour later, we were back on the bank waiting for the vehicle to transport me back to the resort. As we waited, I realised that every frame of the gleaming Cauvery looked beautiful. The jutting rocks, the thick deciduous forests on the other bank and the blue sky further accentuated it. On the way back sighted a herd of spotted deer who were startled by the noise of the vehicle and strolled away. More relaxing moments and a cup of coffee later, I was back manoeuvring the undulated mud road that led out of the camp and away from Cauvery.
A night stay is recommended at the camp as this makes the experience more relaxing and enjoyable. The neat tented cottages has all the basic amenities required. The hammocks outside each tent is an ideal place for a siesta under the shade.
Signing Note- Relax amidst wilderness by the Cauvery...!!
Route- Bangalore- Kanakapura- Mekedatu- Galibore
Distance- 110 Kms
Dandeli.com
is a comprehensive website which helps travellers visit this wonderful nature camp and makes their stay a memorable one. For more
travel information, booking and reservation, please contact Mr.Ramnath
at 09449244567. You can mail them at
book@dandeli.com.
P.S.- I was invited by Dandeli.com to visit Galibore Nature Camp.
Thanks for sharing.. Would like to visit shortly
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it. Enjoy your visit.
DeleteLooks quite a relaxing place. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, absolutely.
DeleteWould love a ride in that coracle and sit back in the cottage. Glad you shared this.
ReplyDeleteThe coracle ride is quite a soothing experience.
DeleteIt's a beautiful place. Nice pics.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteGreat photographs! Dandeli has been on my mind for a while. This helps as a useful resource :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is Galibore and not Dandeli. :)
DeleteLovely captures, Niranjan!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteLovely pics of the serene Cauvery..would have loved the roaring waters of the same Cauvery at Mekedatu!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Mekedatu is different experience all together.
Deletelovely sightings and photos
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it.
DeleteVery picturesque place.
ReplyDeleteYeah, absolutely.
DeleteBeautiful scenes of nature. Good photography and write-up
ReplyDeletethanks
Thank you.
DeleteBeautiful pictures and lovely place to stay midst nature :)
ReplyDeletewe went there last month :) but the last 9 km stretch was a little torture for our car :P
Thank you. Hope you enjoyed your stay.
Deleteനല്ല പോസ്റ്റ്... വിവരണങ്ങള്ക്ക് ചിത്രങ്ങള് കൂടുതല് മികവേകി. ബക്കറ്റ് ലിസ്റ്റില് എണ്ണം കൂടി വരുന്നു :(
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mubi.
DeleteBeautifully narrated and images are wonderful...a forest walk is a thrilling experience!!
ReplyDeletewww.myunfinishedlife.com
Glad you liked it.
DeleteNice post Niranjan. Also thanks for the details about dandeli.
ReplyDeleteHoliday Packages
Thank you.
DeleteAmazing pictures & beautiful place.....
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteNice pics! I love the cauvery fishing camp lodges - perfect for do-nothing weekends!
ReplyDelete- charukesi.com/itchyfeet
Thank you, Charukesi. Absolutely, ideal weekend getaways.
Deletethat looks wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it.
DeleteBeautiful...nice photos too :)
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete