Bheemeshwari

Nestled along the untamed river Cauvery, Bheemeshwari is a petite town situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Located around a distance of 103 kilometers from Bangalore, Bheemeshwari is called an angler’s paradise for the kind of angling and fishing experience it offers.  Tucked away somewhere off the Kanakapura-Kollegal Highway, Bheemeshwari is a five-kilometer short drive away from Muthathi. The famous getaway near Bangalore is frequented by the city dwellers for adventure activities involving pulsating sports like rafting, kayaking, trekking, camping, angling, wildlife safaris etc. The activities are mostly conducted around the confluence of river Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers. 

It is one of the most visited weekend getaways from Bangalore where the river is a natural habitat for Mahseer which draws the fishing enthusiasts to the many fishing camps in Bheemeshwari as it is believed to be best game fish. The tropical fishes are allowed to be taken out of the water in your fishing game but you can not take them home, this is done to secure these species from getting extinct and to save the wildlife. Besides fishing, the ecological hotspot also offers water sports like rafting, kayaking, coracle ride which is a traditional local oval boat knitted of the split willow branches. Not only birds and fishes but you will also get glimpses of crocodiles, leopards, wild boars, and deer etc in Bheemeshwari forests sanctuary. 

As you enter the forest area, you will be checked well before letting you in, especially for alcohol and hunting gears. Bheemeshwari is cherished as a great weekend destination from Bangalore as it offers in abundance,  Traversing across the river water in a rustic coracle is one of the other factors which acts as a magnet to hundreds and thousands of city dwellers to make a halt at Bheemeshwari. An action-packed weekend in Bheemeshwari starts with tents on the bank of river Cauvery for camping, bonfire at night and glorious sunrises on your morning jog or walk. Trek in the nearby forest stretches and walk uphill to the peaks, embark on a heart-throbbing rafting expedition, eat locally made food, mostly basic yet tasty meals in your camps. These camps provide mosquito nets, cots, food, and bathing facilities in their packages. Sleep at night under the open sky, amid the cocoon-quiet jungle with the gushing sound of the river. You can either leave the next day for your busy city life or can stay back and add more adventure to your Bheemeshwari diary. The solo or two-seater kayaks can be more than just exciting, dodging the boulders and surviving the rapids is not a piece of cake but with little training, you can ace this. There are nearby destinations like Kokrebellur Pelicanry, pristine waterfalls like Mekedatu, Gaganachukki and Barachukki etc which also piques the interest of the travelers.

The ample options of fishing and nature camps in the valley are found scattered along the river bank or deep into the woods. These nature camps are your ultimate stopover after the electrifying rafting excursion or the tiring trekking expedition. Rejuvenate amid nature and devour on some freshly cooked local food while listening to the wild river Cauvery gurgles in its full swell. The open-air dining room in these camps let you dine under the clear sky, sometimes dimly starlit and sometimes ghostly-moonlit. On your drive to Bheemeshwari, you will steer on some hairpin bends which enable breathtaking views of the valley. 

The nearby attractions such as Doddamakali and Galibore are also famous camping location near Bheemeshwari. Situated at a distance of around 7 kilometers from Bheemeshwari, Doddamakali is an isolated stretch of forest whereas Galibore is also a natural habitat for fish which is located 16 kilometers away from Bheemeshwari. Mekedatu is another off-the-beaten destination near Bheemeshwari which has many untrodden jungle trails and waterfalls. Sangam is a mesmerizing confluence point of river Cauvery and river Arkavathi where people often flock for picnicking. Kokrebellur Pelicanry is one of Asia’s largest habitat for migratory birds home to pelicans and painted storks. 

The best time to visit Bheemeshwari is between September to February for experiencing a pleasant weather and the rivers come alive after the monsoon months. Flocks of fishing eagles, kingfishers and many other exotic bird species make it a paradise for birdwatchers. Beware of the Monkeys whom you will find all over the region. It is an ideal place to go and enjoy with friends, family, spouse or office colleagues for a fun-filled weekend. Do carry your camera for capturing wild glimpses as you will encounter a lot more than you expect in Bheemeshwari.