ACTIVITIES
ANGLING
Mahseer Fishing -
Anglers from all over the world come to the Cauvery to try and
catch the legendary sport fish of India.
A 40 plus km of the river between the Shivsamudram Water Falls
and Mekedatu, is protected as it flows through the Cauvery Wildlife
Sanctuary. On the banks of this stretch of the river are 3 fishing
camps, Doddamakli the furthest upstream, Bheemeshwari mid stream
and Galibore the furthest down stream. During the fishing season
of November to April anglers have to book well in advance to
get the restricted fishing licenses available. Anglers are expected
to bring their own fishing gear but for those ill equipped OutRigor
can offer the use of a few rods and tackle.
At the camps anglers are provided with a guide and a coracle
(saucer shaped bamboo boat) as well as ragi bait. Bottom fishing
with ragi bait is the most popular fishing technique, but plugs
and spoons are also used in the rapids. Live bait, chilwa(small
fish) and crabs too get the fish to strike.
Mahseer fishing is also possible at Valnoor in Coorg. Here the
stretch of the river is shorter and the fish are not quite as
big. The Coorg Wildlife Society protects this stretch of the
river and issues fishing licenses. They also provide a guide
and coracle.
Mahseer are exceptionally strong and once hooked, can strip
100 meters of line when they run. A sturdy
10 to 12 foot rod, with casting (multiplier) reel and 40 lbs
monofilament is the most commonly used gear. A spinning reel
with 20 lbs line could also be used. Single hooks Mustad or
Owner brands of size 2.0 to 8.0 and spiral lead weights are
part of the essential equipment. Anglers do lose hooks and line
and should therefore carry additional quantities.
Mahseer fishing in the river Cauvery depends on the Monsoon
rains for the year but it is best between November and April.
Marral & Carp.
The Cauvery also has other species of fish like the Murrel and
Carp. Mepps spinners and a spinning rod offer good sport. While
these fish can be served at table, anglers are advised to abide
by a bag limit (one or two large fish are sufficient to feed
all the guests at the camp) and are encouraged to release the
smaller fish.
Catfish
This species does not excite the serious angler but if you have
kids or others who are fishing for the first time it can be
fun for them. Any ordinary rod would do including a bamboo rod!
top
WILDLIFE SAFARI'S
Within 5 hours of driving from Bangalore you could be within
one of the National Parks or
Wildlife Sanctuaries that are rich in wildlife. Jeep
safaris and in some of the sanctuaries guided treks into the
forests are experiences that no wildlife enthusiast will forget.
Some of the richest forests of South India are just a 5 hour
drive from Bangalore. – which include the Bandipur
National Park and the Rajiv Gandhi National Park at Nagarhole.
These are excellent Tiger and Elephant habitats.
During the dry summer months of February through April herds
of Asiatic Elephants, often in the
hundreds, can be seen by the banks of the Kabini reservoir,
which is surrounded by forests . An unforgettable sight for
any wildlife enthusiast! Apart from these two National Parks
there is the Wildlife Sanctuary at B.R. Hills and in the neighboring
states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the forests of Mudumalai and
Wyanad, all of which form the Nilgiri Bio-sphere, which has
the largest population of the Asiatic Elephant.
Tiger, Leopard and the Wild Dog are the three predators to be
found in these forests. For these predators there are several
prey species like the Gaur (the largest wild cattle in the world)
often and erroneously referred to as the ‘Indian Bison’,
the Sambar Deer, Chital or Spotted Deer and Muntjac or Barking
Deer. The lesser cats, Sloth Bears, Striped Hyaena, Wild Boar,
Malabar Giant Squirrel, Langur and Bonnet Macaque are some of
the other mammals, which inhabit these forests. Marsh Crocodiles
are often sighted in the Kabini reservoir. Birds, reptiles,
butterfly and insects, these forests have them all.
Wildlife is best observed in the dry and warm months of February
thru’ April. Animal sightings are reasonably common during
December and January as well and the weather is certainly more
comfortable.
top
TREKKING
Bangalore situated on the Deccan Plateau is about 3000 feet
above sea level, but the mountains of the Western Ghats and
the Nilgiris rise to 6000 to 8000 feet and these high lands
offer plenty of opportunities for trekking
Interesting trekking options exist in the hills of the Nilgiris
and Coorg and both these districts are a 6 hour drive from Bangalore.
The trekking routes around Bangalore are not like the high altitude
treks of the Himalayas with its snow-capped peaks, but greener
and more moderate. Some routes are through forested areas and
animal sightings or encounters are possible. Bandipur National
Park permits trekking during certain seasons. The duration of
these treks could range from a few hours to a few days.
The best months for trekking around Bangalore are November through
April.
top
CAMPING
Bangalore situated on the Deccan Plateau is about 3000 feet
above sea level, but the mountains of the Western Ghats and
the Nilgiris rise to 6000 to 8000 feet and these high lands
offer plenty of opportunities for camping.
If sleeping in a tent, barbequing your dinner and eating around
a bon fire is what excites you, then the campsites normally
located within privately owned plantations known to OutRigor
are a way of blending the rigors of the outdoors with some creature
comforts like a clean restroom. These campsites offer a hassle
free camping experience in a scenic environment. Camping can
be combined with short treks
for a more complete outdoor experience.
The best months for Camping around Bangalore are November through
April.
top
RAFTING AND CANOEING
This is not the adrenalin pumping experience of running the
mighty Himalayan Rivers, but if you happen to be in Bangalore
during the monsoon months of June to September rafting and canoeing
is an interesting experience and also very safe for first timers.
The river Cauvery is the closest to Bangalore but rafting and
canoeing can also be done at the Kali River at Dandeli and at
Kolur in the Western Ghats.
River Rafting is a Monsoon activity in South India as the monsoon
rains feed the rivers of the Western Ghats turning the rocky
riverbeds to white water rapids.
top
BIRDING
For the amateur an early morning walk in the Lalbagh Garden
in central Bangalore or a drive to one of the water bodies around
Bangalore would be rewarding. For the more serious, trips to
the forests, rivers and plantations would be more meaningful.
OutRigor could arrange for an experienced naturalist or birder
to accompany special interest birding groups.
The bird sanctuary at Ranganthittu near Mysore is a bit “touristy”
but it is worth a visit most times of the year as there are
several resident species are seen here, though the breeding
season in August and September and the winter months of November
through February attract enthusiastic birders.The pellicanary
at Kokrebellur off the Mysore Highway is also worth visiting
provided one reaches the place by dawn when the pelicans tend
to be more active. January and February is good time to visit
Kokkarebellur as this is the breeding season for the Storks
and Pelicans. En route to Kokkarebellur there is a water body
at Tailur for some birding.
The Bannerghatta National Park, the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary,
B.R.Hills Wildlife sanctuary, The National parks at Bandipur
and Nagarhole and Mudumalai are all good for birding. The coffee
plantations of Coorg also afford the opportunity for bird watching.
Birding can be a year round activity but is best after the monsoons
are over in November.
top
HOME STAYS
Plantation Home Stays afford the opportunity of experiencing
the hospitality of Coorg and Wyanad, walks and drives through
spice and coffee country, tasting the local cuisine, and exploring
the environment. There are Home Stays that cater to the tranquility
and luxury seeking traveler and those that welcome the backpacking
adventure seeker. Most home stays are within 6 hours of driving
from Bangalore and a visit to a home stay can normally be combined
with some outdoor activity. Trekking, bird watching and rafting
during the monsoons are the most popular activities that are
combined with home stays. Mahseer fishing at Valnoor would also
require one to stay in a home stay, as there is no conveniently
located resort close by. |
