Meandering
through the woody landscape amidst the forests of Karnataka is the
Cauvery – the most majestic and sacred river of South India. The river
offers both adventure and opportunity for nature lovers. Nestled along
this mighty river is the Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp, world-renowned as
home to the great ‘Mahseer’ - the finest & the largest tropical sporting
fish known to man. Tucked away from the milling crowds, yet close enough
for you to reach, this camp offers a slice of nature that is entirely
unique, one in which you can totally feel free!
Activities
Though fishing has been
a huge industry in India for centuries, angling or sport fishing became
a serious pastime only in the mid-19th century. British anglers of the
Raj came in pursuit of the Trout and Salmon but found a creature that
far surpassed other fish as a fighter - the Mahseer or The Large Headed
One. It spawned an entire clan of adventurers (including the legendary
Jim Corbett), who would travel to far-flung areas of the country just to
battle with the mighty Mahseer.
In South India, as the
Cauvery River flows out of the Western Ghats to Tamil Nadu plains, it
cuts deep gorges and creates vast rapids, many pools and thus holding
areas for the huge Mahseer. JLR has exclusive rights to vast stretches
of the Cauvery. Four different kinds of Mahseer are found in these
waters – Silver, Gold, balck and Pink. However, in light of decreasing
sizes and numbers of good specimens, 'Catch-and-Release' has become a
necessary practice. Other fish often found are carp , catfish and many
small ones useful as bait.
JLR’s Bheemeshwari
Fishing Camp is a perfect base for anglers in pursuit of the Mighty one.
The fishing season here is during the months of November, December,
January and February. Guests are provided with a local guide or ‘gillie’
for every two visitors. Gillies help anglers with their knowledge of the
waters and are experienced fishermen themselves. They also are adept at
using the coracle boats (native, circular boats made out of buffalo
hide) and can move guests from place to place in the waters. JLR
provides the coracles to cross the river and also to help with the
landing of fish
Fishing is done during
the morning, which lasts from first light until midday and then again
from 4 o'clock until nightfall. Also, only a maximum of 10 rods are
allowed to be in the water during a single session. Fishing techniques
that are possible on these waters are Bait fishing, Fly fishing and
Spinning. Bait is also provided – baked Ragi (millets) paste, freshwater
crabs, chilva and sometimes figs are the main ones used.
TACKLE
LIST
Though we have a few tackles on hire, we request guests to get their own
tackle as personal preference is a factor.
Rods: Your main rod can be an off-the-shelf uptide of
about 10 foot casting 6 - 10oz (one joint). Fibreglass is tougher than
carbon and is also cheaper. A heavy duty carp rod for spinning and also
a lighter rod for catching live bait will complete the set.
Reels: The main criterion for reels is that they take a
lot of line. You don't have to cast far, but fish make long runs and you
don't want to run out! They should be of the highest quality as they
have to take a lot of pressure. Multipliers such as Abu Ambassadors are
very popular, 7000 and 9000 models. Large fixed spools such as Shimano
Aerlex can be used as well.
Line: 40lb or 50lb monofil for your main reel and
perhaps Braid for spinning. A long fight with a fish can result in line
being damaged and it will need to be changed when this happens.
Hooks: Sizes 5,6,7, 8 can be used for the main rod.
Owner and Partridge are popular, but anything as long as it is extra
strong. The same for hooks on lures. Change them for extra strong even
if they are not already fitted.
Plugs: Rupala 9” or 8” (black and white) or Meps no.4 &
5
Guests are also advised
to bring with them a cap, sunscreen, dark glasses, shorts, good shoes to
taken on the water and personal medical kit. We request all our foreign
clientele to adhere to all safety precautions and ensure that they get
all their inoculations prior to their visit to the Camp.
Complete body rejuvenation therapies of the ancient Indian health care
system – “ Ayurveda “ are available in our Ayurveda Hut . It is run by
KOTTAKKAL ARYAVAIDYA SALA ( The pioneers in Ayurveda ) dealers using
their medicines and systems and all the therapies performed by well
trained male/female therapists.
Wildlife
Mammals that are spotted
around the Camp include leopard, elephants, wild pigs, sambar, spotted
deers, the highly endangered grizzled giant squirrel, Malabar giant
squirrel and jackals.
Reptiles that can be
sighted are marsh crocodile, turtles (Leith’s Soft Shelled Turtle, an
endemic species is found in these waters), chameleon, python, cobra,
russell's viper and banded krait. However, the Mahseer fish is the main
attraction of the waters of River Cauvery
Over 200 species of
birds have been identified around the camp. Among the water-based birds,
you can spot the grey-headed fishing eagle, spot billed duck, small pied
kingfisher, black-bellied river tern, osprey, and many more. There are
also a number of rare land-based birds such as the honey buzzard, tawny
eagle, pied crested cuckoo, etc.
Location
The best time to visit
is just after the monsoon, between August and February, when the river
is swollen and the forest and the surroundings are rich with green
vegetation. This time is ideal for bird watchers too, as river terns,
fishing eagles, wood peckers, king fishers, and plenty of other species
flock here in large numbers. However, at other times water recedes to
reveal wide sand banks where you could laze in the evenings or wade in
the many lagoons created by the ebbing water. Summers (March – June) can
be very warm, especially in the afternoons.
Bheemeshwari is located
at a distance of 100 km from the tech city, Bangalore, down the
Kanakpura - Kollegal Highway. You have to turn off at Halagur, and go
down the Halagur - Muttatti road. On the way you will come across JLR’s
Bheemeshwari Camp. This place is a retreat for those who want to enjoy
the calm environs with a dash of adventure.
Accommodation
In keeping with Jungle
Lodges eco tourism philosophy, the Camp, overlooking the River Cauvery
consists of just eight luxurious ethnic log-huts on stilts, blending
beautifully with the jungle behind. On the riverbank are also eight
well-furnished tented cottages (twin-bedded with attached bathrooms) for
those who prefer a more closer-to-nature experience.We also have now 2
luxurious Cottages.


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