Tiny Travel Tale – by Ashish Deokule

What would it be like seeping in the melody of mighty flowing waters crushing onto the taming rocks? How would you feel to be the chosen destination for the few droplets of water bumping off as the river traverses through the rocky terrain?  For the less adventurous, it also showcases another facet of itself; a true reflection of nature in the crystal clear but still waters of the great Cauvery.  And a must question for them: how would you feel to hear the murmurings of a few remote villagers sitting right next to the bank of the river?

Bheemeshwari, an attraction about 150 kms southwest of Bangalore, is located in the district of Mandya, off the Kanakapura-Kollegal Highway.

Bheemeshwari offers a whole range of activities from common-place boating to fishing, from adventurous river rafting and trekking to the observant star gazing and bird watching.  Unfortunately, I was flocked with less adventurous people and had to settle for not-so-adventurous activities.  Needless to say, Bheemeshwari will ensure you don’t have a dull day!

We started off our perfect sunny morning on the banks of the river observing the topsy-turvy curves of the same.  It was a perfect morning for some river rafting but alas, I was the lone volunteer.  Nevertheless, the cool breeze, bringing along the dew particles gingerly putting across our faces, was a tickle to be cherished.  And being in nature’s lap, it gives countless opportunities for the lens lovers to capture the panorama of the place.  Be it water gushing over the rocks or the vegetation careening along the breeze, every part of nature was asking us picture them!

Ok, so how about boating?  And it was a unanimous decision!  So we started off our short travel again to see the metamorphosis of Cauvery from a wild roaring beast to a gentle and timid pet.  The scene is inexpressible in words.  Birds chirping around, leaves smashing against one another and growls of some distant animals would keep you engrossed in the exotic nature.  And another delight for the shutterbugs!

After a short boat trip of 30 minutes, in a hemispherical vessel made up of buffalo hide, we reached to the other end of Cauvery.  A sand basin, which becomes non-existent in Monsoon owing to rising water levels during the reason.  This basin gives an opportunity to do any recreational activity that one can think of: playing cards, freeze-bee, Antakshari, Dumb Charades, a picnic place and even physical strenuous games like kabaddi, kho-kho, and lot many more.  A perfect base for a family trip!

As the dusk was settling in, we thought to pursue of journey back and another short 30 minute boat trip.  We tipped off the captain of the boat (that’s what we called him jokingly) to show some antics which he did with all his pleasure.

With that a beautiful day at Bheemeshwari came to an end. 

My definite next trip would involve night camping, river rafting and trekking. (Sorry! Cannot help you there.)

Adventure for the adventurous, tranquility personified for the inactive.  That’s Bheemeshwari for you!