BANGALORE: Tourists often complain about government undertakings in guest houses and resorts as some of their complaints include lack of maintenance and access. But there could be a few surprises in this for all those who take government apathy for granted.
Take a trip to the Bhadra Reservoir and prepare to not just holiday but also have a perception change. The River Tern Jungle resorts here would do just that. One of the most serene spaces in Karnataka, this location caters to all tastes. The Jungle resorts is probably the place to start this journey after the drive through small, yet well maintained villages. The road ends at this resort, which plays host to a variety of visitors from all across the country and abroad. Though there are trekking spots available, the stay in the resort can by itself provide the experience.
All cottages are quite a walk away from the main entrance. Their distance provides ample room for privacy and the view ‘un-interrupted’. Most of the cottages are on two separate hills, while the main hill plays host to all facilities available at the resort and a few cottages, the other hill has only cottages. To cross over, the lodges have built a wooden bridge, that looks frail due to the rising water levels there. During rainy seasons, the reservoir tends to go over 180 meters mark, which sucks in the bridge well under. Every hill climb is made possible by small stone steps with a relic and rustic touch and seems impossible to climb, only until one starts to climb it.
The cottages are well maintained would be an understatement, as they would give any private resort a ‘complex’. The cottages on the second hill also provides for a balcony the size of small hotels, and with good reason, the place does not have TV’s in their rooms. But the most important and unmissable feature of some of the rooms are the glass walls in their toilets. Its the perfect way to attend nature’s call, while enjoying all what nature has to offer as the same is a splendid view of reservoir spanning many miles.
For better acquaintance between guests, the place offers a ‘Gol Ghar’ or a common dining area where guests are expected to ‘be on time’ to enjoy their vast cuisine. The Bhadra Tiger Reserve forest comes alive late in the after noon as the experienced Jeep driver cum guides drive through inhospitable roads. Though tiger spotting’s need a pinch of luck, other wild life such as Grey junglefowl, Red spurfowl, Painted bush quail, Emerald dove, Southern green imperial pigeon, Great black woodpecker,posing for ‘trigger happy’ photographer. The staff there claim that Leopards are also a sighting near the Lakkavalli area.
Along with this, a boat ride on the back waters, and it is driven towards small islands that are often thronging with sea gulls. During their breeding season, the islands play host to all the small chicks who chirp with sub sonic voices when anything other than their species comes too close. Word of advise would be to enjoy it from ‘lens’ distance.
Most of these tours come as a package which include water sports, safari, food, joy fishing and a few other services. Trying to swim near the reservoir, however, is a bad idea as the water seems perfectly calm, but the dam sucks anything meandering close to its wrath. The reservoir, which is about 300 kms from the city, makes for the perfect weekend getaway.