Our Tryst with Nature in Bheemeshwari

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Since long, my team was coaxing me for an outing to some place fun. While I tried to do away with them for quite a few weeks, I could not hold on for much longer. Finally, I gave in last weekend and decided for a team outing around Bangalore. While I wanted to take them to some place fun and adventurous, with enough opportunities to relax, I was in mood to spend much travelling on the road. Bheemeshwari fitted my description perfectly, since it is situated just about a 100 km from Bangalore along the banks of River Kaveri. Thus, I was on the phone, making the necessary arrangements with Thrillophilia, an organization specializing in organizing weekend getaways around Bangalore.

Off we went for an adventure trail

We left Bangalore at about 7 am in a tempo traveler, since we were seven of us. Bheemeshari is located off the Kanakpura-Kollegal Highway, which makes us about a 2hours drive. A 2hour journey wasn’t long, and since we were entitled to a scrumptious breakfast in the forest lodges in Bheemeshwari, we decided to travel light- just water and very light snacks.

The small town of Bheemeshwari winds around River Kaveri, offering splendid views and the very best of nature. And boy, did the destination take our breaths away. Just being there was so refreshing, and our expectations from the place grew even higher.

Jungle Lodges and some Adventure

While the destination itself is beautiful, what made our experience even more special were the jungle lodges. Nestled amidst greenery, they offered a perfect recluse to relax and unwind. Most of us unwound for a few minutes at the lodges and reassembled at the dining area, where, as promised, a scrumptious breakfast was awaiting us. We had our fill, but frankly speaking, most of us were looking forward to the adventure than having food. And so, off we went to the elephant camp, which was nearby and decided to try our hand at trekking in Bheemeshwari. We decided to trek Basavana Betta, a high hill which houses some exotic wildlife as well. River Kaveri runs along the hill, and the sight is just mesmerizing. While I have been on quite a few treks in my life, this one was simply one of the best.

Even more adventure

The Bheemeshwari was moderately tough, which meant that it was not very difficult for any of us to reach the top. We all were in our mid 20s and early 30s and thus, were pretty fit. Once at the top of the hill, we pitched our camps and had our lunch. The wind blowing atop the hill and the scenic splendor all around just made the food taste even better. But the experience wasn’t over yet. In fact, it was just beginning. While we were busy replenishing our energy, two of our teammates who had decided not to come with us were seen trekking up the hill on bicycles. And boy, did it get the group excited as hell. The rugged terrain of the place makes mountain biking in Bheemeshwari so much fun. But it was time to up the ante even more.

It was time for zip lining and lots more

Our trip organizer, Thrillophilia, decided to let us have even more fun with activities such crossing Burma Loops, rappelling, rock climbing and even zip lining. It was adrenaline pumping to say the least, and left us exhausted as well as excited. Around 5 in the evening, it was time to head back to our lodges and relax and rewind. While some of us decided to sleep, the rest of us, along with me, decided to try the ayurvedic spa at the lodges. Now I know why it is called “rejuvenating spa.”

Around 8 in the evening, we met at the bonfire as planned, and it was time for some singing and dancing. We even played a game of truth and dare which was pure fun.

The adventure was far from over

We thought we had experienced everything that Bheemeshwari adventure had to offer. But we were wrong. Thrillophilia had more fun in store for us, and decided to take us white water rafting in Bheemeshwari the next morning. Countering the exhilarating rapids of River Kaveri was pure fun, and in hindsight, I can even say a team building activity. The rafting course took us through the winding Basavana Betta, and we even came across groups of elephant lazing by the river.

For me, rafting was the highlight of our weekend getaway in Bangalore. But I have got a problem on my hands now- the team felt so re-energized and relaxed after this weekend getaway that it is coaxing me to make it a bi-monthly feature. Sigh!

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